Dive into Mexico: Where turquoise waters meet tequila dreams!
This isn't your average beach trip - it's Mexico, baby! Explore ancient ruins, snorkel with colorful fish, and dance under starry skies. Ready to ditch the stress and embrace fiesta mode?
What happens in Mexico. Stays in Mexico
One of the best ways to discover another culture is to experience their holiday festivities. Immersing yourself in the excitement and traditions that come with national holidays will instantly give you a newfound respect for the culture. Mexico's national holidays are well known around the globe and even celebrated in other countries. However, if you want a feel for the real thing, it's best to book a trip to Mexico and experience it first-hand!
Día de Muertos
Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is one of Mexico's most celebrated holidays. In the United States, it is related to Halloween, but they are entirely separate! Celebrated from October 31-November 2 each year, Day of the Dead is when families welcome back the souls of their deceased relatives for a brief reunion that includes food, drinks, and celebration. People decorate home altars all across the country, have parades, and hold a graveside candlelight vigil for their deceased loved ones.
Dia de la Independencia
Independence Day in Mexico is a festival that marks the start of Mexico's decade-long war of independence against Spain. The festivities begin a week before September 16, with towns putting on art shows, concerts, parades, and dressing the streets in the national colors of green, white, and red. The celebration culminates in the local plazas at midnight for El Grito, when a local functionary shouts "Viva Mexico!" signaling the start of a firework display and a large party!!
Cinco de Mayo
While you don't have to go to Mexico to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, it's still a celebration worth traveling for. Cinco de Mayo celebrates a Mexican victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Much like Dia de la Independencia, the city of Puebla does mark the week before with music and cultural events. On May 5, the Mexican Army units lead a parade of local people dressed in period costumes.
Regardless of which festivity you travel for, celebrating an authentic Mexican holiday in Mexico is an experience you won’t soon forget!
Planning your first trip to Mexico? This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the diverse regions, from the sun-soaked beaches of the Riviera Maya to the historic charm of Mexico City. Learn about the best times to visit each region, ensuring a perfect vacation tailored to your interests. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, Mexico has something for everyone. Let us guide you through the magic of this vibrant country.
Regions: Baja California Sur (Los Cabos, La Paz), Baja California (Tijuana, Ensenada)
Best Time: November to April (dry season, perfect for beach activities and whale watching)
Regions: Riviera Nayarit, Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Maya, Acapulco
Best Time: November to April (dry season, ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports)
Regions: Mexico City, Guanajuato, San Miguel de Allende, Puebla
Best Time: November to March (dry season, comfortable temperatures for exploring historical sites and vibrant cities)
Regions: Cancun, Riviera Maya, Tulum
Best Time: November to April (dry season, perfect for beach vacations and exploring ancient Mayan ruins)
Regions: Mérida, Chichen Itza, Uxmal
Best Time: November to April (dry season, ideal for exploring Mayan ruins and experiencing colonial cities)
- Shoulder Seasons: Consider traveling during the shoulder seasons (May-June and September-October) for fewer crowds and potentially lower prices.
Hurricane Season: Be aware of hurricane season (June to November), especially along the coasts.
Festivals: Research local festivals and events to experience Mexican culture firsthand.
By understanding these regional differences, we can plan your trip to Mexico at the optimal time for your desired activities and weather preferences.
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The Mexican fiesta of Cinco de Mayo is a vibrant celebration held annually on the 5th of May to honor Mexico's triumph over the French in the Battle of Puebla in 1862. It's not about independence, though - that's on September 16th!
Imagine a tiny Mexican army of 4,500 warriors defeating a French force twice its size - talk about an underdog story! This victory fueled national pride and unity, inspiring the nation. While Cinco de Mayo is a big deal in Mexico, the wildest party happens in Puebla, with the world's largest celebration hosted in Los Angeles, California.
In the US, it's a fiesta of Mexican culture, filled with tasty eats, lively music, and colorful decorations. Think enchiladas, burritos, and margaritas - a gastronomic delight! With green, white, and red decor symbolizing the Mexican flag and bowls of salsa to dip into, the atmosphere is festive.
Planning your own bash? Send out those invites early, stock up on ingredients, and maybe even ask friends for authentic Mexican recipes. And don't forget the piñata - a hit with both kids and grown-ups alike!
So, whether you're Mexican or just craving a fiesta, Cinco de Mayo is the perfect excuse to celebrate with a feast and fun!
Immersing yourself with the local culture is the best way to experience Mexico.
Happiness is not just a state of mind, but a trip to Mexico
Here are some fun facts about Mexico:
1. There are 69 different languages spoken in Mexico
2. There is a festival somewhere in Mexico weekly
3. Mexico has 59 corn varieties and 60 banana varieties
4. There are a several pink lakes in Mexico
5. Mexico City's subway system is the second largest
6. Mexico has the most taxi's the world over
7. Mexico has 7000 miles of coastline and lays claim to the second largest barrier reef system-The Mesoamerican Reef
8. La Bufadora is a geyser on the Baja Peninsula
I didn't grow up in a fancy house with fancy food. I grew up with five siblings and my parents earning a modest income and doing the best they could for a family of 8.
