15 Things You Should Never Do on Your Honeymoon in Mexico
With the wedding done and dusted, it’s finally time for your honeymoon — a once-in-a-lifetime trip that you will want to be picture perfect. But there are a few things every newlywed should bear in mind before they set off on their romantic Mexican getaway. Here is a rundown of the 15 things you should never do on your honeymoon in Mexico.
Don’t expect perfection
Your honeymoon won’t be perfect, and having unrealistic expectations of Mexico will create serious stress. To truly enjoy the experience you should try to approach unexpected situations with humor and grace. Demanding first-rate service standards at every turn is a recipe for disappointment.
Don’t pack too much in
One of the most common mistakes honeymooning couples make in Mexico is trying to fit too much into their schedule. A good night’s sleep is especially important on your honeymoon and a crammed schedule will be stressful. Before the trip, draw up an itinerary with the things you really want to do, and allocate enough time to take things slow at the beginning.
Don’t plan too little
While it is best not to plan every last detail of the trip, it’s also not a good idea to leave everything to chance. You should arrive in Mexico with a clear itinerary – you don’t want to be stranded in a remote location without transport or with nowhere to sleep for the night because the hotels are all booked.
Don’t avoid new things
Approach your honeymoon with an open mind and try a few new things during your trip. This doesn’t mean you need to go skydiving, but ordering in Spanish or trying a few steps of salsa is part of the fun of travel. When you think back on your Mexican trip in years to come, the first-time experiences will likely be the ones that stick out in your mind.
Do try the food
UNESCO added Mexican cuisine to its cultural heritage list in 2010, so don’t leave this foodie paradise without sampling at least a few delicious dishes. Leave small-minded notions of burritos and melted cheese at home – there is a lot more to Mexican cuisine than Taco Bell.
Don’t mainline street food
An open-minded mentality is great but a reckless attitude towards local street food is very ill-advised. You don’t want to spend most of your honeymoon in the bathroom so avoid barbecued street meat, or very hot chilis. It may be your honeymoon, but the rules of bacteria and hygiene still very much apply.
Don’t drink the tap water
Enjoy as much local food as possible, but be warned: the tap water could make you very sick indeed. As well as steering clear of tap water, it’s best to check that salads are not washed under the tap and ice cubes are made from bottled water.
Don’t take too many photos
There’s nothing wrong with taking honeymoon snaps but don’t try to document every sunset, beach or meal. In fact, research conducted by Linda Henkel, a psychology professor at Fairfield University, suggests that taking too many photos can affect your ability to recall details of the event and has a negative impact on your enjoyment of them. Instead, focus on the present moment and make the most of your time in Mexico together.
Don’t over-spend
Your honeymoon is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend every cent you have. Make sure to choose a Mexican destination you can afford and budget responsibly during your stay.
Don’t be stingy
When it comes to your honeymoon, you should aim for balance. Throwing your money around is best avoided, but don’t scrimp and save so much that the whole experience suffers. Stay in accommodation that you will both enjoy and make sure to buy a couple of great souvenirs that will serve as a reminder of your trip.
Don’t be careless with your valuables
The loss or theft of an engagement ring, wallet or favorite possession can have a terrible effect on your honeymoon. You don’t want to have to keep a constant track of your valuables, so leave them at home in a safe place. Keep any essential possessions such as your passport in the lockers provided by the hotel.
Don’t over pack
Stick to the essentials and avoid bringing anything you don’t really need. Overpacking will leave you lugging around weighty bags and suitcases and can lead to complications with the airline. Check the baggage weight limit on your flights and leave plenty of extra room in your luggage for any souvenirs that you might pick up during your travels.
Don’t spend all your time on the beach
Make sure to spend some time away from the beach and hotel. Coastal resorts such as Cancún and Playa del Carmen are close to extraordinary Mayan ruins, stunning cenotes and wildlife parks, so plan some day trips that will help you make the most of your stay.
Don’t only visit the obvious tourist sights
Mexico is an incredibly diverse country, offering a broad range of spectacular sights and experiences. Before you leave, take a look at the list of Pueblo Mágicos (Magic Towns) in the country. Mexico’s Department of Tourism has chosen 111 towns that are important landmarks lying outside of Mexico’s network of obvious tourist must-sees. Veering from the beaten path is almost always rewarding and will provide a fascinating insight into the “authentic” Mexico.
Don’t wear sandals outside of the coastal resorts
Appropriate footwear is a must if you plan to venture from the beach. You don’t want to visit a remote town in flip flops or sandals. Not only will locals think your fashion choice is odd but a day of sightseeing will likely give you very dirty feet.