A vacation in Mexico offers a wide range of exciting possibilities. Ecotourists will find terrain that ranges from desert to jungle. Culture lovers will find quaint Spanish colonial towns and awe-inspiring Mayan ruins. And sun worshippers will find that a Mexico beach vacation includes a dizzying array of choices, with 450 beaches on the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Coast.
The choices are especially varied for family vacations in Mexico. All ages will enjoy whale-watching on the Baja Peninsula, snorkeling along the world’s second-longest coral reef on the Yucatan Peninsula, and trekking through Chichen Itza, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that gives visitors an unforgettable glimpse into an ancient civilization. A Mexican vacation can also include world-class golf, luxurious spas, sport fishing, fascinating festivals, delicious cuisine and much more.
To travel to and from Mexico by air, U.S. citizens require a passport. Those traveling by sea or land need to present a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, plus proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate. (This is subject to change. For the latest information on re-entry requirements, visit the U.S. State Department’s website, travel.state.gov.) The Mexican government recommends all travelers carry passports to avoid delays or misunderstandings. U.S. and Canadian citizens traveling as tourists beyond the border zone or entering Mexico by air must pay for and carry a tourist card (about $20). The fee for the tourist card is generally included in the price of a plane ticket for travelers arriving by air. Average temperatures in Mexico range from 77°F to 86°F, with May through September being the hottest months. The Mexico currency is the peso, although many establishments accept the U.S. dollar (though they may not offer the best exchange rate). For more information on travel to Mexico, log on to the Mexico Tourism Board’s website, www.visitmexico.com.