| Going by air | | | | Mexico has an incredibly good network of buses |
| | | | going between cities. Most foreign travelers prefer |
| Flying to Mexico is the most common way to go | | | | the deluxe buses or the first-class ones, which |
| to the main resort and tourist destinations. Major | | | | typically offer movies, comfortable seating, rest |
| U.S. airlines offer non-stop or direct flights to a | | | | rooms, and an easy schedule of many departures |
| wide variety of Mexican cities. You can work with | | | | a day. Between the smaller towns you may get |
| a travel agent or you can book your flight over | | | | retired school buses from the U.S. and more |
| the internet. There is a tremendous variety in | | | | rigorous conditions. |
| price, so it's worth doing some homework. | | | | |
| Booking way ahead sometimes gives you a | | | | Driving |
| bargain price -- but you can also sometimes get | | | | |
| very good prices if you have an impulse to go | | | | Driving conditions vary considerably from one |
| right away, or within a week or two. Look for | | | | Mexican highway to another. Some are slow, while |
| U.S. or Mexican airlines. | | | | the relatively expensive toll roads usually have |
| | | | light traffic due to their prices. Don't drive |
| Charter flights can offer rock bottom prices at | | | | between Mexican cities at night. There are tales |
| times, but do be aware that the charter operator | | | | of robberies, but more common hazards include |
| may have the right to cancel the flight if it doesn't | | | | livestock lying on the road (enjoying the warmth |
| fill, and they can do this up to about 10 days | | | | of the pavement) and vehicles driving without |
| before the flight. However, if you want to cancel | | | | good headlights. |
| your reservation with them it may not be | | | | |
| possible. | | | | A Few Thoughts on Safety |
| | | | |
| Vacation packages to Mexico | | | | If you travel in Mexico, do be aware of safety |
| | | | and theft issues. If you carry a purse, think about |
| Combined airfare and hotel packages can offer | | | | how easily it could be snatched and perhaps carry |
| you very good value. The hotels may not be the | | | | your passport and credit cards in your clothing |
| best known, but sometimes they are. And in this | | | | close to your body, even in a pouch under your |
| internet era, it's easy enough to do a search on | | | | clothes. |
| the name of the hotel and town. Especially if you | | | | |
| are traveling to Cancun, Acapulco, Ixtapa, or any | | | | There is much publicity in the U.S. about the |
| of the many other vacation type destinations in | | | | occasional dramatic crimes that happen to tourists |
| Mexico, vacation package deals are well worth | | | | abroad. If you keep in mind that people are |
| exploring. | | | | poorer and that you appear wealthy to them |
| | | | (even if that idea is laughable to you), you will |
| Another kind of package is the guided tour, often | | | | make the best choices. |
| of several cities and typically with hotels and | | | | |
| transportation included. This can be very good for | | | | As for health concerns, Mexico is much improved |
| people who haven't explored Mexico much or who | | | | from the past, but do be prudent about what you |
| speak little or no Spanish. | | | | eat. Most drinking water you will be served is |
| | | | purified now, but it does no harm to ask. Other |
| Cruises to Mexico | | | | factors under your control are how much alcohol |
| | | | you drink and how long you stay out in the |
| Cruises leave from both coasts of the U.S., and | | | | tropical sun. |
| vary in how long they last. The shorter cruises | | | | |
| can be very economical. Cruises will only give you | | | | Use common sense, and be aware that common |
| a taste of Mexico compared to other vacation | | | | sense is different from one country to another. |
| choices, but that might be just the thing to whet | | | | Don't worry too much. The vast majority of |
| your appetite! | | | | travelers to Mexico have a safe and delightful |
| | | | trip.Rosana Hart has traveled to Mexico many |
| Mexican buses | | | | times. |
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