Both my parents cooked. Dad would do the traditional dishes he grew up with and Mom would make more American style dinners. But the most requested dinner when we had friends and other company over was TACOS!!! It was easy, cheap, and could feed a whole bunch of people on a small amount of money!!
Ingredients:
Corn Tortillas
Rotisserie Chicken
Oil
Lettuce
Tomato
Cheese
1. Pick the meat off the chicken, shred, and set aside
2. Shred lettuce, grate cheese, and chop tomatoes
3. In an 8in skillet-preferably a cast iron one-add oil about half way to the top and let it get hot. Test by frying a tortilla-if you have little bubbles around it then the oil is hot enough.
5. Warm up tortillas wrapped in a kitchen towel in microwave for about 30sec or until pliable.
6. Fill warm tortillas with a few pinches of chicken, fold and set aside. Continue filling tortillas with chicken until the chicken is done or you've gone through the tortillas laying each filled tortilla on the previous one's top opening to keep them closed.
7. Fry tacos in batches (two at at time) until golden brown and let drain on a paper towel lined basket until tacos are done. (please, for the love of everything that is tacos use tongs to put in and take out the tacos or tostadas)
8. Invite everyone to the table and fill your tacos with the lettuce, tomato, and cheese!
Sides:
Refried Beans-I use canned beans, its just more convenient-Dump beans into a hot pan with a touch of oil and let them warm up (about 5 minutes), then mash with a potato or bean masher until they are the consistency you like. (I've used my immersion blender a few times) Add a whole bunch of cheddar or jack cheese--really an obnoxious amount--stir until melted. Done!
Optional:
Salsa, hot sauce, sour cream, jalapenos
You can also make tostadas by frying tortilla's (not filled) like the taco!
Enjoy!!
There is nothing like authentic Mexican Cuisine.
Adult Only
Set sail on their stunning ships for a voyage that's more rock and roll than bingo night. Think Michelin-starred meals instead of lukewarm buffets, onboard entertainment that'll have you saying "wow" instead of "**yawn**", and relaxation that goes beyond shuffleboard (although, hey, no judgment if that's your jam). So ditch the ordinary and set sail for an epic sea change with Virgin Voyages!
Family
Mexico City, a sprawling metropolis steeped in history and culture, is a captivating destination for the intrepid traveler. This 5-day itinerary offers a glimpse into the city's diverse neighborhoods, world-class museums, and vibrant street life. From ancient ruins to modern art, Mexico City promises an unforgettable experience. Get ready to immerse yourself in the heart of Mexico!
Ready to trade the guidebook grind for a fiesta-fueled adventure? This guide will have you navigating mercados like a maestro and charming the locals with your (limited) Spanish. We'll cover everything from mastering "me encanta" after your first perfect taco to haggling like Hemingway (kind of). So ditch the fanny pack, embrace the fun, and get ready to experience Mexico like a true aficionado (with a healthy dose of street smarts, of course). Buen viaje!
Ditch the fanny pack and neon t-shirt. Instead, embrace comfortable, modest clothing that reflects the local style. Think "fiesta-ready" with a touch of cultural flair, and you'll be channeling your inner local in no time.
Learning a few key Spanish phrases – "hola" (hello), "gracias" (thank you), "¡salud!" (cheers!) – is a surefire way to impress the locals and avoid tourist traps. Bonus points for mastering "me encanta" (I love it) after that delicious taco.
Be mindful of your belongings, especially in bustling areas. Use a money belt or sock pinned inside of your waistband and keep a close eye on your purse will help keep your valuables safe. Remember, you came for tacos, not target practice.
Skip the random street hails and ask your hotel or restaurant to call a reputable taxi service. Rideshare apps like Uber are also a great option. This ensures you get where you're going without any inflated fare woes.
Do some research on typical prices before hitting the market. This empowers you to snag the best deals and avoid tourist-inflated costs. Remember, a little friendly bargaining is part of the fun, but don't be afraid to walk away with a smile if the price isn't right.
Having smaller peso bills allows for easier transactions and avoids a pocketful of change. Think of it as your own personal fiesta fund, ready to be dispensed on delicious street food and local treasures.
Stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Stick to well-lit areas and avoid wandering alone in deserted zones. Remember, you're there to experience the vibrant culture, not become part of an unnecessary adventure. Use your intuition and explore with confidence!
H2-Whoa There! While the allure of bottomless margaritas is strong, avoiding the tap water is a surefire way to dodge a less-than-tropical bellyache. Stick to bottled water or ask for "agua purificada" (purified water) to keep your fiesta flowing smoothly.
The Resting Tourist Face: Dial down the perma-grin! While Mexicans are a friendly bunch, that toothy American tourist smile can scream "fresh arrival." Embrace a cooler, more "observant connoisseur" expression – perfect for admiring the scenery (and scoping out the best taco stands).