Overview
Nothing spoils a vacation like losing an essential document or
twisting an ankle scrambling over ruins. Mexico holds the promise of a
relaxing time in a country rich with history and culture, where skies
are generally sunny and restaurants offer a groaning board of new
delights. But it is always pays to be prepared for a sudden
inconvenience or a larger problem that can turn a vacation into a
nightmare. Packing a few essential items can help avoid a disruption or a
disaster.
Paperwork
Make copies of your passport, airline tickets, and hotel and
rental car reservations. Leave one copy with a family member or friend
at home, pack another in your suitcase and a third in your carry-on bag.
In addition, register your trip at the U.S. State Department web site
just in case there is a emergency situation in Mexico or family members
need to locate you. Also, make a note of your credit card numbers and
customer service telephone numbers, and pack two copies in separate
places.
Communication
Chances are your cell phone will work in Mexico, but check with
your carrier before you leave to see how much it will cost. Opt for for
an international plan that will save you money and be sure to check the
likely costs of data transfers and instant messaging. Take along a small
phrase book, also. Many Mexicans speak English, but telephone
information operators and residents of smaller towns may only speak
Spanish. Plus, it is always a sign of good manners to attempt to say a
few words in the local lingo.
Packing Tips
Pack a small raincoat or travel umbrella, especially during the
summer when afternoon showers are short, but likely even at resort
areas. Sunscreen is vital year-round, even in the cool air of the
mountains where the skies are clear and the sunlight intense. A hat is
always a good idea in Mexico, whether climbing pyramids or horseback
riding on the beach. Sturdy shoes are a must for exploring ruins, and
plan to dress modestly touring religious sites. In the winter at beach
resorts and year-round in Mexico's high altitude areas, which includes
most of the country's popular colonial cities, evenings can be chilly,
so take along a sweater or light jacket.
First Aid
Mexican pharmacies are well-stocked, many hotels and resorts have
a doctor on call, and city emergency rooms are well-prepared, but an
accident can happen at any time, atop a pyramid or on a quiet beach, so
pack a small first aid kit. Be sure to include over-the-counter pain and
stomach discomfort relief, alcohol swabs, and adhesive bandages
designed for blisters. Hand sanitizer and small packets of tissue also
are handy, since some Mexican bathrooms can be less than perfect.
Extras
There is a good chance you will bring souvenirs home from Mexico,
so take along an extra collapsible bag for your haul. Textiles are easy
to pack, but those ceramic treasures can be a challenge. Consider
stuffing sections of bubble wrap in your shoes inside your suitcase if
you think you likely will succumb to the charms of Mexican pottery. Pack
a few plastic zipped bags, handy for packing wet swimsuits after that
last-minute swim before you fly home.
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