Hi friends, Gnomie here.

Last month our Facebook and Instagram posts were all about the Mexican Caribbean and we loved sharing all about cenotes, Bacalar, the ruins and everything in between with you. But before you pack your bags, we wanted to share some good-to-know info as well.

A quick note from this gnome before we dive in. Travel information changes over time. Always double-check requirements, regulations and safety guidelines with official government sources before you go, especially as your trip gets closer. Consider this your friendly starting point, not the final word.

Food & Water

No one drinks the tap water in Mexico. Everyone drinks bottled or filtered water, and any water or ice served to travelers should be filtered and safe to drink.

The issue with Mexican water isn't that it's toxic or full of bacteria. It's actually just very high in minerals.

So why do people sometimes get sick in Mexico? Usually one of two things. Overindulging (I know I've been here a time or two, more if I am being completely honest), more sun, more heat, more food and drink than you're used to at home (yes, I want all the yummy things!), or new bacteria. The normal bacteria in Mexican food is different than what your stomach is used to, so it can take some adjusting.

Hotel Names

It's common for hotels to not actually be located where their name suggests. Take Planet Hollywood Cancun. It's actually in Costa Mujeres, about 40 minutes from Cancun. Little details like this matter when you're booking accommodations.

Adults-Only Resort vs Adults-Only Section

Here's a mix-up that happens often. Some resorts with an adults-only section will show up when you search for adults-only resorts, even though they're not fully adults-only.

You technically could stay just in an adult only section, but most of the dining and amenities live outside it. A resort might have a lot of dining options, but they're spread across an entire complex, which is family-friendly. The adults-only section itself might only have a few restaurants of its own. 

If you're truly looking for a calming experience without children, having to spend most of your time in a family-friendly section might ruin your trip.

Timeshares

Most resorts in this destination have a timeshare or vacation club presence. Good to know going in, so nothing catches you off guard once you arrive. This way you can be prepared to politely say no. If someone gets pushy, thank them and continue with your day. 

I love to chat with creatures of all sizes, so this would be something I'd have to prepare myself for. This Gnome doesn't like to be rude, but I do not have the cash or need for a vacation timeshare, thank you very much.

Airports

Airports here don't have official websites the way they do in the U.S. Even this seasoned gnome was surprised to find that out. If you find a site claiming to be the official airport website, it's fake.

Visitax

Visitax is a mandatory tax for anyone flying into the state of Quintana Roo, which includes Cancun, Cozumel and Tulum airports. It has been in place for 3 years, and travelers of all ages are required to pay it. Keeping proof of payment handy when entering and exiting this part of Mexico is a must! Keep it somewhere you can easily show officials if asked. Eek, no one wants to get into trouble when they know they've followed the rules.

Tip: There's only one official government website for paying this tax and one other site authorized by the government that charges slightly more to use.

You should not use any other site! Also, the official site can be glitchy at times. Helping our travelers make sure they're using the right one is just one of the benefits of hiring us.

Things You Should Not Bring Into the Country

There are items you shouldn't bring into Mexico and others that are only allowed in certain quantities. Not following the rules, regulations and laws can result in large fines or even arrest.

At the time this post was published, vapes are illegal and cigarettes have a very strict amount you can bring in or purchase to take home per person. You can even get yourself into trouble if you have more than one person's allotment of cigarettes all in one bag. Something you probably would have never known, right?

For entry and exit requirements, rules and regulations, always check your government's official travel website. For U.S. travelers, that's travel.state.gov.

Hurricane Season

Like most of the Caribbean, hurricane season in Mexico runs from June 1 to November 30, with August, September and October being the most active months.

Even during peak season, it's common to have perfectly clear, beautiful weather. Storms in this region are usually tracked well in advance, so there's rarely a surprise. 

That being said, we always advise purchasing travel insurance and only traveling if you feel comfortable doing so.

Officially Mexperts

We are officially part of Mexperts, an exclusive program that keeps advisors up to date on all things Mexican Caribbean, resorts, tours, hidden gems and insider tips, all covered.

Being part of this program gives our team access to curated tools, expert insights and on-the-ground updates. That includes a destination guide, Playa del Carmen and Cozumel guides, tipping guides, resort insider guides on 50 resorts and counting, packing lists and a foodie guide.

So, when you book with us, you're getting more than a vacation. You're getting recommendations backed by real, up-to-date expertise.

There's Always More to Know

This list barely scratches the surface. There are plenty of other dos and don'ts, and small details that can highly affect your trip, far more than one gnome-sized blog post could ever cover. 

Traveling somewhere new always comes with a learning curve, and that's exactly what we're here for. We're here to help travel and travel planning be less stressful, to help your travels go more smoothly, and to be in your corner if issues arise, because we care about you and your experience like it was our own.

Until next time, safe travels. I'm off to watch the pixie races.

Gnomie