Mexico

Mexico: Go

You may have already heard me say that many Americans are afraid to travel, especially to Mexico, based on what they hear in the news. Is all the “scary stuff” false? Of course not. But unfortunately, Mexico is often high on the “Oh no, Susan, I wouldn’t go there if I were you” list.

It’s interesting, affordable, warm, intriguing, nearby, but also foreign (Oxford defines “foreign” as “strange and unfamiliar”). All of that is true, and to me, that’s exactly why you should go.

While I consider myself an expert in many aspects of travel, I’ll admit there’s still a lot of Mexico I have yet to explore. That said, I’ll walk you through my experiences in Mexico and share hours of research I’ve done, both recently and in the past. Let this be your Mexico travel guide.

¡Exploremos México! (Let’s explore Mexico)

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Safety in Mexico

Let’s get the not-so-fun topic out of the way first: safety.

Mexico ranks 138 out of 163 on the Global Peace Index 2024. Yikes, right? Well, the United States ranks 132 on that same list. For perspective: Iceland comes in at #1, and Yemen is last at #163.

The World Population Review ranks countries on a 1 to 5 scale for safety based on several factors. Mexico scored 2.778, while the good ol’ U.S. of A? 2.622.

So, is Mexico “safe”? According to those rankings, not especially. But if you’re reading this from New Hampshire (ranked the #1 safest U.S. state by U.S. News), keep in mind that large parts of the U.S., especially south and west of you, aren’t exactly tranquil either (Maine ranks #2, by the way).

The point: There are definitely places to avoid in Mexico. But this post is about where to go, how to get there, what to do, and how to stay smart while doing it.

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Tijuana

Let’s talk about Tijuana because it’s underrated and comes with a great story.

Back in 2018, my wife and I were visiting San Diego, California, bar-hopping near Coronado and chatting with a few locals, including a bartender (we’ll call her Mary). I asked her the best nearby spot to get tacos. She replied, “Mexico.”

I laughed and waited for her “real” answer, but she just smiled and repeated, “Mexico.”

Luckily, we always travel with our passports, even domestically, so now I was intrigued. She explained that she was from Baja California (the Mexican state where Tijuana is located) and highly recommended exploring it.

I asked about safety. She validated my concerns, saying I wasn’t entirely wrong to be cautious. It was about 11 p.m., and she told us now was definitely not the time to cross. But she encouraged us to go for lunch the next day and gave us a hand-written address in Spanish along with a U.S. phone number: hers. She told us to take a cab after crossing and show them the address, and to text her if we needed anything. She was proud of her hometown and genuinely happy we were willing to explore it.

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Crossing & Exploring

Mary advised against driving over the border, not for safety reasons, but because of the long return lines. Instead, she recommended parking near the border and walking across. We did just that, and we were in Mexico within minutes.

The border agent asked what brought us to Mexico. I replied, “Tacos and beer.” He smiled, stamped our passports, and waved us in.

On the other side, dozens of taxis were lined up, and uniformed police were helping direct traffic and keep things orderly. It felt secure.

We jumped into a cab, and I handed the driver the note Mary wrote (after tearing off her number). He hesitated and asked in English, “Are you sure?” I said yes and asked why he questioned it. He told me it was fine, just not a place U.S. tourists usually go.

About 15 minutes later, we pulled up to what looked like a rundown mall, like something that had closed in 1987. Outside were vendors selling everything from food to knick-knacks. Inside, it was bustling.

While most storefronts were gated shut, the hallways were packed with vendors. It was chaotic, alive, and fascinating.

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Street Food

Now it was time to eat. I had my eye on a few taco stands outside the mall.

Knowing street vendors likely wouldn’t take my Delta Amex, I had exchanged some cash for pesos on the U.S. side. The smallest bill I had was 50 MXN (about $2.50 USD).

I approached a vendor, held up two fingers, and pointed at the grill. With a smile, I was handed a paper plate wrapped in plastic, topped with two tacos filled with mystery “meat.”

I offered two 50 MXN bills, hoping that would be enough. The vendor shook his head. I then offered one 50 MXN bill. He shook his head again. I smiled and pulled out a $1 USD bill. He smiled wide, accepted it with a thank you and a gesture of prayer hands near his heart.

I walked away, puzzled by how cheap it was. Maybe $0.25 USD per taco. I took a bite and instantly knew I’d made the right choice.

