Our First-Timer’s Guide to Visiting Mexico From the UK

If you love sunshine, ancient culture, big cities, slow island days, and delicious food (with or without a spicy kick!), you should definitely add Mexico to your bucket list.

If you’re considering taking a Mexico holiday from the UK, one of the first questions you probably have is: Is Mexico safe? You’ll also want to know how long the journey takes, and what (if anything) you should prepare before you enter the country.

In this guide, we’ve shared everything you need before your trip, including the best areas you should visit, what you should know about the weather, how much things cost, and transport tips to confidently get around once you’re there.

Why Mexico Works So Well as a Holiday Destination

First of all, why Mexico?

We think it’s a country that really does offer it all: bright cities, quiet fishing towns, long coastlines, and historic attractions that you’ll often find literally in the middle of jungles and deserts. Depending on the type of holiday you want, you could fly into Mexico City, relax on the Pacific Coast, swim from beaches in the Yucatán Peninsula, or eat your way through old streets in Oaxaca City and San Miguel de Allende.

If you like the sound of ancient history, with Spanish influence and indigenous traditions that shape daily life, you’ll love your visit to Mexico.

There’s an abundance of things to see and do, ranging from tropical rainforests to high-altitude valleys, dry plains, and, of course, modern resorts catered to tourists. With its diverse climates, Mexico has a year-round appeal and gives you endless options when you’re making your travel plans.

With all this in mind, it’s not surprising that Mexico remains one of the world’s most visited countries.

Who does Mexico Appeal To?

No matter what your background or what you look for in a holiday, Mexico should tick your boxes.

If you’re a family, you’ll probably want to stay at one of the hundreds of large resorts with their own pools and restaurants, many of which are located on the beach.

As a couple, you might prefer a boutique hotel close to a quiet beach for a more tranquil holiday.

If you’re a solo traveller or you just don’t like to spend too much time on a deckchair, you’ll probably be more interested in exploring the country’s major cities, taking cooking classes and going on sightseeing tours, or spending a week on Isla Holbox.

Love nature? There’s so much for you in Mexico. You could swim with whale sharks (or watch sea turtles for something a bit more passive!), or hike through the hills around Chiapas.

If you’re more of a culture-seeker, Mexico has colonial cities, markets, and archaeological sites filled with stories and just waiting for you to explore.

And finally, for pure, uninterrupted downtime, you can’t go wrong with a holiday to a beach destination like Tulum, Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or the Riviera Maya.

The Best Time to Visit Mexico

One of the big appeals of Mexico is that the weather stays warm and dry during the colder months in the UK, so many people choose to travel during winter and spring holidays. You’ll get sunshine and fewer crowds in November through April, especially if you can travel outside Christmas and Easter.

Summer is, unsurprisingly, hotter, and there’s also heavier rain. That said, if you’re willing to risk it, you can take advantage of the deals that appear regularly around this time of the year.

March was the busiest time for tourists in Mexico this year, with over 2.4 million international air arrivals within this month

Hurricane Season

If you’re travelling to Mexico from the UK, you won’t usually need a visa for a standard holiday (an appropriate visa is only needed if you plan to stay longer than 180 days, work, or study—contact the Mexican Embassy or make or appointment with your local immigration office for more information). You’ll just have to complete a tourist card and answer a few basic questions when you enter Mexico. Your passport will also need to meet the entry requirements set by Mexican authorities and the UK development office.

It’s worth noting that some states charge a tourist tax or departure tax, which can sometimes appear in your airline fare. Make sure to always check your documents so you don’t get caught at the airport.

Vaccinations and Health Preparation

We recommend speaking to your GP about vaccines several weeks before travel. These are optional, but some people feel more comfortable travelling to Mexico (especially the more remote areas) after getting hepatitis A and typhoid protection.

Once you’re there, it’s safest to drink bottled water rather than tap water, especially if you’re not staying in a large hotel. And since Mexico can get very hot, make sure to take breaks and hydrate throughout the day.

What You Should Know Before You Go

Here are a few quick-fire tips to have a safe and hassle-free Mexico holiday:

Carry pesos for tipping and any purchases that you can’t use your card for. You can, of course, use Mexican ATMs once you’re out there, but it’s a good idea to bring cash as backup.

Use authorised taxis to get around busy tourist areas.

Protect your belongings in crowds. As with anywhere in the world, petty theft is known to happen, especially in Mexico’s cities.

Stick to well-lit areas at night.

Learn a couple of basic Spanish phrases, especially “hola” (“hello”), “por favor” (“please”), and “si” (“yes”).

Keep travel insurance that’s valid for all your planned activities.

If you’re wondering whether Mexico is safe, the answer is, generally, “yes”. Of course, as with any destination, crime does happen. But if you stick to the tourist areas and keep your wits about you, you’re unlikely to have any unsafe experiences on your holiday.

Where to Stay in Mexico

One of the best things about Mexico is that it has all styles of accommodation, suitable for every budget.

If you’re going all out, we recommend looking at the luxury resorts in Cancun, Los Cabos, and the Pacific Coast. But for something with a bit more character, check out the boutique hotels in Oaxaca City, Mérida, and San Miguel de Allende.

