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With its postcard-perfect beaches, pre-Columbian archeological sites, and delicious cuisine, Mexico is a great family vacation destination. However, it is important to consider safety concerns before traveling to Mexico with kids. Fortunately, most tourist areas in Mexico have safe neighborhoods and excellent family resorts. Follow these tips for a safe and enjoyable family vacation in Mexico.
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Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Family Vacation in Mexico
Find an All Inclusive Family Resort
All inclusive family resorts are a great way to enjoy a relaxing vacation without stress. All the meals, drinks and entertainment are paid for upfront so you can relax without worrying about going over your budget. And, because they are designed with families in mind, you can be sure that the amenities will be kid-friendly and fun for everyone.
All-inclusive family resorts are not all created equal, and some are better suited for kids than others. The best ones offer a combination of relaxing moments and active experiences so that everyone can have a good time.
The Hacienda del Mar Los Cabos Resort is an upscale beachfront property with plenty to do for kids and adults. It has 16 dining options, seven pools (including two for families), daily fitness classes, and a supervised KidZ Club. There are also several spa facilities and an ocean trampoline for the whole family to enjoy.
Another popular choice is the Sandos Caracol Eco Resort in Cancun, which is an all-inclusive hotel that offers a variety of different activities. The highlight for kids is the full-sized waterpark, while adults love the resort’s restaurants and spa.
Hyatt Ziva Resort in Puerto Vallarta has a private beach and lots of live entertainment for kids and adults. This resort also includes three a la carte dinners per week and unlimited drinks. Guests can also use the resort’s private cars to visit nearby attractions like the archeological ruins of Tulum and Chichen Itza.
What Are the Safety Issues for Tourists in Mexico?
The media tends to make Mexico sound unsafe for tourists, but in reality, it’s an incredibly safe country to visit. The key is to be prepared and use common sense.
Don’t travel alone at night and keep your valuables close to you. It’s also important to blend in and not stand out as a tourist. This can prevent you from becoming an easy target for criminals.
Travelers should also avoid certain areas with high crime and gang activity, especially after dark. They should pay attention to local news reports and watch for any possible civil unrest in the area that they plan to visit.
Other safety concerns for travelers to Mexico include parasites, drug-related illnesses, and robbery. It’s a good idea to get up-to-date vaccinations for Hepatitis A and B, as well as typhoid and rabies.
Parasites can be contracted through drinking contaminated water, so it’s important to drink only bottled water. It’s also a good idea to bring a small first aid kit, just in case, and to wear a mosquito repellent spray.
It’s also a good idea not to carry large amounts of cash, and to only use reputable taxi services (not flagging down cabs on the street).
What Is a Safe Way for a Family to Travel to Mexico?
There’s no doubt that there are areas of Mexico where it is not safe for tourists, but these areas are usually away from the beaches and resorts. Most of the violence that occurs in Mexico is related to drug wars and has limited effect on visitors to the country.
Those concerned about safety should take the same precautions as they would in any other country. This means using the embassy phone number and notifying family and friends of where you are.
It is also important to use only authorized taxis (Taxis Autorisados) that are clearly marked. These taxis are safer as they have a registered number that can be traced.
When it comes to food, look for places that have a line; this usually indicates the place is clean and hygienic. Likewise, it’s best to avoid restaurants that serve food out of plastic bags.
Is it Necessary to Learn Spanish?
The short answer to this question is yes. Learning Spanish is highly recommended when planning a family vacation in Mexico. Not only will it allow you to communicate with locals more effectively, but it can also make your trip more enjoyable and meaningful.
When traveling in a foreign country, being able to understand and speak the language of the locals is invaluable. You will be able to ask for directions, order food, and even shop more easily when you are conversant in the language of the people you are visiting.
Being able to communicate with locals can help to enrich your experience. They can provide unique and local insights into their culture that would otherwise be inaccessible to a tourist.
Learning Spanish can also be a fun and rewarding activity for your family to do before the vacation, helping you all to bond and get excited about the trip ahead.
With a little bit of effort, you will find that learning this language is not as difficult as it may seem. In fact, many people find that speaking Spanish helps them to better appreciate the culture and the people they meet while visiting Mexico.
Learning Spanish before a family vacation in Mexico is highly recommended. It can make all the difference between having an average experience or one to remember forever.
What to Pack?
The next of our tips for a safe and enjoyable family vacation in Mexico is to pack some essential items. These include:
Sunscreen is a must-have for any trip to Mexico, and it’s important to choose a biodegradable formula. This will help protect the coral reefs and underground rivers from damage caused by non-biodegradable sunscreen.
It’s also a good idea to bring a hat and sunglasses, especially when traveling to areas with strong winds. A hat will also protect your head and face from the harsh rays of the sun, which can be hard on sensitive skin.
You’ll want to pack comfortable shoes for walking around, as many of the top attractions in Mexico require a lot of walking. A pair of sandals or flip flops will work well for relaxing on the beach or pool. And they are easy to slip on and off when going to restaurants or shopping.
Bringing a water bottle is another must-have item. As clean drinking water can be difficult to find in many parts of Mexico. Many people purchase bottled water, but it’s more convenient and environmentally friendly to bring your own portable water filter. It’s a great investment for anyone who plans to visit Mexico.
Final Words
There are many ways to ensure that your family vacation in Mexico is both safe and enjoyable. By doing research ahead of time, being aware of your surroundings at all times, and understanding the local culture and customs, you can avoid potential hazards and problems. With a little bit of knowledge and preparation, your family could have an amazing and safe vacation in Mexico.