Suddenly, I heard someone yelling, “Excuse me!” over and over in broken English. It was the taco vendor, chasing after me. He pointed at the paper plate and said, “Please.” I handed it back. He nodded thank you and ran off.

It was one of those travel moments where you realize that even something as simple as a paper plate has value. Don’t take anything for granted.

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Restaurant Food

That was just an appetizer. My wife wasn’t feeling quite as brave, and I reminded her of something I’d heard before: Street vendors in non-touristy areas are often safer because they serve locals every day, not one-time visitors.

That said, it was time for a sit-down meal.

We walked a few blocks and found what I can only describe as a classic “Mexican Restaurant,” not because we were in Mexico, but because it looked like a spot from a strip mall outside Cleveland.

Maybe we Americans have done a decent job replicating Mexican restaurants in the U.S., or maybe they’re playing off our interpretation. Either way, it felt familiar.

We sat by a window and got two menus. The waitress spoke almost no English, but through pointing, smiling, and patience, we got by just fine.

The food? Great. The beer? Cold. The vibe? Even better. Four tacos cost 120 MXN, about $6 USD.

Now it was time to head back to the land of Uncle Sam and $12 IPAs.

Taxi Back

I tried using Uber at this point. It was available and even offered an “English-speaking driver” option, but nothing was available. So I flagged down a taxi and simply said, “USA, please.”

With a YouTube video playing on his phone in one hand and the other on the wheel, the driver guided us back toward the border. Don’t worry. He looked up at the road when he needed to. Impressive peripheral vision, I guess.

At the crossing, we walked up a small bridge lined with beggars, some with small children. While heartbreaking, we felt it was best to keep moving.

We headed to the Global Entry line (a program we’re enrolled in that allows pre-screened travelers to pass through customs faster). That said, the “regular” line looked just as quick.

With almost no questions asked, we were back on “safe” U.S. soil.

I’ve chosen not to reveal the exact location we visited because I can’t speak to that neighborhood’s safety in 2025. If I went back, I’d do exactly what I did last time: Find a bar on the U.S. side, strike up a conversation, and get a local’s take. Many Tijuanenses live, work, or socialize on the U.S. side. It’s easy to get an up-to-date lay of the land.

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Mexico at Christmas: Puerto Escondido

Trip number two came years later, in December 2023.

We’d always dreamed of spending Christmas on the beach, and this was finally the year to do it. One thing to know: holiday travel in Mexico is far more expensive than other times of year (though bargains can still be found).

I searched over 50 destinations on Google Flights, looking for the best deal. My thinking: if the flights made sense, I could figure out the hotel part later.

My shortlist came down to Cartagena, Colombia or Panama City, Panama. Cartagena had been recommended by a NYC bartender months prior, and I had read a lot about Panama City after a trip to Costa Rica.

Still unsure, I messaged a coworker whose family is from Mexico. She always speaks proudly of visiting family there, so I told her what we were looking for: a beach Christmas, not in an overly touristy town.

She immediately suggested Puerto Escondido, a coastal town in the state of Oaxaca (pronounced wah-HAH-kah). She hadn’t been herself but said it came highly recommended and was on her bucket list.

After some research, it seemed perfect (and spoiler: it was). Flights looked good, too. Delta offered a flight from Boston with an easy layover in Mexico City.

We found an incredible Airbnb, booked the trip, and unintentionally set the stage for a very eventful booking experience.

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The Booking

Not only do I love traveling, I genuinely enjoy the research and booking process. I even help friends find flights just for fun. That skill came in handy here, because this trip required four rebookings.

Initially, Delta had just announced a new daily flight from Boston to Mexico City starting in December 2023. Perfect timing! We booked it, excited to be flying one of the first few weeks of this new route.

Then came the dreaded email: “Your itinerary has changed.”

When you book 6+ months in advance, this is common. Most of the time, it’s just a time shift. This time, it was a complete reroute. We were now flying Boston to Atlanta, Atlanta to Mexico City, and then on to Puerto Escondido, with a 6-hour layover in Atlanta.

I looked for alternatives. None were ideal. One option was driving four hours to JFK in New York, where we could fly the same route without the long layover.

I called Delta. At first, they said switching departure cities would trigger a fare increase. I politely pushed back, explaining Boston no longer had a reasonable option. A few minutes on hold later, they approved the change.

We were booked: JFK → Mexico City → Puerto Escondido. The final leg was with Aeromexico.

