From ancient Mayan ruins and stunning modern architecture to colorful cuisine and bright pink lagoons, Mexico is a photographer’s dream.

Mexico is the world’s most populous Spanish-speaking nation. It is home to about 126 million people and centered on its sprawling capital, Mexico City. A federation of 31 states plus the capital, it carries the legacy of the Maya and Aztec civilizations.  Travelers come for many diverse reasons. Some come for the beach resorts of Cancún and the Riviera Maya. Others, the deserts and capes of Baja California, colonial cities like Oaxaca and Guanajuato. In addition, there’s a vibrant culture of festivals, markets, and food spanning Pacific and Caribbean coasts to enjoy.

Is Mexico worth seeing?

Packed full of diverse landscapes, pristine beaches, ancient ruins, and lively cities, Mexico deserves a prime spot on every traveler’s bucket list. Beyond the breathtaking scenery, Mexico boasts some of the most vibrant food and culture—making it an absolute must-see destination!

Is Mexico inexpensive to visit?

Your budget will thank you in Mexico! Luxurious options are available, with plenty of expensive resorts and eateries. However, you can also indulge in mouthwatering street quesadillas, explore historic sites, stay in boho hostels, and relax on pristine beaches—all without breaking the bank.

Travel to Mexico

Imagine a country where ancient ruins whisper tales of the past, vibrant markets tease your senses, sparkling turquoise blue waves crash into palm-tree-lined beaches, and lively fiestas paint the streets with colors. Mexico is a paradise for travelers seeking a perfect blend of culture, adventure, and relaxation.

How to plan your trip to Mexico

Looking to plan the ultimate adventure?  Whether you’re backpacking around the Yucatán Peninsul, visiting the surfer’s paradise of Baja California, exploring the underwater world of cenotes, or catching rays on the white sand beaches of Isla Holbox, there are so many extraordinary things to do in Mexico.

To really experience this fantastic country, we recommend renting a car and spending at least two weeks exploring and eating lots of delicious Mexican food—yum!

Best time to visit Mexico

Organizing your dream vacation in Mexico? With two distinct seasons and cultural celebrations, find out when the best time to visit Mexico is based on your preferences.

Dry Season (November-April): The weather in Mexico during the dry season is usually around 28°C, making it the coolest and clearest time to visit. Although these months see the most crowds and high prices, the dry season is the perfect time to explore ancient ruins, lounge on the sandy shores, and indulge in water activities, particularly in coastal towns like Holbox and Tulum.

Wet Season (May-October): For those seeking more tropical vibes, outstanding surf, and lush landscapes, the wet season is the best time to holiday in Mexico. While brief afternoon showers are expected, these typically only last for a short time, and you’ll often see beautiful sunshine the rest of the day. This is also an amazing time to visit for those backpacking on a budget, as it’s considered the low season, so prices tend to be lower, and crowds are few and far between.

Tip: Hurricane season coincides with these months, particularly in September and October, so always keep an eye out for any warnings and follow the advice of local authorities.

Best time to visit Mexico for festivals: If you’re after something a little different and want to experience the truly unique festival of Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead), where streets come alive with colorful processions, traditional costumes, and a profound sense of remembrance, head to Mexico for the 1st and 2nd of November; the atmosphere is like no other!

Food, culture and religion in Mexico

Mexico is a sensory fiesta of food, culture, and religion, painting a vivid portrait of a nation steeped in tradition.

Food: Amidst the bustling streets and lively markets, the aromas of flavorsome dishes fill the air, like tamales, tacos, tortas ahogadas, and zesty salsas, enticing locals and visitors alike; you’ll never be short of options and new delicious things to try.

Religion: The iconic churches and cathedrals scattered across the country, such as the Metropolitan Cathedral in Mexico City and the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, stand as architectural marvels, with around 85% of the population following the Catholic faith. Religion isn’t just a set of beliefs in Mexico; it shapes the bright festivals like Día de Muertos, celebrating the beauty of life.

Culture: From the vibrant hues of traditional folk art and the rhythm of mariachi bands to the centuries-old rituals woven into everyday life, Mexico’s cultural heritage is palpable. Wander through the awe-inspiring Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza or the charming colonial architecture of cities like Oaxaca. The country is filled with magnificent history!

