10 things to prepare before your Mexico trip

Nervous about your upcoming trip to Mexico? Here’s a to-do list to keep you from last-minute scrambling!

Traveling abroad to a new country can sometimes be a bit daunting. We'd like to give you some helpful tips for what you might need to do before coming down to Mexico! These tips will allow you to be prepared so your trip is fun and stress free. We all know that the more prepared you are, the more you can relax and enjoy the travel and time spent abroad. 

1) Be aware of Mexico’s COVID-19 protocols 

Whether you plan to travel to Mexico for a month or do a brief stop-over, please be aware of the varying COVID-19 rules and regulations for specific Mexican states. Mexico follows a four-tier traffic light system (i.e. green, yellow, orange, red) to represent activities that are allowed or restricted in respective areas. States under green are the least restrictive, while states under red are the most restrictive. Quintana Roo where Na'atik is located and a majority of the other states are currently under "orange" which may not allow travelers to enjoy the full extent of travel. Please visit this website to keep on top of the traffic light system in Mexico, as well as learn which activities are allowed and which are prohibited.

2) Locate places where PCR tests are available in advance

Upon your return home, your country might require you to have a negative PCR test. Some countries ( i.e. the United States) expect the PCR test to be taken within three days of your flight home. To save yourself from last minute scrambling or even forgetting to take the test all together, locate testing centers so that you'll know where to go as you prepare for your departure. Set a reminder on your phone and prioritize your trip to the testing center as your departure date looms

.3) Get vaccinated with an approved vaccine

To decrease your chances of contracting the Coronavirus and spreading it to others, the CDC (Center for Disease Control) recommends that travelers take an authorized vaccine. Not sure which vaccines are considered authorized? Refer to this website for more information. You don't have to be vaccinated to enter Mexico, but Mexico has one of the highest rates of vaccination in Latin America. Taking the vaccine makes traveling easier, especially as more countries make it a requirement for entry.

4) Make copies of your passport and essential documents

If you are from the United States, the United Kingdom, or Canada, you do not need a visa to enter Mexico; however, you will 100% need your passport. So what happens when you lose your passport in Mexico? If you lose your passport in Mexico, you'll need to contact your local consulate or embassy. Having a copy of your passport and other ID will make the process of getting new documents easier. Bonus: Contact your embassy and notify them about your whereabouts in Mexico.

5) Get travel Insurance

Whether the issue is communicating your needs in another language, or paying astronomical fees out of pocket, needing medical assistance in a foreign country can be curious at best and downright scary at worst! Health services in Mexico are considered very good, and prescription drugs are also much cheaper than other countries. That said, the ongoing pandemic has displaced that health services aren’t a guarantee. Signing-up for travel insurance is suggested to at least cover costs in the event that you fall ill or get into an accident. A good option for travel insurance is Safety Wing which offers very flexible plans to different kinds of travelers.

6) Bring cash (Mexican pesos)

The upward trend for the past several years in many countries is to pay with plastic, and the current  pandemic has reinforced that. While you may have gotten used to paying with debit, credit and even your phone, it is still advised to bring cash when coming to Mexico. The currency in Mexico is the Mexican peso and not all vendors have electronic payments set up, so it is a good idea to always have cash handy.

7) Download all essential travel Apps

Gone are the days of struggle-travel where you had to suffer through old-school, cumbersome physical maps! If you have a smartphone, you can download travel Apps to aid you in your travels. Apps such as maps.me and rome2rio are a great way to organize your travel route. Language translation apps such as Google Translate can also save you from being completely lost in translation. Not sure what to do when you get to Mexico? Itinerary apps such as Tripit are also a sure bet to keep you busy throughout your trip.

 8) Learn basic Spanish

Knowing at least a few words in Spanish can transform your travel experience. Not only will it allow you to navigate the country more confidently, but you'll also be able to connect with and learn from locals. Na'atik offers online classes that can keep you up to speed with your Spanish language study. Our native-speaking local teachers can get you prepared for an amazing trip to Mexico! Go a step further and visit us in Carrillo for a fully immersive language experience.

9) Check the local weather to see if you'll need warm clothes

It's easy to take for granted that Mexico is always hot, so some travelers receive the shock of their lives when they arrive in Mexico, especially during the summer months. In some states, the weather can get quite cool and drizzly! Mexico is home to a diverse climate and a pretty demanding  hurricane season, so look online for the weather of where you're headed. Don't forget to pack your waterproof gear as well!

10) Stay connected: Buy a SIM card

People don't often buy SIM cards while they travel. Some love to unplug and save the photo-sharing for when they return home and some want to keep costs low. That said, visitors to Mexico should stay connected with a local SIM card. They are very low-cost and are a life-saver for those times when you get lost or need directions. There is also the added benefit of being able to share your adventure every step of the way!

Are you ready to book your Spanish or Maya immersion study and come down to Mexico? If so, send us an inquiry email at say@naatikmexico.org and we'll answer all your questions and get you set up. You can also check out our programs here.