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 Travel & Outdoors | February 2008 
Going South
 Jennifer Golzd - Sun-Times News
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There's no reason to be afraid of going to Mexico, as long as you follow a few simple guidelines.
There's something scary about going to a country that has its own name for a bacterium almost 40 percent of travelers to the country contract - Montezuma's Revenge.
But a little knowledge and a lot of bottled water make the trip to our neighboring country to the south worth the risk.
Mexico's long been known for is pristine beaches, clear blue water and affordable prices.
Honeymooners, families and even college students alike make the trip across the border and there's something for everyone.
For that reason alone, Mexico is one of the most popular destinations booked by Linda Szczepanski, travel consultant at Wehrli Travel in Naperville.
"We have so many nonstop flights to the Cancun region ... and Riviera Maya, which is serviced by the Cancun airport, so you have a lot for the different interests," she said.
A short three- to four-hour flight and you can be in paradise. But like all things, paradise comes with its fair share of warnings.
After consulting with Szczepanski, the U.S. Department of State and adding in few of my own insights having crossed the border on more than a few occasions, here are just a few tips a first-time traveler to Mexico might need to know.
Passport, please: "A lot of people still think Mexico is a simple destination you can just go to with your birth certificate," Szczepanski said. A valid passport is required for entry to all countries outside of the U.S., as well as re-entry to the U.S. Lose your passport while on vacation? Be prepared and make a color photograph copy to keep tucked safely away in your luggage. It will make your dealings with the U.S. Embassy that much easier when trying to get home.
Where is that embassy?: The U.S. Embassy is located in the country's capital of Mexico City, but most tourist destinations have satellite consulate offices in hotels including those in Acapulco, Cabo San Lucas, Cancun, Cozumel, Ixtapa and Puerto Vallarta. Visit www.travel.state.gov for more information.
Water, water everywhere: No one wants a case of traveler's diarrhea - aka Montezuma's Revenge - but this is easily avoided by choosing bottled water over tap. Even most Mexicans in urban areas do not drink the tap water and neither should you. Check with the hotel you are staying at, as most large resorts have purification systems as do many restaurants in tourist destinations such as Playa del Carmen in the Riviera Maya. But better safe than sorry - always ask. Szczepanski suggests avoiding icy blended drinks if in doubt, or ordering a chilled beverage without ice if you can tolerate it.
Hold the mayo: While on the topic of avoiding, it's a good idea to ask to hold the mayonnaise, a common condiment used in Mexico. Yes, it's the same mayo we slather on a good BLT at home, but the difference is in Mexico it's not refrigerated. Like the water, natives can tolerate the bacteria that grow in the condiment when kept at room temperature, but I learned the hard way that most Americans cannot.
Safety in numbers: If your teen or college student is heading to Mexico for spring break - more than 120,000 will descend on the Cancun-region between now and April - don't worry. Yes, the case of missing Alabama-girl Natalee Holloway, who disappeared in Aruba while away on a high school graduation trip, is fresh on the minds of many, but practice safety in numbers. Talk to your teens about drinking, as the legal age across the border is 18. They shouldn't do it alone and they shouldn't go off alone, even with the nice local they meet - friends stay with friends.
Explore: With so much to do in Mexico, don't limit yourself to the pool or beach at your resort. See ancient Mayan ruins, snorkel some of the world's most spectacular coral reefs or jump into a cenote, a sinkhole or cave connected to an underground body of fresh water flowing under Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. Szczepanski suggests booking tours with a reputable agent. The same goes for getting to that excursion, or anywhere else you can't walk. "If you're going to be hiring a cab, go to the concierge at the resort because they know the type of cab companies or transportation options that will be more reliable," she said.
Mind your colors: Flags on the beach should be taken seriously as the tides in Mexico can be strong with undertows that can be difficult to maneuver for even the most experienced swimmers. If the flag is black, do not go in the water. And like going out, safety is in numbers when it comes to swimming; do not swim alone at an isolated beach.
Phone home: Buy an international calling card. Even though your cell phone plan may allow for international calling, it's likely it won't work in Mexico. Calling cards are inexpensive and can be used at most pay phones, even those at resorts. Don't get stuck with a $100 long distance charge for a 10-minute phone call home to make sure your dog is OK.
Don't be the ugly American: Aside from being a fashion don't, nothing screams I'm a tourist more than a fanny pack. With all the cool gear out there - check out The Container Store's travel section - there's no reason to carry your necessities in a pack strapped to your waist. Yes, it's OK to carry a bottle of hand sanitizer with you (I do and I've been to Mexico five times in three years), and bring your camera.
Shutterbug: Of course you want to document this memorable trip with family photos and mementos. Don't forget extra memory cards and batteries, if you know your camera will need a recharge. You should get out and explore the country, but if you find yourself trekking back roads off the beaten path, it may not be a wise idea to be walking with thousands of dollars of camera equipment dangling from your neck.
Talking about valuables: Utilize your hotel's safe to lock up your passport as well as any other valuables you bring with. My philosophy has been to bring only what I will not be heartbroken over if I lose; of course, ladies, the exception for me has been my wedding ring, which does not leave my finger while away.
SPF what?: The further south you go the stronger our sun becomes. Protect your skin with SPF 30, especially if you plan to be outside for extended hours away on an excursion or at the beach.
Wal-Mart: No matter how different or far away from home you may feel, you know you're not that far when you can shop at Wal-Mart, which is a great place for inexpensive souvenirs by the way. Forget sunscreen - no problem. Need new flip-flips or water shoes - they have it. How about snacks for those all-day excursions - cheese doodles and granola bars abound. Wal-Mart stores are frequently found in large tourist areas such as Puerto Vallarta, Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Mazatlan, a popular cruise ship port.
jgolz(at)scn1.com |
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