Caveats

Tap water isn’t safe to drink in Mexico. Bring a reusable water bottle with a built-in filter system to guarantee that your water is always safe to drink while being eco-friendly and reducing single-use plastic.

Is Mexico safe?

Crime and safety in Mexico: Mexico has a reputation for crime. Still, it’s important to note that most travelers have a safe visit to the country.  Further, many of the issues reported in the media tend to be off the beaten track. However, stick to well-traveled, well-lit areas, keep valuables secure and out of sight, and always be vigilant of your surroundings. Engaging with the local culture is encouraged but exercise the same caution you would in any unfamiliar destination.

Why you should travel to Mexico

Embarking on a Mexican adventure is a journey that promises memories of a lifetime! Picture yourself on sun-soaked beaches, where you can leisurely sip on a margarita and soak up the laid-back vibes. The country’s culinary scene is a festival for your taste buds.  Chiefly, think sizzling street tacos, zesty salsas, and refreshing guacamole.

Mexico has it all: mouth-watering food, cultural treasures, and breathtaking natural beauty. With unreal experiences awaiting every type of traveler, Mexico deserves a prominent spot on your bucket list.

Source:  saltinourhair.com

For many Americans, summer vacation involves a trip to a beach, theme park, or major city. But experienced travelers know the most memorable vacations are those that happen at a slower pace, away from the crowds.

Train Travel

That’s one reason why train travel, which was once thought to be dead, has seen a resurgence.   Amtrak achieved a record 34.5 million passenger trips in the last fiscal year.

In addition to added comfort and a slower pace, train travel allows people to see the country from a new perspective. Below are a few U.S. train trips that feel designed for summer travel.  One long-haul journey through the Pacific Northwest has been included. Also, short stints to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon are available.

Canyon Spirit

Grand Canyon Railway

A visit to the Grand Canyon is on most travelers’ wish lists but imagine arriving at the canyon via a vintage locomotive. The Grand Canyon Railway runs daily between the town of Williams, Arizona, and the South Rim inside Grand Canyon National Park. Passengers can spend over three hours checking out the view and exploring the canyon before hopping back on the train for the return trip to Williams.

The Grand Canyon journey takes around two hours and 15 minutes each way.

Pacific Surfliner

The Cascades train is over 10 hours in total, connecting some of the most beautiful corners of the Pacific Northwest. The route leads from Eugene, Oregon, through Washington to Vancouver, British Columbia. Scenic highlights include a journey across the Columbia River Gorge and views of Mount Saint Helens. (Don’t forget your passport if traveling to Vancouver.)

In addition to the scenery, the Cascades route is worth your time if you’re curious about Amtrak’s new Airo trains. The new trains will begin running on the Cascades route this summer.  Amtrak is offering new levels of physical comfort and a more consistent travel experience.  Also, you can experience updated features, and contemporary food services that today’s travelers expect.

Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad

The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is another heritage, narrow-gauge railroad (like Durango & Silverton above).  It is considered among the best-preserved steam railroads in the U.S. The train runs along the New Mexico-Colorado border between Chama, New Mexico, and Antonito, Colorado. The scenic journey zigzags along the river canyon and over a 137-foot trestle.

The round-trip Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad includes one way on the train and one way on a motorcoach. It runs six days a week, from late May to late October.

Source:  travelandleisure.com©

According to flight attendants

In most service jobs, there is an underlying fear of having to deal with difficult customers.  People frustrated and irritable whose disappointments boil over into confrontation. This concern increases tenfold for flight attendants, as a negative interaction isn’t necessarily fleeting.   They may be stuck in the air with rude or disorderly passengers for hours at a time.

But experienced cabin crews can also detect cues that indicate whether someone will be easy to accommodate.  This allows them to adjust their approach accordingly. It also helps make their jobs easier—and create a more enjoyable flight experience for everyone.  Thus, we asked a few aviation professionals about what tips them off and how we, as travelers, can do our part to make flying more pleasant.

Kindness can make a big difference.

