The American Dollar is not the currency to use while in Mexico…
The currency you should use while vacationing in Mexico is often asked and more often than not vacationers get this wrong. Most people know that the national currency of Mexico is the Peso, but most assume that the American dollar works just as well, if not better. It is a common misconception that Mexican merchants and vendors see the dollar as more desirable and revered, but that is not necessarily true.

Most retailers and merchants in Mexico will politely accept American dollars, but they prefer Pesos. The exception would be in Northern Mexico and Baja where merchants happily accept dollars and there isn’t much chance to offend. You just need to make sure in these cases that you get a fair exchange rate. It is also a better deal for the tourist to use Pesos because prices are almost always less expensive when using Pesos.

You can plan ahead and use a currency exchange service before you travel, although you may find that a currency exchange at the airport might give you the best exchange rate. A good bill amount to obtain might be 500 Pesos, which would come in handy for tipping the bellman or a waiter. You can use your debit or credit card for all your other transactions and you can take along traveler’s checks for any emergency that comes along. All of your cards and travelers checks can be replaced if stolen so don’t take an inordinate amount of cash with you.

If you run low on cash you can always replenish your pocketbook at the many ATM bank machines that are prevalent in resort areas. You can cash your traveler’s checks at an exchange house or a bank, which will result in the face value of the check multiplied by that day’s rate of exchange. If the place you go tries to charge a fee for doing this, go somewhere else, as it is not common practice to levy fees or commissions for cashing traveler’s checks.

And don’t forget that friends and family will appreciate and enjoy seeing coins and currency from distant lands when you get home. Be sure to keep some Pesos to give a show and tell when you return. If you have children you will especially appreciate how much they will enjoy showing off your “booty” to their friends. And putting some of the Pesos you get while on vacation into your scrapbook or photo album will be a great reminder of all the fun you had in Mexico.

Using the currency of Mexico will not only make your cash go farther, but it will also stimulate your mind as you take in all the colorful images printed on the Pesos and immerse yourself into the culture of Mexico. Go to a currency exchange service and get a lot of different small denominations. Learning what certain everyday items cost and how little you have to spend to have a good time will only serve to better your vacation experience. Have fun!

Travel101Tips.com your guide to planning your mexico holiday in the sun…

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Article - Enjoy A Quiet Laid Back Holiday In Mazatlan, Mexico

1) While it might not be as well known as Cancun or Puerto Vallarta, this southern coastal city called Mazatlan has become a popular vacation destination for those looking for a more laid back and sedate experience. It has been nicknamed the “Pearl of the Pacific” but not because there are pearls to be found off its shores. It is because as a gracious compliment to this friendly resort city, Mazatlan could thrive without any tourism at all due to its abundance of commercial fishing and the famous Pacifico Brewery. This gives the area the benefits of being an industrious town while at the same time keeping recreation activities in a more relaxed mode.

2) Because the city does not rely on tourism as its main source of income, it doesn’t seem as hectic with multitudes vying for every dollar as it does in some Mexican resort towns. The feeling in Mazatlan is as if time has stood still. The resorts’ staffs are very friendly, as is everyone in town, which makes Mazatlan feel like your hometown. Because of this, Mazatlan is a great place to come with your whole family. There is plenty for everyone to do.

3) Mazatlan has over 15 miles of beaches where you will find all sorts of water sports and activities, great waterfront restaurants, and most of the area’s resorts. You will find the waters teeming with windsurfers, Hobie Cats, wave runners, and parasailing. If those types of heart stopping sports activities aren’t your style maybe you would just like to take a dip and then soak up the sun while “people watching”. Either way, the sun and sand provides a beautiful getaway from your normal weekly grind.

4) Sport fishing has been a landmark in Mazatlan long before many of the other notable Mexican resort destinations were even thought of. The charter companies in Mazatlan have their fleets spread out, some at the harbor by the lighthouse and some in the marina. All of them can provide services that will enable you to go out for an amazing adventure and catch the “big one”. Later, you can have your Marlin, Tuna, or Grouper prepared for your dinner!

5) Shopping is a great attraction in Mazatlan. There are many fine shops and even a couple of modern shopping malls spread throughout the area of the more “touristy” part of the city called Zona Dorado, which when translated means “The Golden Zone”. With a name like that, who wouldn’t want to shop there? On the other end of the spectrum, you can never go wrong by visiting the Mercado located in the middle of Old Mazatlan. This is true shopping in the old Mexican tradition with everything from leather goods and jewelry to hanging meats.

6) One of the most enjoyable parts of any vacation is dining at traditional, local restaurants and Mazatlan has its fair share. A big benefit of being an ocean side city is that the eateries serve the freshest seafood. Being as large as it is, Mazatlan has a large and diverse collection of dining establishments to choose from.