But it didn’t last. Another email came. This time, Aeromexico moved our Mexico City → Puerto Escondido flight to a time before our NYC flight even landed.

No automatic rebooking. Just a message telling us to call Delta.

We called. They had no great solutions. Every flight from the U.S. landed after the only daily flight to Puerto Escondido had departed.

So, I suggested a one-night stay in Mexico City.

Delta rebooked us with a 22-hour layover. I researched neighborhoods and settled on Polanco, an upscale area known for great food and shopping. My coworker confirmed it was a smart choice.

We booked a night at the JW Marriott Polanco, and just like that, Mexico City became part of the journey.

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Mexico City

December arrived, and fate stepped in again.

My wife had work in NYC for most of December and was already staying there. Perfect! On Saturday, December 23, we woke up early and headed to JFK, boarding our flight to the largest city in North America.

Customs was quick, and we easily found an Uber.

About 30 minutes later, we arrived at the JW Marriott. We were told our room wasn’t quite ready, but we’d been upgraded to a nicer one than even the Marriott app showed.

So we left our bags and went for lunch.

That’s when my wife realized she had left her favorite jacket in the Uber. I called the driver, but he didn’t speak English. The hotel concierge stepped in, translated for us, and ten minutes later, the jacket arrived.

Crisis averted.

We felt completely safe walking around Polanco. We found a bar with outdoor seating, had a great meal, and politely declined candy bars offered by children and souvenir sellers.

A man approached with a shoe cleaning kit and offered to clean my sneakers. They were filthy, so I agreed. He took both shoes off my feet and walked away (yes, really).

He sat on the curb and went to work while I sat at the table in just my socks, sipping a margarita. When he returned, the shoes were much cleaner. Not perfect, but way better.

After some awkward back-and-forth, I paid him about $15 USD. Probably too much, but lesson learned.

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The Penthouse Surprise

As we returned to the hotel, I received a notification on the Marriott app: YOUR ROOM IS READY!

Right as we stepped into the lobby, the front desk agent smiled, walked around the counter, handed us our keys, and said:

“Enjoy your penthouse.”

She wasn’t kidding.

We were upgraded to a 1,600+ square foot suite, way more space than we needed, but we weren’t complaining. The room came with a fully stocked kitchen (beer, liquor, snacks), and we made the most of it.

For my fellow Marriott fans: I had applied a nightly upgrade certificate and got confirmed five days out. The second upgrade happened at check-in.

Was the JW Marriott Polanco worth it?
Absolutely.
Is Mexico City worth a visit?
Also yes.

There’s a lot more of the city to explore, and not all areas are as upscale as Polanco, but we’ll definitely be back. Mexico City was just the appetizer. Time for the main course.

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Puerto Escondido

Puerto Escondido is a beach town in the southern state of Oaxaca. The airport code is PXM, and the airport is super close to the town center.

I learned ahead of time that no rental car was necessary. Taxis are safe and affordable.

After landing, we walked a few steps outside to the taxi stand, handed over the address to our Airbnb, and were on our way. The ride was short and pleasant.

We turned down a dirt road with the ocean wide open in front of us, and our Airbnb right at the edge. This would be our home for the next several days.

After settling in, we set out to explore. It was about a 10-minute walk to the main street, lined with bars, restaurants, shops, and a central beach entrance.

Using Google Translate, we scanned the menu outside a restaurant and decided to give it a try. The food and drinks were fantastic, and apparently, the local dogs agreed. There were more of them there than any nearby spot.

As the sun began to set, we called it a night, excited to wake up to a Christmas morning on the beach.

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Beach Time: Playa Carrizalillo

Puerto Escondido is known for its beaches, and there are several to choose from.

Our “local” beach was Playa Carrizalillo, about a 15-minute walk plus a steep staircase down to the sand. But once we made it down, it was paradise.

Yes, I know that word is overused when describing tropical beaches. But this one truly felt like ours.

We rented two beach chairs from a vendor who also sold drinks and food. For about a $20 USD minimum spend, the chairs were ours all day. Even with beers running around $1.25 USD, hitting that minimum wasn’t hard.

(Quick note: I reference everything here in USD, but I paid with either pesos or credit card.)

The water was warm. The people were friendly. The vibe was relaxing and welcoming.

Was Playa Carrizalillo worth it?
Yes, 100%.

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Beach Time: Playa Manzanillo

Next up: Playa Manzanillo. It was about a 30-minute walk, still very doable.

