Image via Complex Original
If you’re thinking about booking your first trip to Mexico several thoughts have probably crossed your mind, ranging from “Is my vacation going to coincide with ASU’s spring break?” to “Will I get shot?” Well, here’s the good news: even if your vacation happens to fall on a week that’s popular for college freshman travel, there are still plenty of incredible spots in this huge country that you can visit—places where we can pretty much guarantee you won’t get caught in the middle of drug cartel turf wars either. One of these areas is the Yucatan, which stretches down from the craziness of Cancun to the serenity of Tulum, with towns like Playa del Carmen and Akumal falling somewhere in between. And, to make things even easier, we’ve put together a quick guide for what you can expect when it comes to your maiden Mexican voyage.
20. Honeymoon Mexico isn't quite your Mexico.
If you've been doing your research on Trip Advisor chances are you've noticed the myriad photos of swan-shaped towels, rose petals, and tales of secluded beach candlelit dinners. Don't expect any of this if you haven't called ahead to announce it's your wedding night, honeymoon, or anniversary because even if the hotel reviews don't say it, those are the trips where all those delightfully cheesy extras come in.
19. Activities can be extreme.
Don't underestimate any adventurous activities you're hoping to take part in. Many are specifically intended for those with experience, even if their website doesn't quite indicate that fact. Some tour companies offer different courses for those with different comfort levels but, from experience, we can very confidently say that if you have never ridden an ATV before, riding solo for the first time in Mexico is not recommended.
18. Go underground.
The Yucatan is known for its cenotes, which are deep, freshwater sinkholes. Some are accessible only with a tour guide, such as those for scuba diving, while others are you'll be able to find on your own, although locals usually charge a small free when it comes to taking a dip in them.
17. And it's not all margaritas.
We're not saying that margaritas aren't readily available wherever you go, because they are. However, once you feel like you need a break from all the sugar, go ahead and branch out and request something a little more traditional, like the banderita, which translates to 'little flag.' The drink consists of three shots: tequila, fresh lime juice, and sangrita, a spicy tomato juice.
16. It's not all cheese nachos.
Most likely the food you'll actually be eating south of the border will be a far cry from the Mexican spot two blocks south of your apartment. Authentic Mexican food prides itself on being exceptionally fresh and simple. For example, ceviche contains little else but raw fish and guacamole is occasionally served tableside. Additionally, since many Europeans settled in Playa and Tulum, don't feel like you're cheating by getting Italian food at Posada Margherita or eating at Hartwood, whose chef and co-owner is a bearded Brooklyn transplant.
15. Pharmacies are not a free for all.
While your college roommate may have made it sound like you can get just about anything over the counter, you can't. Yes, Viagra is readily available. But don't expect the pharmacist to be handing out Adderall or Vicodin in plain sight.
14. But nothing trumps soccer.
If you tell a street vendor you're from New York chances are he may seem pretty excited to ask you about the Giants. But if you want to endear yourself to a local, you may best brush up on your knowledge of soccer— futbol—before your vacation. Although the sport's cultural significance may be more visible in places like Mexico City, you'll be hard pressed to find a man who doesn't light up if you mention Hugo Sánchez.
13. You can watch any game you want.
If you were stressing about missing Sunday Night Football, don't. There are plenty of bars across the Yucatan that will be showing any football, hockey, basketball or soccer games you (for some weird reason) need to see during your vacation. If you're nervous, rest assured that on Quinta Avenida, the main strip in Playa, there will be plenty of bars with TVs tuning into your team, with Tequila Barrel being the hot spot for sports betting.
12. It's dog friendly.
If you're stressed about leaving Fido with a neighbor, there are plenty of pet-friendly hotels and beaches along the Yucatan. Isla Holbox is a notable animal-loving community. It's just northeast of Cancun and primarily accessible by ferry, which pooches get to ride for free.
11. Get to know when guides aren't needed.
On the other hand, visitors who have gone snorkeling in Akumal widely report that hiring a guide isn't required since the area is small and its waters are usually crystal clear. If you don't have your snorkeling gear, go ahead and rent it from a local dive shop. But you don't have to go far out to see the beach's famous sea turtles and stingrays. And if you do feel a little lost, just watch and see where the tour groups go.