Never underestimate the power of a simple greeting or the flash of a smile. “When a passenger comes on, makes eye contact, and says ‘hello,’ I generally feel at ease.” An anonymous Alaska Airlines flight attendant also told Travel + Leisure that “If they have acknowledged my existence, then I feel pretty confident they will be good passengers.”

A Southwest Airlines flight attendant echoed these sentiments, noting that moods set the tone from the second you enter the boarding door. “Traveling is stressful, but stress is contagious,” he said. “Friendliness goes a long way. We go above and beyond to maintain a positive demeanor and always appreciate when this is reciprocated.”

Don’t underestimate thoughtfulness—or a well-timed “thank you.”

While the action may be considered excessive by most travelers, purchasing mini gifts for flight attendants shows them that you’re definitely a passenger with gratitude. “Little gifts like a bag of chocolate or $5 Starbucks gift cards are so, so nice.”

“If someone goes out of their way to spend hard-earned money to brighten our day, then that is a telltale sign of an easygoing, very chill, and all-around wonderful passenger. We often work long, grueling schedules and have to forgo proper meals and caffeine. The thoughtfulness makes our days just a bit easier.”

Of course, a basic “thank you” will also do the trick in practically every circumstance. “I can’t tell you how many people didn’t even say ‘thank you’ when we would hand them a drink or answer questions,” a retired United Airlines flight attendant told T+L. “Yes, we are doing our jobs, but it shouldn’t be thankless.”

Practice self-awareness.

You may be dealing with short layovers, lost luggage, or any manner of life stressor, but it’s important to remember you’re not the only person on the aircraft.

“Those who board frantically and immediately ask questions about luggage and connections are the ones who usually give us the biggest problems,” confirmed the Alaska Airlines source. “Take a beat and understand that we will do everything possible to get you to your destination safely and comfortably. We aren’t miracle workers, though, and there are many factors that impact flights and schedules that are out of our control.”

The biggest red flag for cabin crew, however, is intoxication. Keep the preflight drinks to a minimum to avoid annoying flight attendants.  Or worse, getting yourself removed from the plane. “There is zero tolerance for being drunk on a plane. If I see someone slurring words or swaying during boarding, they will be removed. I don’t want to deal with them 40,000 feet in the air.”

At the end of the day, consider the Golden Rule: treat others the way you’d like to be treated. A positive demeanor and common courtesy can be the difference in whether or not a member of the cabin crew has a good or bad day at work.

Source:  Travel & Leisure©

Related:  The Best Times to Book Flights for the Cheapest Airfare per Google Data – TUTORING YOU

I hope your favorite is not one of them.  Read on.

Too many tourists!

Tourism is huge. In recent years, the number of travelers has increased exponentially across the globe, and many cities and attractions are completely overrun by tourists. But when locals begin to suffer the consequences of mass tourism, it’s time to reduce their numbers.  This is exactly what many governments are doing.

From tourist taxes to bans and restrictions, in this gallery, you’ll get to know how popular destinations are fighting overtourism.

Prague

In 2024, city officials introduced a new rule prohibiting late-night pub crawls in response to complaints from locals. This measure will only apply to tours organized by agencies, leaving independent groups free to plan their own outings. Over the past two decades, mainly fueled by the growth of budget airlines, Prague has emerged as a favored destination for bachelor and bachelorette celebrations, particularly among visitors from the UK.

Bali

Indonesia is among the countries grappling with overtourism, and in 2024, a moratorium on the construction of hotels, villas, and nightclubs was implemented in parts of Bali. A senior ministry official stated that this measure is part of the government’s efforts to reform tourism, improve quality, create jobs, and preserve the island’s indigenous culture. Currently, over 200,000 foreigners reside in Bali, contributing to issues like crime, overdevelopment, and job competition.  Bali also plans to ban tourists from renting motorbikes.

Amsterdam

n 2023, Amsterdam launched an ad campaign discouraging rowdy tourists from visiting the Dutch city.  Limits were also imposed on bar crawls as well as a ban on smoking cannabis in the famous red-light district. Visitors can also expect to pay a tourist tax too, which in 2024 was 12.5% of an overnight rate.

