Mexico covers a surface of 761 thousand square miles and is divided into 31 states and the federal district. At present time it has a population of approximately 100 million people. The country is bordered in the south by Guatemala and Belize and in the north by the United States of America. It is surrounded by 4 coasts: The Sea of Cortes, the Pacific Ocean, the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico.

Mexico is a diverse country and a millennial culture with the Olmecan tribe being the first civilization that appeared around 1500 years BC. Mexico is rich in traditions, history, art and religion offering a complete tourist infrastructure that guarantees a comfortable and secure stay of those visiting its different destinations. Mexico has everything!

When looking for a Mexico vacation, travelers have a wide range of choices. Decide the kind of holiday you want. Mexico offers sunny beaches, incredible sightseeing, and delicious cuisine. While some tourists prefer to lounge on a sunny beach while sipping a cold alcoholic beverage, other travelers delight in exploring architectural wonders. Travelers should consider their needs before choosing their Mexico vacation because some areas are definitely tourist traps while others are remote and less crowded.

Many hotels in Mexico offer all-inclusive packages. All-inclusive hotels make sense on a tight budget, as all meals, drinks, and many activities are included in the room rate. For this reason, visitors on a budget love planning a Mexico vacation. A traveler can visit a foreign country while keeping expenses to a minimum. Typically, an all-inclusive Mexico vacation can be found for a fraction of the cost of a visit to Hawaii or Tahiti.

Mexico's largest city is Mexico City. Though the crime rate can be slightly higher in Mexico City, the city is working hard to increase police patrol. Tourism to this city is growing. People looking for a Mexico vacation often consider Mexico City for its rich culture and wide range of attractions. The old-world feel and amazing architecture draw tourists in. Many Aztec ruins are on display throughout Mexico City. The wide array of restaurants, shopping boutiques, concert halls, and museums help place Mexico City high on tourists' Mexico vacation lists.

If sun and fun is on a traveler's mind, Cozumel, Cancun, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, and Acapulco are fantastic choices for a Mexico vacation. Cozumel and Cancun are located on the eastern tip of Mexico. All-inclusive hotels abound ensuring that tourists match an inexpensive Mexico vacation with incredible beaches and surf. On the western side, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, and Acapulco are slightly higher in price, but the scenery is different. Older buildings meld seamlessly into the scenery creating stunning visuals along side gorgeous beaches. Don't forget your camera. And lots of film; or make that memory.

Travelers that are more adventurous can head to the more remote sections of Mexico for their Mexico vacation. Merida was built over the Mayan city of Ti'ho. The architecture in Merida takes the tourist back to the days of the Mayan empire. Many of the residents are of Mayan ancestry. They speak the language, lean towards Mayan cuisine, and dress in Mayan style clothing. Merida is an excellent Mexico vacation choice for history lovers.

Taking a Mexico vacation can be exhilarating. To enter Mexico, a passport is necessary. Tourists must ensure that they have a valid passport before leaving on their vacation. Beyond that restriction, tourists are open to visit any Mexican area.

Mexico has a 15% value-added tax (IVA) which by law must be included in quoted prices. Sometimes, usually in top-end hotels, prices are quoted without this tax. Tipping in restaurants in resort areas is equivalent to US levels, somewhere between 15% and 20%. Outside these areas, a tip of 10% is sufficient at mid-range restaurants. Generally, staff at smaller, cheaper places do not expect a tip. Expect to bargain at markets and with drivers of taxis without meters. Treat haggling as a form of social interaction rather than a matter of life and death.

Off to Mexico and have a great Mexican vacation!

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