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How to Save Money Traveling in Mexico
Mexico has a colourful history, beautiful geographical features, and wonderful foods. From the noisy and crowded city in Mexico to the seashores of Tulum, Mexico is worth a visit. But it is possible to travel Mexico and explore this diverse country quickly and try all the delicious dishes very fast if one is not careful with the spending. The good news is that there are many ways to take full advantage of the opportunities that Mexico has to offer without an expensive endeavour. In this article, we will present eight useful tips to help travellers save their money while travelling in Mexico so that nobody would have to sacrifice the quality and joy of travelling because of the budget.
Discover Street Food
Another great way to enjoy a tasty meal in Mexico and spend a little money is by learning how to be a fan of street food. Mexican food ranges from tacos and tamales to elotes and churros – all of which are delicious and don’t have to be expensive. Guerilleros is a widespread Mexican phenomenon, and buying food on the street is cheap and a good way to experience the culture. These can be a couple of dollars cheaper than the prices of most sit-down restaurants, so you can taste many dishes for a reasonable price.
However, street food is enjoyable due to its tasty flavour, aside from having to save money. It has been a popular tendency for many vendors to use the freshest possible local products as part of their ingredients, and many of the recipes have been passed down through generations. Always order the speciality dish wherever you are, and do not be afraid to ask people around for the most recommended ones—as they can recommend you to the ones with the best tasty foods at pocket-friendly prices.
Utilize Public Transportation
Moving from one city of Mexico to another can be cheap and effective through the use of public means of transport. Taxis and car-hailing apps are pricier, while buses and metro systems are cheaper and can take you almost anywhere you want. For instance, in Mexico City, the metro is affordable and usually faster than driving a car with traffic jams and little money in your pocket.
That means you should use long-distance buses when you are moving from one city to another. Most of the time, they are conveniently more comfortable than flying and are usually more economical. These firms, like ADO and ETN, have vast networks) of terminals that are equipped with some of the latest features. If you anticipate your routes in advance, you can use public transportation instead of spending lots of money and better understand the local culture.
Stay in Budget Accommodations
The biggest concern for most travellers in Mexico is how they will afford quality accommodation since cost is an important consideration. Though there are many luxury hotels, Thailand has innumerable cheap hotels, including hostels, guest houses, and economical boutique hotels. Preferably, a platform like Hostelworld or Airbnb can give you the cheap yet comfortable accommodation you prefer.
Furthermore, one may consider getting a hotel on the outskirts of the tourist centres or the towns/regional districts. Not only will you get cheaper accommodation, but you will also be able to stay in a more real version of Mexico. Local interaction can be quite productive and fun during your travels, and it can make you discover things that can not be seen in most tourism areas.
Mexico has many free activities that will inform you about its history and beauty throughout the country. As mentioned earlier, many of the country’s archaeology sites, like Teotihuacan or Tulum, have free or relatively cheap entrance fees, allowing you to spend less money while learning about Mexico’s history. On the same note, most museums are closed one day in the week, but they have free entry on their opening days, so it is advisable to check the schedules.
Other fine tourist attractions that are fun and free include parks and gardens, beaches, and city squares. Having fun at your local beach for a day or hiking and camping in a national park without spending a dime is possible. You can minimize expenses if you decide to spend Meet Mexican nature through hiking, swimming, or picnicking.
Limit Expensive Activities
Thus, despite the wonderful things a visitor to Mexico can do, some can be expensive. To save money on tours or activities, look for more activities in the region at a cheaper price. For instance, looking for self-suitable sightseeing is cheaper than taking a commercialized guided tour. Information can be obtained through posters or notices at many places, or even walking tours are available in many places.
Furthermore, options that will help minimize the group cost should be considered. Sharing your travel costs with other friends or choosing a group travelling or tourism may greatly reduce the costs according to the number of people. If you plan to snorkel, zipline, or have a guide for the day or multiple days, try to enquire about group rates, which could make you have these fun activities at more credible prices.
Shop Smart for Souvenirs
I learned that souvenir costs add up if one is not keen on the amount spent. There are tourist shops that tend to overcharge, so finding local markets would be a better deal for souvenirs and art. Stores like the Mercado de la Ciudadela in Mexico present many hand-made products in its outlets at affordable rates. Here, you can acquire household textiles, pottery products, jewellery, and many more, all designed by locals, especially talented females.
Negotiation should not trigger shyness—it is widely used in Mexico. Being able to negotiate nicely not only gets you a discount but also allows you to have wonderful interactions with local vendors. If you look for the local markets and buy souvenirs attentively, you will not pay the tourist overprice.
Organize Your Travel for Off-Seasons
If you visit Mexico during one of the low tourism periods, then you are assured of low rates for hotels and other activities. Peak travel seasons are from December to April, often during Christmas and summer holidays or vacations. To avoid the hustle and bustle of large crowds, it is advisable to plan your travelling during the off-peak or the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn, respectively, since the costs of flights and accommodation are relatively cheap.
Apart from the advantage of conserving costs, travelling during less busy times can be fun and splendid. Service lines will be shorter, rooms will be available in accommodation establishments, and many tourist destinations will be less crowded. It is also worth discovering local events, which may provide additional experiences likely to be overlooked during heavy tourism.
Make Use of Local Discounts
Some things that recur in many places in Mexico that can help save some bucks include student discounts, senior citizen discounts, and residents’ discounts. There is usually a possibility of discounts, so when in museums or other cultural attractions, ask. Perhaps you will be shocked by the number of sights that allow you to save money or even visit for free on some days. It’s also useful to have your student ID or some other form of identification with you.
Finally, there are some city tickets where visitors can acquire several sightseeing attractions at a discounted price. These passes also cover public transport, so it is better to opt for budget travel. You can, therefore, complete your experience by booking at your convenience to avoid any form of strain on your pocket using local discounts and passes.
Conclusion
It is important to note that travelling in Mexico on a low budget is not only possible but also enlightening. When you take street food, public transport, and cheap hotels, you can experience the culture and beautiful scenery of the country without paying big bucks. However, learning to take advantage of free attractions and other discounts at the destination can help make the traveller’s trip even more memorable. It can be useful for keeping expenses to a minimum. If one can plan and dedicate efforts to its creation and interaction with the locals, one is assured that creating good memories in Mexico does not have to burn a hole in one’s pocket all the time.
FAQs
Who are the budget travellers, and when is the best time to go to Mexico?
Mexican budget travellers should consider visiting the country during the slightly colder shoulder seasons of late April/early June and late September/early October, as the prices are lower.
Where can I get cheap hotels or a cheap place to rent in Mexico?
Referral sites for hostels, cheap hotels, and budget accommodations include Airbnb and similarly structured sites such as Backpack.com, Booking.com, and Hostelworld. To find good prices, seek hotels that are guest houses, hostels, or boutiques on streets that are not heavily travelled.
Is it safe to consume most of the Mexican street foods?
Overall, street foods are okay to consume, especially when bought from stalls with many customers, usually in a single day. It is always appropriate to select vendors that prepare food items on-site and wash your foods properly.
Is there anything to do in Mexico that costs nothing?
Yes, Mexico has lots of free things to do with the places, such as parks, beaches, and certain archaeological zones. Some museums also have free admission days, so you must find out beforehand.
Can I negotiate prices for souvenirs?
Yes, bargaining is very popular in the markets and shops around Mexico. Most sellers are willing to negotiate, so one should not be afraid to ask for better prices on souvenirs.