7) If you would like to visit Mexico, but want your vacation to be a little more low-key and relaxed, maybe Mazatlan would be the perfect fit for you. It is an interesting city that seems to have a bright future.
Visit Travel101Tips.com for the latest travel tips for a low-cost enjoyable vacation.
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Article - What To Take On Your Vacation To Mexico

1) When considering taking a vacation to Mexico, you should contemplate first on what necessary items you should take with you. There are some things that you just cannot travel without such as legal documents, necessary medications, and of course, currency. As well as items that will make life away from home much more pleasant, such as skin protection and proper attire.

2) First of all, the items you will have to take would be a United States passport. As of January 23, 2007, passports are required for all United States citizens who are traveling outside of the country by air regardless of their destination. And after January 1, 2008 that requirement will be extended to both land and sea travel. If you don’t have a passport then you will have to apply in person to one of 9,000 passport acceptance facilities located throughout the U.S. It is required to bring two photographs of yourself, proof of United State’s citizenship, and a valid photo ID.

3) It is also advisable for you to take your driver’s license with you into Mexico, especially if you plan on driving or renting a car. Many times a driver’s license is required when chartering a boat or renting water sports equipment.  A copy of your birth certificate should also be one of the important documents that travel with you. If any unfortunate circumstance comes up, these documents will be essential.

4) It is prudent to take mostly travelers checks and some cash on vacation. Cash is much easier to exchange and to use on a daily basis and in the event that both are stolen, the travelers’ checks can be replaced. Bringing your ATM card can be another good way to access your funds while in Mexico. Another handy item to bring in case of an emergency is a pre-paid phone card or a pay-as-you-go cell phone.

5) Don’t forget to take any medications that you may need while you are on vacation and if you have a prescribed medication, be sure that the prescription medication labels are legible and that they have your name on them. Sunscreen is also an essential item to pack because the sunshine down south in Mexico is more intense than in most places in the United States and you may sunburn easier than you think.

6) Other helpful items that you can take on your vacation to Mexico would be a small first aid kit, a pocket sized Spanish-English dictionary, (they even have small electronic dictionaries available) and a good pair of walking shoes. Mostly comfortable and casual attire should be packed although there usually is an occasion for dressing up for a posh dinner or a night on the town. Lastly, sunglasses and a hat will be indispensable for any prolonged exposure out of doors.

7) As you plan and make lists on what to pack for your trip, remember that it pays to be prepared. This way, when you begin to pack for your vacation to Mexico you will remember to pack the essentials first and then you can include your assortment of cabana wear, your rhinestone flip flops and those loud Hawaiian shirts. Travel 101 Tips
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Travel101tips.com - Tips For Vacationing In Mexico…

1) No one likes to come down with a cold or flu. Getting sick and missing work or school can be very inconvenient. But when you are on vacation, the last thing in the world you want or expect is to contract some sort of illness. When traveling outside the country for a vacation in Mexico, you should keep in mind these habits and tips that will help to keep you healthy.

2) Before you even leave for your vacation in Mexico be sure to hydrate yourself by drinking lots of fluids. Once you arrive at your destination be sure to drink only distilled or bottled water. Climate and altitude changes can have an effect on your body. Give your body time to acclimatize to its new environment and don’t go overboard your first day in Mexico. Eat sparingly the first day and only what your body is fairly familiar with. Make sure that any fruits or vegetables that you purchase get washed in distilled or bottled water and peel them if possible.

3) Washing your hands often can also keep you remain healthy. Taking along some antibacterial soap would be a wise idea. To go along with that you should have a small first aid kit that would include several different sizes of band-aids, antibacterial ointment, alcohol swabs, and any over the counter pain medication you might need. It is advisable to check with your physician before you leave the country to see if there are any preventative medications you should take to help in preventing common illness to that region. This is an important step to take especially if you are over 65 years of age, have an acute or chronic illness, or are pregnant. And any prescription medications you have should be kept in their original bottles with legible labeling that will prevent any misunderstandings.

4) Try to avoid over-indulgences of alcohol while in Mexico, as this will lower your body’s resistance to disease and raise the risk that you may become ill. If you do feel like you are coming down with something seek medical attention immediately and avoid contact with the general population. This is especially true if you are on a cruise ship or staying at a resort that has buffet dining. Besides, you want to be able to remember the great times that you had on vacation, so drinking in moderation would be a good way to keep your senses keen.

5) If you have any food allergies you should be especially careful about what you eat. Make sure you inquire of any restaurant staff where you dine about what is in each dish and if there are any items you are allergic to that it may be cooked in.

6) Most of us work hard all year long just to be able to take a week or two off to enjoy relaxing and having fun. No one wants to get sick on his or her vacation, but we have all probably had that experience. Becoming ill in a foreign country can have consequences that may be more serious depending on the circumstances, so do what you can to lessen the risks to your health while on vacation in Mexico.
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