Sometimes we fall into a travel rut, thinking we need to explore the expensive hip city on the other side of the world or the popular thrill-seeking paradise that everyone else is heading off to. Until we finally open our eyes to a place that stands in a class of its own…. Mexico.
It’s vibrant, gorgeous, and convenient. Why wouldn’t you go there?
Maybe you’ve categorised it into all-inclusive beach vacations you’re not into. Or, maybe you don’t understand it and you don’t know what to expect—what it’s really like to walk around and take in the hypnotic scents of some of the best street food in the world.
This is what you’re missing out on—and why you, amiga or amigo, should book a trip to Mexico… asap.
1. Food
Just thinking about Mexican food makes us drool—and to have it straight from the source? It’s swoon-worthy for any foodie.
The Mexican people take food very seriously. No matter where you are, you’ll turn a corner and find a street food vendor with anything from tortas (a Mexican sandwich filled with delicious pork, cheese, beans, and spicy sauce) to elotes (grilled corn on the cob sprinkled generously with chili powder). And churros…need we say more? Well, we will…tacos!
If you think you’ve had proper tacos al pastor anywhere outside of Mexico…think again. This signature taco is in high-demand, both a favorite of locals and tourists. Our advice is to try tacos al pastor with multiple street food vendors to attempt to figure out your favorite.
Warning: You won’t be able to choose—you’ll love them all.
2. Drinks
Fact: you won’t drink a better margarita anywhere else. While tequila has forever been a staple of Mexico, mezcal is definitely on the rise. That cocktail you’ve had too many times before takes on a whole new meaning when the smoky flavors of mezcal hit your taste buds.
Cerveza, por favour? We learned that as part of our survival Spanish for good reason. Nothing beats an icy beer when you want to kick back after a busy day exploring in the high temps. Unless you’re having a michelada, of course: beer, lime juice, tomato juice, and a bouquet of spices and sauces. But in Mexico, a michelada is actually sans tomato juice—and this little number gets our vote for the ultimate pick-me-up.
3. Beaches
There’s a reason why most of us think of sandy beaches when we’re ready to book a Mexican getaway—they’re amazing. And with 6,000 miles of coastline for the taking, there’s no shortage of options.
Cabo, Cancun, Cozumel…you’ve probably been to at least one of these gorgeous spots in your lifetime (if not, get on it…rapido!). For a more culturally legit experience, go where the locals go…off the beaten path to remote beaches on Holbox Island off the northern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. The bus and ferry ride are totally worth it the second you’re drinking a daiquiri with your feet in the sand, minus the crowds and the jacked-up price tag you’ll encounter in more typical party beach towns.
One of my fav spots is Playa del Carmen. Although it is a resort city, there’s less of a party atmosphere than in close-by Cancun. Here you can spend your time snorkeling among the mangroves, swimming with whale sharks, diving in underground caverns, or strolling along blissfully white sands. You can even catch a ferry across to Cozumel, an island famous for its reef diving.
If you would like to explore more places in the region its very easy to get around, I wrote a guide how to spend 2 weeks in Mexico and Belize which you might want to check out.
4.Urban
While many of us automatically associate Mexico with beaches, there is an entire urban playground that is absolutely worth experiencing. You could plan a summer road trip in Mexico and see as many places as possible.
With over 20 million people, Mexico City is the wild beating heart of the country and it offers everything from hip neighborhoods with quirky cocktails to ancient ruins smack in the middle of the city. (Like Venice, it’s also sinking so you better visit sooner rather than later.)
Shameful as it is, there are gorgeous colonial towns throughout the country that are often overlooked by visitors rushing to tried-and-true resort towns. Stunners like Oaxaca City, Campeche, and Valladolid will instantly transform the cynic into a sap the second you wander the cobblestone streets lined with candy-colored architecture. Sigh.
5. Culture
Mexico is home to a couple of artists named Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo (you may have heard of them…) and people from all over the world come out in droves to see their art. Spirited mariachi bands will romance you at the dinner table and the archaeological ruins of Chichen Itza and Teotihuacán are still going strong centuries later.
There is something everlasting and passionate about Mexican art and history that will suck you right in, no matter where you’ve come from. And the people are just as beautiful and warm as their culture is!
The ultimate cultural experience here? Traveling to Oaxaca for the country’s famous Day of the Dead celebrations (hint: you can do it on this super cool 9-day trip!)
6. Cost
Mexico is one of the cheapest destinations in the Caribbean. All this culinary and cultural magnificence happens at a fraction of the price when you’re paying with Mexican pesos. A cerveza and tacos will come in well under $5 more often than not. An Uber in Mexico City will be half the cost of one back home, easy.
What more inspo do you need? It’s time to check out the wonders of this amazing asap! For suggestions check out my Mexico travel guide.