This beach had a more “active” vibe. Small boats coming in and out, and more vendors selling food, drinks, and gear. We rented chairs and stayed a while. I spent most of the time in the water, chatting with people as they waded by.

One couple from the U.S. was also staying nearby, one of the few Americans we saw that week. Most visitors seemed to be from Mexico or Central America, though there were a fair number of Europeans as well.

On the walk home, my wife noticed a woman cutting fresh cantaloupe outside what looked like a small business. Curious, we approached. A man smiled and waved us in.

He led us to a table by a railing. A stunning ocean view from what must’ve been 200 feet up on a cliff.

It turned out to be a tiny, family-run restaurant. I grabbed a couple of beers from the old Coca-Cola cooler, and we ordered a large bowl of fruit.

(Full disclosure: I hate cantaloupe. I’d rather chew the tree that was literally growing through the roof of the place. My wife loved it though.)

The building needed TLC, but we felt safe and incredibly welcome.

Playa Manzanillo worth it?
Absolutely.

New Friends and Filet Mignon

Our Airbnb had a beautiful backyard pool overlooking the ocean. It was shared with the neighbors downstairs, but they hadn’t arrived until day three of our visit.

When they finally did, we headed to the pool around the same time. I overheard two men speaking German, a very distinct accent. We had visited Berlin not long ago, so I smiled and greeted them in German.

One of them responded with a full sentence I couldn’t follow, and I had to admit (in English) that my German was extremely limited. That broke the ice, as it usually does.

We soon learned they were a group of friends: One was German, now living in Japan with his Mexican wife. His daughter still lived in Puerto Escondido.

We chatted for a while before mentioning we were heading out for dinner. They recommended a restaurant and told us it had “the best filet mignon in the world.”

A few seconds later, the wife walked over and said they had decided to go to that restaurant that night too and wanted to invite us to join.

This is what I love about travel: Learning, culture, food, drinks, great people, great weather, all in one night.

Sometimes it’s smart to say no. Trust your gut. In this case, we said yes.

We exchanged numbers and agreed to meet at the restaurant an hour later. They apologized (unnecessarily) for not having room in their car.

When our taxi dropped us off, we were at what appeared to be a boutique hotel with a poolside restaurant. Our friends texted to say they were running a little late, but the reservation was under their name.

I approached the host stand and explained we were with a party of eight. She smiled, held up one finger, and walked off, presumably to find someone who spoke English.

Instead, a woman returned and said, “Follow me,” in a strong German accent. I couldn’t help but smile at the connection.

Our friends arrived shortly after, and we settled in. They explained they had become friendly with the German-born owner over the years.

We drank wine, ordered appetizers, enjoyed filets, sipped mezcal, took a shot of tequila, and laughed the night away by the pool.

They lit cigarettes while we declined (but didn’t judge). We reflected not just on the evening, but on how lucky we were to have this life and the courage to say yes when it makes sense.

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Mezcal

Before this trip, I knew almost nothing about mezcal.

According to Food Network, mezcal is a smoky Mexican spirit made from agave, specifically the piña (the plant’s heart).

The state of Oaxaca is famous for mezcal, so we knew we had to learn more.

We booked a tour with Puerto Mezcal Tours, which included pickup and drop-off at our Airbnb, a nice bonus considering there would be samples.

The tour was short but very informative. We learned about the distilling process and the difference between types. The real highlight, though, was the tasting session.

In between mezcal samples, they offered us spicy crickets to snack on (yes, real bugs). And yes, we tried them.

Another “just say yes” moment.
It was fun, delicious, educational, and memorable.

Highly recommend this tour if you’re in town.

Summary: Is Mexico How I Travel?

Yes.

Mexico is an incredible, vibrant country that’s often misunderstood. The people are warm, generous, and proud of their culture. In every city and town we visited, locals went out of their way to make us feel welcome.

I’ve never stayed at a resort in Mexico, and while I’m sure many of them are wonderful, that’s not how I travel (usually).

If you’re thinking about visiting Mexico and truly want to experience the country, here’s my advice:

• Skip the all-inclusive.
• Skip the cruise ship day pass.
• Book a flight. Find an Airbnb. Walk the streets. Eat the tacos. Talk to strangers.

Go to Puerto Escondido.
Explore Mexico City.
Cross the border into Tijuana just for a taco.

Will there be risk? Sure. But there’s risk in every good adventure. Be smart. Be open. Be respectful.

And above all: GO!