Travel Pick: Mexico
The most southerly part of North America, Mexico is a beautiful and historic nation of colour, spice and astonishing natural beauty. One of 2022’s most popular tourist destinations, Mexico has plenty to offer, from white-sand tropical beaches to vibrant cities.
Major cities are generally more adapted than rural areas of the country, though Mexico is not the easiest place to navigate if you’re disabled. However, working with a travel agent, getting to know the locals, and doing plenty of research before you travel will make sure you have a smooth holiday. It will also help to learn a few phrases in Spanish. Even if it’s just ‘do you speak English’ (¿Hablas inglés?), it’ll certainly make your travels easier.
When to Visit
The climate in Mexico is warm all year long and tends to attract sunseekers from colder countries from December to April. Many flock to its 10,000km of coastline where hundreds of resorts offer the most luxurious experiences the country has to offer. The summer months are often very wet – particularly on the Pacific Coast. If you’re looking to save a few pennies, autumn and spring are the best times to visit. The weather isn’t too hot and it’s outside of the traditional tourist season. Not to mention, visiting around Halloween means you’ll see the beautiful Dia de Los Muertos celebrations.
What to See
Mexico has many beautiful sights to see and experience. Here are some of the best and most accessible:
- Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve: A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, this coastal reserve in Tulum sits on the edge of the Caribbean Sea. The area offers boat tours around the coastal reef and its 23 archaeological sites, as well as plenty of beaches to explore and relax on when you visit. You might even see a dolphin or two!
- The Zocalo: One of the largest public plazas in the whole world, the Zocalo is the beating heart of Mexico City. Believed to date back to the Aztecs, it’s one of the capital’s great landmarks. It’s also home to the National Palace of Mexico, the Mexico City Cathedral and the Templo Mayor, as well as music and street vendors. It was also featured in the opening sequence of the James Bond film, ‘Spectre’.
in Mexico City.
- Museo Frida Kahlo: One of Mexico’s most prolific artists, this museum is built in Kahlo’s former home and is dedicated to preserving her life and work. Donated to the city by her husband Diego Rivera, it is one of the most visited museums in Mexico City. Only some parts of the museum are wheelchair accessible but it’s still worth visiting if you’re a fan of Kahlo’s work.
- The Copper Canyon: Explore the historic copper canyon from the comfort of a train carriage. Found in the Sierra Madre Occidental Mountain range in the Chihuahua region, the train was originally designed for commuters so the small towns in the mountain range could be connected but is now a popular way to experience this incredible natural site, which was hidden from public view until the 1960s.
and is a popular hiking destination.
Where to Stay
There are plenty of options for places to stay in Mexico.
For beaches, coastal living, and plenty of beautiful resorts head for Cancun, Cabo San Lucas, Playa Del Carmen, Tulum, and Cozumel. For city living, history, art and music, head for the hubs of Mexico City, San Miguel de Allende, Oaxaca, Puebla, or the Baja Peninsula.
What to Eat & Drink
During your time in Mexico, make sure you try some of the country’s most famous delicacies:
- Tequila: Visit the eponymous town to get the best taste of tequila or its neighbour, Mezcal. It should have 100% agave in it to be the genuine stuff.
- Aguas Frescas: This is any kind of non-alcoholic soft drink. Horchata and freshly squeezed fruit juices are the most popular.
- Tacos al Pastor: Every region has its own unique take on the iconic taco, but we love Mexico City’s take inspired by Lebanese and Syrian cuisine, packed with pork, onions, coriander and pineapple.
Syrian and Lebanese inspired.
- Elote: A popular street food, Elote is corn on the cob packed with chilli powder, salt, lime and mayo – though every vendor makes it differently.
- Arroz con Leche: A sweet rice pudding mixed with cinnamon, sugar, vanilla and occasionally raisins, this is Mexico’s second most popular dessert.
- Flan: Custard flans are made a little differently depending on the region you’re visiting, but they’re creamy, sweet and delicious.
Mexico has plenty to offer every traveller, from delicious food to incredible landscapes and beaches rivalled across the world. Whether you’re a sun-seeker or a history buff, this beautiful country has something for everyone to enjoy.
