So I'm going to Mexico this summer. Now what?

In My Humble Opinion
1

I’ve been presented with an opportunity to spend a month and a half in San Miguel de Allende, and Guanajuato with a friend’s family. I just purchased my ticket, and I’ll be leaving the 30th of May through the 6th of July. I have all my prior obligations taken care of, I just need to secure my passport (even though I’m aware you don’t necessarily need a passport to travel to Mexico, it’s not a bad idea to have anyway).

I’m hoping to be able to spend time becoming more fluent in Spanish than I am already, but this is my first time leaving the country. I’m wondering what sorts of things I shouldn’t forget to bring, and what things I should expressly leave at home.
We’re kind of winging it here, this isn’t really supposed to be a touristy vacation type visit, evidently we’ll be renting an apartment there.

And beyond that, I’m ecstatic! I can’t wait to go! I printed off my itinerary today and bounced around the apartment for a good 5 minutes straight dancing like a fool!

So any tips for my trip?

:::bounces away:::
-foxy

2

Here’s the CDC’s info on what innoculations you should have before you go.

You’re right. You don’t need a passport to get into Mexico, but you well may need it to get back into the US!

Make a photocopy of all the important docs you’ll take with you (ie - your passport, your driver’s license, any credit cards, travelers check amounts and numbers, etc.) and keep in a safe place while you’re there. If you get robbed and any of these docs get stolen, it’ll be helpful to have all this info. Make copies of the front and back of your credit cards.

I was in Mexico for two months quite comfortably with two/three pair of shorts, two pair of nice pants (ie - khakis), two long-sleeved shirts, two/three t-shirts, a skirt. Pair of comfortable walking shoes. Pair of sandals. I had enough options to be more casual or or more dressy, and I carried my luggage on. Expect to bring stuff back. I did. Lots and lots of stuff. And I still was able to carry my bag on on my return flight.

You can exchange dollars for pesos before you go. Good idea to have some of the local currency when you get to Mexico.

Don’t eat any fruit that you don’t have to peel first. All the stuff in the mercado will look deeeeeeeeelicious, but I wouldn’t eat it unless it has a thick peel like mangoes.

Unless the family says it’s ok, don’t rinse your mouth/rinse your mouth with tap water when brushing your teeth. In fact, avoid tap water. They’ll probably have some treated water, and this is what you should drink/rinse with.

Bottled water is available all over in Mexico, BTW.

Leave your expensive jewelry at home. Get a cheap watch at Target, for example, and leave a your nicer one behind. Mexico is not a den of thieves, but you also don’t want to call undue attention to yourself.

If I think of more, I’ll post more. On a personal note, don’t lock your luggage, and then leave your keys back home in the US. :wally