10. …and when they are.
Like exploring any other city, it's good to know when you should actually cough up the money for a tour guide and when it's unnecessary. While a lot of it comes down to individual preference, unless you're an actual expert, it's definitely handy to listen in on a tour guide when exploring the area ruins. Without taking the time to learn about World Heritage Site Chichen Itza or the Mayan ruins of Tulum, parts of these incredibly historic sites may just look like, well, neatly stacked rocks.
9. Here's what eco-chic means.
For many, one of the Yucatan's big draws is sustainability, especially in Tulum, which is off the power grid. This means no air conditioning, low-pressure showers, and the use of solar generators and wind turbines to keep your lights on. In some hotels, electricity is turned off entirely at night, so learn to appreciate the candlelight.
8. There can be nudity.
Sure, a topless woman sunbathing may not shock you (despite the fact that nudity is not officially sanctioned in Mexico), but what about a man emerging full frontal from the surf? Your chances of encountering nudity are higher along the Mayan Riviera (Playa del Carmen to Tulum) than anywhere else in the country, probably due to a mix of the area's history of European settlers and Tulum's hippie aesthetic. There are also several resorts where clothing is entirely optional.
7. Be careful with the water.
You've probably been warned a million times about the drinking the water, but the deeper into the jungle of Tulum, the more careful you should be. Try not to swallow tap water when you're brushing your teeth if you have an especially sensitive stomach, but don't let paranoia keep you from just laying back and relaxing, cocktail in hand. If you're ordering from a bar or restaurant that is frequented by foreign travelers, they are most likely using purified ice. A quick way to be sure is if the ice is in a cylinder shape with a hole in the middle.
6. Get ready for a bumpy ride.
If you opt to rent a car, which can actually cost as low as $5 a day minus insurance, prepare for a not-so-smooth ride. They take speed control very seriously in Mexico and the highway is lined with giant speed bumps, or "topes," which are not always clearly marked. Also don't be confused by the fact that many locals keep their blinkers on, which can indicate anything from 'careful, I'm driving like an asshole,' to 'feel free to overtake me,' to nothing at all.
5. It's not an act; Mexicans are exceptionally polite and friendly.
Whether it's simply in their nature or it's because they're just so used to hosting tourists from all over the world, Mexicans are among the warmest people you'll ever meet. The Yucatan specifically prides itself on being a global vacation destination, so get ready for some wonderful customer service—and filling out a comment card after your stay.
4. Beware the dollar sign.
Don't have a heart attack when you see the ATM at the Cancun airport is charging a $40 fee. Turns out pesos are indicated by a dollar sign as well, which can be a bit confusing at first, particularly when you see the myriad Subway billboards that litter the highway. (Heads up: there are also over 700 Subway restaurants in Mexico.) Just keep in mind that the exchange rate is about 13 pesos to a dollar, and if you're ever confused, just ask.
3. It's not dirt-cheap.
While a trip to the Yucatan can certainly be less expensive than other Caribbean vacation spots like Belize and St. Bart, don't assume that food and lodging will cost you pocket change. A hotel room here can easily cost 50% more than elsewhere in the country. However, when it comes to bringing home souvenirs like skulls and sombreros, bargain away, amigos.
2. Consider the weather.
There's a reason tickets are exceptionally cheaper May through September: it's the Yucatan's rainy season. During this time period you can also get incredible deals on hotel rooms. Remember, weather in the Yucatan is a lot like Florida: even if thunderstorms are on the day's forecast, chances are it'll be a quick down pour and you'll be back on the beach in no time.
1. We repeat: you will be safe.
We said it before and we'll say it again: the beaches and ruins throughout the Yucatan are some of the most stunning and safe in the entire world. In fact, the area's homicide rate is lower than several U.S. States, including Maine and Wyoming. If your mom is still worried, promise her you'll be staying in one of the peninsula's all-inclusive resorts, many of which are located deep within gated communities that are essentially entire self-sustained towns that may remind of your wealthy aunt's neighborhood in Newport Beach.