Mexico Vacation

As one of the world's most rewarding vacation destinations, Mexico has everything you could ever want in a vacation: fantastic diversity, vibrant culture, and hospitable people! What's more, it is an easy country to visit.

Mexico is located in North America, bordered to the north by the United States and to the southeast by Central America, specifically Belize and Guatemala. Looking at a map of Latin America, Mexico is that country that is the northernmost and westernmost. Spain is the birthplace of Mexico's official language, Spanish. But despite this lofty title, it is actually not the place where the most number of Spanish-speaking people live. Mexico holds that title, being the most populous Spanish-speaking country in the world, though English is also widely spoken, for monolinguistic convenience.

For a great Mexico vacation, consider the following fast facts about this wonderful country that offers you everything:

Population: Mexico boasts of more than 100,000 inhabitants located in various points of the country, divided into 31 states and one federal district. However, for the most populous spots, check Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey and their surrounding areas. Mexico has one of the most hospitable people in the world so wherever you go in this beautiful country, you will always feel welcome.

Language: As mentioned, Mexico is home to the most number of Spanish speaking people. A good grasp of the Spanish language may come in handy when you're on a Mexico vacation, although there are some 66 indigenous languages spoken by some of the country's pre-Hispanic cultures.

Weather: Get ready for a lot of warm weather when you go on a Mexico vacation. Mexico's average temperatures range between 25 degrees Centigrade to 30 degress Centigrade (77 degrees Fahrenheit to 86 degrees Fahrenheit). May to September are the hottest months of the year, especially if you are vacationing in the coasts. Things get cooler from October to April.

Time Zone: During the winter, the southern, eastern and some central regions states are on Central Standard Time (GMT -6 hours). The northwest and Pacific coast states re on Mountain Standard Time (GMT -7 hours). Baja California, on the other hand, is on Pacific Standard Time (GMT -8 hours). During the summer, daylight savings time is applied.

Currency: Peso. Bills come in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1,000 pesos. Coins are issued in denominations of five, 10, 20, 50 cents, and one, two five, 10, and 20 pesos. Americans should have no problem with the US dollar as this currency is accepted at all money exchange bureaus across the country. The Euro and Canadian dollar are also exchanged.

Visa and Passports: To apply for a visa or passport, you can consult the Mexican Embassy's website at www.sre.gob.mx/delegaciones/dire.htm. You can also consult Immigration Services at www.migracion.gob.mx/principal.asp.

Transportation: Going on a Mexico vacation is easy. The country has an excellent highway system, airports in many major cities, and bus terminals in nearly every municipality. There are also local transports in the form of taxi and bus services. In Mexico City and Leon, there is an express bus line, called metrobus that lets you travel in and through the city.