A Christmas vacation in Mexico is an excellent option for the holiday season given the country’s proximity to the United States, excellent infrastructure for tourism and year-round pleasant weather. This article will provide you with some helpful tips for making the most of your vacation in Mexico.

Travel Destinations

Top destinations in Mexico for beach lovers include Acapulco, Cancun, Huatulco, Ixtapa, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta and Tulum. Those who prefer to explore the rich cultural and historical heritage found in Mexico’s cities might want to visit Guadalajara, Guanajuato City, Mazatlan, Merida, Mexico City, Oaxaca, Puebla or San Miguel de Allende.

Places you may want to avoid include Ciudad Juarez, Nuevo Laredo, Nogales, Matamoros and Tijuana. The U.S. government warns Americans concerning these locations due to the high level of criminal activity that occurs there.

Climate and Culture

For the most part, the weather in Mexico is excellent during this time of year with average temperatures hovering at about 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Don’t plan on a white Christmas. Also, Mexico receives the least amount of rainfall during this season so you do not have to worry about having your vacation ruined by rain.

The influence of Catholicism is evident during this time of year as many processions and re-enactments of Christ’s birth take place in every city and village. Bright colors abound in the decorations and lighting. All the activities lead up to the Noche Buena (literally, Good Night) or Christmas Eve. There is usually a late-night mass after which families return to their homes and participate in a midnight Christmas meal together. It is during these festivities that gifts are opened. Christmas day is a day of rest.

One simple way to enhance your vacation is to join in the local festivities. Of course, your experience will be exponentially more enjoyable if you speak Spanish. If you don’t, you can learn. It can be fun to do as a family. There are plenty of lessons and tutorials online. If you are serious enough, you can take an intensive course. Be sure to grab a pocket-sized Spanish phrase book to take with you on your vacation.

Travel Documents

Stays of 3 days or less in the “border zone” do not require a tourist card. Stays of more than 3 days or destinations beyond the “border zone” require you obtain a tourist card. This is usually included in your airfare.

All American citizens, independent of age, are required to present a valid passport book when traveling to Mexico by air and a passport book or passport card when traveling by land or sea. It is always a good idea to begin the application process early since demand increases as the Christmas holiday season draws near.

With a little planning you can make your Christmas vacation in Mexico a truly memorable experience that you and your family will cherish for a long time.