There are plenty of large hotels in Puerto Vallarta, Playa del Carmen, and the Riviera Maya that are ideal for families. If you want to be in the middle of all the action, you can take your pick of the dozens of affordable guesthouses in Mexico City and other major cities.

Pools and on-site dining are pretty standard for hotels in Mexico, and many also have easy access to nearby beaches. Most hotels have air conditioning and offer filtered water, though it’s worth double-checking if you’re not sure.

Food and Culture

Mexico’s food is globally famous, and for good reason! It’s incredibly flavorful and tasty, and there’s something for everyone, even if you’re not a fan of spice. Our favourite Mexican dishes that you should absolutely try on your holiday include tacos al pastor, chicken mole, seafood, and fresh salsa. If you’re visiting a city like Mexico City, Mérida, or Puebla, it’s definitely worth checking out the street food scene.

There are plenty of cultural events to enjoy in Mexico if you time your trip right. These include Day of the Dead celebrations and Easter festivals, as well as the Guelaguetza Festival in Oaxaca City and Independence Day fireworks.

You’ll also find crafts, artwork, and dances rooted in indigenous traditions in Mexico’s smaller towns.

Must-See Attractions and Sites

Another of Mexico’s key selling points is just how easy it is to explore world-famous places without travelling far. We could write an entire article on these alone, but we’ve kept it simple with a quick list of attractions and sites that you should research at your own leisure:

Historical and Cultural Highlights

Chichén Itzá

Teotihuacán near Mexico City

Palenque

The Tulum ruins overlooking the sea

Ancient ruins in Mexico’s southern forests

Natural Wonders

Snorkelling with whale sharks

Watching sea turtles in protected areas

Riding the famous train through the Copper Canyon

If you’re visiting Mexico for the first time, we especially recommend snorkelling in the natural cenotes (sinkholes) along the country’s coastline, as well as taking traditional cooking classes and spending a day or two at the beach. You could also consider a wildlife tour, a city walking tour, or hiking off the beaten path (it’s safest to do this with an experienced guide).

Cities Worth Adding to Your Itinerary

Exploring cities in Mexico will give you a deeper look at daily life for the locals. We recommend Mexico City if you’re into museums and food markets, Oaxaca City for artistry and cooking traditions, and San Miguel de Allende for its colourful architecture.

Travelling With Kids

Mexico is a great choice for families with kids (once they’re able to sit through a long-haul flight!). There are plenty of kid-friendly food choices at the local restaurants, and many hotels have kids’ clubs and splash parks.

Plus, a lot of attractions have clear age ranges for costs, so if you have younger kids, the ticket price for them will often be lower.

Adults-Only Mexico

Travelling without kids and looking for an adults-only experience? You’ll find most of the adults-only resorts across Cancun, the Pacific coast, and Riviera Nayarit.

Money and General Costs

The cost of a trip to Mexico depends entirely on the kind of experience you want, as well as where exactly you’re visiting. You’ll find that coastal areas are generally more expensive during peak seasons, especially around winter and Easter.

Make sure to bring enough money for everything you might need to pay for on your trip, including transfers, taxis, tipping, excursions, and restaurants.

Getting Around Mexico

The easiest way to get around Mexico is by car, but only if you feel comfortable driving abroad. Car rentals are pretty affordable, and as a nice treat, many petrol stations have gas station attendants who will fill the tank for you.

That said, driving yourself definitely isn’t necessary, and if your trip will mostly be spent relaxing at a hotel, you’ll find that a shared airport transfer or a private driver works out cheaper.

By the way, Google Maps works in Mexico just as it does in the UK, so it’s worth using this to check your routes and make sure your taxi driver is taking the most direct journey.

Best Beaches in Mexico

Mexico has more coastline than we could talk about here, but a few of the best beaches include:

Playa Norte – Isla Mujeres: Calm, shallow water perfect for relaxing and swimming.

Playa Paraíso – Tulum: White sand with the Tulum archaeological site close by.

Akumal Beach – Riviera Maya: Ideal for spotting sea turtles in the wild.

Balandra Beach – La Paz (Baja California Sur): Famous for shallow, glass-clear water and a peaceful natural setting.

Playa La Ropa – Zihuatanejo: A long, scenic bay with warm water, good for swimming.

Playa El Chileno – Cabo San Lucas: Great snorkelling conditions and clean, well-maintained facilities.

Multi-Destination Holidays

Looking to tick off multiple destinations on your trip west? Mexico is close to a number of US cities, and you might also want to spend a few days in another popular tourist hotspot, like:

Las Vegas

Orlando

New York City

There are frequent flights between Mexico and these cities, so it’s easy to split your trip between beaches and entertainment. Our tip is to end in Mexico, so you have the chance to put your feet up after a few days of sightseeing!

Should You Book Your Mexico Holiday as a Package?

Booking a package holiday is generally the easiest way to travel to Mexico. Not only will you be able to bundle your flights, transfers, and hotels all into one, but you’ll also protect your money (as long as you book with an ATOL-protected agency, like us). We strongly recommend booking early to lock in the best pricing.

Ready to give your holiday to Mexico some serious thought? Discover Mexico’s stunning destinations with our all-inclusive package holidays. Enjoy luxurious accommodations and exciting activities. ATOL Protected.

Below we have a sample of the types of package holidays we offer to our holiday makers to Mexico to help get you started.

Mexico Package Holidays