10 Essential Teen Travel Tips for Mexico

If you’re a teen thinking about traveling to Mexico, recent headlines about crime and kidnapping may deter your parents from letting you travel south of the border. Despite certain areas of Mexico being put under U.S. travel advisories, these warnings are issued without enough due diligence and often don’t accurately reflect the general safety of a destination.

Many individuals aren't informed of the whole truth about Mexico, such as its culture and people, so their opinions might be based upon bad press and stereotypes. Don’t allow misinformation to discourage you from making travel plans to Mexico! The vibrant Latin American nation is the sixth-most visited country in the world. With nearly 40 million vacationers visiting Mexico in 2017, it has become one of the world’s most desirable tourist destinations due to its friendly culture, stunning beaches, and fusion of indigenous and modern eats.

If you’re worried about safety and security, fear not. The Mexican government’s #1 priority is keeping its visitors safe and content to help ensure the influx of tourism revenue and to keep tourist areas crime-free. While isolated parts of Mexico have been plagued by a recent increase in cartel-related violence, the most popular destinations are far from those crime hot spots, surrounded by thousands of other sightseers and locals.

Follow a few of these key teen travel tips for Mexico, and you will be prepared for a safe and exciting journey abroad! 

Is it safe for teens to travel to Mexico right now?

The U.S. Department of State currently ranks Mexico’s safety at a Level 2 for tourism, which means you should exercise increased caution. Sure, that sounds scary, but did you know that Mexico happens to be at the same level as other top travel spots, such as the United Kingdom, Italy, and France?

Violent incidents against tourists in Mexico are rare, and teens don’t have to sacrifice security or comfort to find authentic adventure in Mexico. There are many neighborhoods in Mexico City that are safe during daytime and nighttime such as Roma, Polanco, Juarez, San Rafael, and Condesa. A great way to experience this incredibly diverse Latin American nation is through homestays. Families are always properly vetted to ensure that student travelers will be safe and comfortable, but you can always ask your program provider for more information on the process.   

Traveling to another country has its risks and rewards, but you can help limit the risks by following one of the top Mexico travel tips: follow good travel protocol! Just like when visiting any place for the first time, teens should exercise caution, keep their wits about them, and stay aware of their surroundings.

A handful of neighborhoods in Mexico City should be avoided — these include Ciudad Neza, Doctores, Iztapalapa, and Tepito. Similarly, according to the U.S. Department of State’s travel advisory, the following areas of Mexico should be avoided:

• Colima
• Guerrero
• Michoacán
• Sinaloa
• Tamaulipas

High school travel abroad in Mexico without parental supervision can still be safe as long as you exercise basic safety precautions, such as:

• Research your destination.
• Make a copy of your travel documents and email them to yourself in case they get lost or stolen.
• Share your travel itinerary with family and friends.
• Ask the concierge or your host family about places you should avoid and tips for being safe in the area.
• Keep important documents in a safe spot.
• Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
• Ask your hotel or host family to call a cab for you and avoid hailing one in the street.
• Refuse unsolicited rides from someone you don’t know.
• Stick with a group and avoid walking alone, especially after dark.
• Keep bags and purses zipped to prevent pickpocketing.
• Avoid drugs and alcohol, which can impair judgement.
• Create a contingency plan for emergency situations.

Top teen travel tips for Mexico

1. Avoid the tap water.

Err on the side of caution when it comes to drinking the tap water in Mexico. Instead, opt for bottled purified water to avoid an upset stomach or worse, “Montezuma’s Revenge.” Your hotel or host family may provide water bottles for consumption, but it’s also readily available wherever you travel in Mexico.

At some resorts and elsewhere, the tap water may be purified and safe to drink (look for signs that denote agua potable or agua purificada). You shouldn’t have any issues with ice, since most hotels and restaurants cater to tourists. If you’re unsure of the purity, ask your server. Similarly, when it comes to brushing your teeth, take caution and use bottled water.

2. Take a locally guided tour.

Consider adding a guided tour to your existing Mexico vacation itinerary. It can be a great way to immerse yourself in the history and Mexican culture. You’ll find there are dozens of fun excursions near where you’re staying, but be sure to choose the right ones. Carefully select your provider since some are more reliable than others.

