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1st Time Mexico Trip - Prepare Me
LaOs
SaskatoonRegistered User regular
SaskatoonRegistered User regular
So, I'm finally getting down to Mexico for a nice little winter vacation. I've never been (I've also never been to any sunny destination-type vacation spot) and I wanted to see what advice you could provide for the trip--things to prepare for, items to remember, what to do/avoid when there, etc. I have my Hep shots and believe that's all I need coming from Canada to that area of Mexico.
In one week, I'm going to an all-inclusive resort in Manzanillo for a week with... like 18 other friends. Most have travelled before to places like Mexico and other all-inclusive destinations. What advice can you give me?
In one week, I'm going to an all-inclusive resort in Manzanillo for a week with... like 18 other friends. Most have travelled before to places like Mexico and other all-inclusive destinations. What advice can you give me?
LaOs on
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Have fun.
Sometimes resorts can be in the middle of places that are kinda scummy. Places where you wouldn't want to drink the water. I think Manzanillo is okay from the reviews and the Mexican navy is stationed there too. Looks like there is a heavy police presence since the town is really geared toward family tourism, safety is a top priority. I would say you are in the clear. Just don't get too drunk.
Most resorts have decent enough water that you can brush your teeth with it (although some people may recommend you don't). Most resorts will just have water coolers around for your use. If you find yourself in a small town or rural backwater, you'll probably want to go with bottled soda (fountain soda is usually made with the local tap water).
(It's not necessarily that the water is full of terrible, deadly stuff (although in some cases it could be), but your body may not react pleasantly to the water that may not be as purified as you're used to...and it would be unfortunate to spend half your trip on a toilet)
Also, about street food stands, I would say it would be a good idea to avoid them (Specially if you have a buffet or restaurant package), but it is also part of the experience, so if you want to have an ADVENTURE!, search for a street stand that where you see a lot of people there and they appear clean (lots of people there, is a good sign that the place is good); be specially careful with seafood fresh stands, such as cocktails, because seafood easily spoils; places that sell fried seafood are safer.
Mexican food isn't poison, but as President Rex said, Foreigners aren't used to our "hygiene standards" (Or lack of them.) and what an average Mexican stomach can endure, maybe you can't.
If you are going to use a taxi service, please ask the front desk to get you one from an official company, so you avoid using irregular taxis (In the minor cases, they will overcharge you, in the worst case scenario, you might become a victim).
If you or a friend are planning on smoking weed during this trip, please read this, so you are informed of the current drug situation in México (If not, pay no attention to it, and have fun!).
And Joe: I doubt weed will come up, but are you basically saying that if we somehow managed to find ourselves with 5grams or less it'd be okay, but we can't actually buy it/grow it/sell it, etc? Kind of funny. Sort of how it's legal for kids here to smoke cigarettes at the age of 16 but they can't buy them until 18 (where do they get them?) although obviously not similar. haha.
Rigorous Scholarship
Yes, that's how it works. I just wanted you to know before someone else told you about how "You can smoke weed in México now man!" which is quite wrong information that has been circulating around the last couple of years.
That would be a better advice, yes. I just wanted to clear things up before he heard any rumors or disinformation, sorry.
You should be washing fresh fruits and vegetables wherever you buy them. Pesticides, ick.
I'd really check with the resort about this stuff though, they have a reputation to uphold and I doubt they'll be serving tainted food or have non-potable water. Don't worry too much!