Croatia

Carrying wheeled luggage through the streets of Dubrovnik city center is not allowed. In an attempt to stop the noise in the old city’s cobbled streets, tourists must leave their luggage in lockers. (OK.  That one does seem a bit odd).

Japan

Japan’s most famous natural wonder, Mount Fuji, attracts over 300,000 climbers every year. To help fight overtourism, hikers are required to obtain a US$27 permit for its four main routes—the Yoshida, Subashiri, Gotemba, and Fujinomiya trails. Additionally, they must pass a test demonstrating their understanding of important safety information and local customs.

And in May 2024, authorities in the resort town built a barrier at a popular viewpoint: the Lawson convenience store. The location offers breathtaking views of Mount Fuji, but locals complain that tourists overcrowd the pavements, litter, and ignore traffic regulations. Three months later, city officials took the net down temporarily due to strong winds in the area, leaving police officers to patrol the block, but said the measurement was effective in driving tourists away.

In March 2024, tourists were banned from entering the Geisha district in Kyoto due to “out of control behavior.”

Starting in 2025, visitors to Ginzan Onsen after 5 pm must purchase a ticket, and those without hotel bookings will be banned after 8 pm.

Machu Picchu

The 5th-century Inca citadel is Peru’s top attraction. To avoid overcrowding, tourists can only enter during one of two time slots throughout the day. In addition, a maximum of 10 people is allowed per tourist guide.

The number of visitors per day is also capped. As of 2024, the maximum allowed is 4,500 people per day. However, on some special days, up to 5,600 daily visitors may be allowed.

Venice

In 2025, Venice implemented a day-tripper entry fee that is twice as high as in 2024. Visitors making last-minute plans now pay €10 (US$10.30) instead of the previous €5 (US$5.15). Additionally, the fee applies on nearly twice as many days as last year. This measure aims to regulate tourist flow and discourage day-tripper visits during peak periods.

Rome

Italy is one of the most-visited countries in Europe. As such, measures to control crowds have been imposed in major cities, including the capital, Rome. For example, in 2023 a €5 (US$5.36) fee was introduced to those visiting the Pantheon.

Athens

The number of visitors is capped at the city’s historical Acropolis. The maximum allowed per day is 20,000, all in prebooked designated hour slots. In 2024, this new booking system was also implemented at other attractions across the country.

Barcelona

Barcelona has been struggling with overtourism for many years. In 2022 the Catalan capital limited the size of tour groups and introduced noise restrictions. New hotels in the city center have also been restricted and so have short-term room rentals. The city also closed its northern port terminal to cruises and introduced a “city surcharge,” which increased in 2024 to €3.25 (US$3.48).

More recently, the route of bus number 116 was removed from map apps. The bus route was used by many tourists to visit Park Güell, one of  Barcelona’s main attractions. This obviously had an impact on resident’s lives, who welcomed the measure.

Santorini

Picturesque Santorini is one of the most iconic Greek islands. Every year, around two million people visit the island and in 2019 some measures were taken to control overtourism. One measure was to limit cruise passengers visiting the island to 8,000 a day.

And another one, perhaps the most bizarre, was that overweight tourists (anyone over 100 kg/220 lbs) were banned from riding donkeys. (Really?)

France

From the French Riviera to Paris, the European nation is one of the most visited in the world. As a result, numerous measures have been taken over the years to control overtourism. For instance, since 2022, the Louvre in Paris has limited entries to 30,000 visitors per day.

The government announced the launch of a €1 million campaign in 2024 to encourage tourists (both domestic and foreign) “to adapt their destination choices and schedules.” The idea is to promote “year-round” and off-the-beaten-track tourism.

Portugal

The European nation has implemented a number of measures to keep tourism under control, including tourist taxes. Other measures include bans and restrictions such as playing loud music at the beach, which is punished with fines.

Cornwall

When one thinks about tourist spots in the UK, London usually comes to mind, but it turns out, Cornwall is suffering from overcrowding too. In response, a registration scheme for short-term vacation lets was proposed by Cornwall Council, and so was a tourist tax.