3. Learn a few Spanish phrases.

One of the most helpful teen travel tips for Mexico? Try to pick up the language! In most resorts, you’ll find staff members who speak at least some English, but it’s good to familiarize yourself with a few basic Spanish terms, especially if you’re staying with a host family. Learning a handful of essential phrases can help you stay safe in many situations, like if you’re searching for a specific location or simply the restroom. Carrying a phrase book or using a translation app on your smartphone can also help you communicate with native speakers who will most likely appreciate you trying to speak to them in their own language.   

4. Pay with pesos.

The U.S. dollar may be great for tipping, but if you’re going to purchase an item that costs more than 100 or so pesos, do so in the local currency; you may get a bad exchange rate otherwise. 

5. Soak up the sun in Tulum.

You didn’t think we’d skip must-see places in our Mexico travel tips, did you? Nestled on the edge of the beautiful Caribbean Sea amid ancient Mayan ruins lies a place called Tulum. The alabaster white sand and stunning azure waters of Tulum’s beaches has become one of the trendiest places to visit in Mexico. From high-end beachside dining to Bali-style smoothie bars and Mexican cantinas, Tulum offers diverse fare to satisfy all palates. This unspoiled beach town is also incredibly easy to reach — it’s just 90 minutes by car, south of the Cancun airport.

6. Go scuba diving in a cenote.

Escape to a secret underworld of turquoise pools in the Yucatan Peninsula. Cenotes are natural deep-water wells, or sinkholes, that were once a treasured water source for the Mayans. They were formed by the collapse of porous limestone bedrock. Over the years, this process formed a secret subterranean world of groundwater pools filled with stunning limestone cave formations. Swim the crisp, mineral-rich waters of these secret swim holes and watch as the sun illuminates the cenote with beams of dancing light.

7. Marvel one of the seven wonders of the world.

Make the most of high school travel abroad in Mexico and get a history lesson! Explore the Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá, one of the most well-preserved historical sites in Mexico. Located about two hours from the larger cities such as Playa del Carmen and Cancun, this popular site can serve as a great road trip destination. Chichén Itzá is the largest and most-visited archeological site in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Exploring the ruins can make a great day or half-day trip. There are several guided tours you can join to learn more about the history of the expansive site, including its sacred cenotes and sprawling temples.  

8. Get cultured in Mexico City.

This vibrant cosmopolitan city boasts stunning architecture, world-class museums, archaeological sites, ubiquitous art, delicious cuisine, and various cultural offerings. Families, kids, history buffs, art lovers, and foodies alike can all find delight in Mexico’s capital. Grab some travel mates and catch a ride on a red double-decker Turibus (tourist bus) to immerse yourself in a cultural experience with a high vantage point.

It provides commentary on numerous popular sites and routes throughout the city. Tours last about three hours with around 20 stops along the way. The metro is another economical and efficient option to get around the city. There are even women-only buses and special sections dedicated to females on the subway if public transportation isn’t something you’re familiar with.

9. Swim in petrified waterfalls.

Take a dip in a natural infinity pool of stunning mineral formations at Hierve el Agua. Located in the Mexican state of Oaxaca, Hierve el Agua resembles an incredible alien landscape that was formed by mineral water that pushed through karstic limestone and deposited the falls onto the mountain’s edge. This phenomenon created mineral-laden cliffside pools that overlook calcified waterfalls appearing to be frozen in stone. The natural mineral pools — abundant in magnesium, sulfur and calcium carbonate — range from about 71 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. 

10. Unwind at Isla Mujeres.

Located outside Cancun in the Caribbean Sea, Isla Mujeres is a beautiful and peaceful island boasting a laid-back atmosphere. Its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear blue waters can be easily reached from Cancun via ferry in just 15 minutes. Isla Mujeres is also the ancestral hatching ground for giant sea turtles that lay their eggs in the sand from May through September. If you’re lucky, you may just catch the incredible spectacle of baby sea turtles hatching from their nests and making their way into the vast ocean.

High school travel abroad to Mexico will be 100% worth it

Use these teen travel tips for Mexico to find a little inspo for your trip (and to help talk your parents into letting you go!). Mexico is filled with a range of fun, safe and rich cultural experiences that make for lifelong memories. During your journey abroad to Mexico, you’ll not only gain pictures, keepsakes, and memories, but independence and a new perspective on this Latin American country — the kind that can only be attained through travel! 

Each part of Mexico has distinct culture, food, and a unique vibe waiting to be explored. It’s home to mountains, deserts, cities, beaches, canyons, plains, and jungles — just about every type of landscape imaginable. Adventure awaits, so plan accordingly, journey wisely, and take the right precautions for a trip of a lifetime.

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