Jo’s Mexico: a TravelLocal trip

Mexico’s many facets make it a sure-fire bucket list-ticking destination. Ancient relics of the Mayan civilisation convey the country’s complex heritage, while the colonial charms of towns like Oaxaca never fail to enchant. The country’s zesty food scene beckons travellers just as much as its history, and you can learn about authentic cuisine by way of bustling markets, street kitchens and cookery classes. For those in search of pure relaxation, Mexico’s diverse coastline is a sight to behold, facing out to the Pacific Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Sea of Cortez across more than 9,000km. Our Chief Marketing Officer Jo Rance recently embarked on a TravelLocal trip to Mexico, where she and her family were able to experience all that this country has to offer! Read on as she shares her adventure and offers tips on how to plan a Mexico trip…

How would you define a tailor-made trip?

Simply put, a tailor-made trip is one that is crafted uniquely for you to match your interests, needs and budget. Like a bespoke suit, it may have some similarities to more generic, off-the-peg offerings (after all, you often want to take in a destination’s highlights just as you want a suit to have sleeves) but it will be crafted perfectly for you. The right hotels, the right restaurants, the right tours, the right timings…

At TravelLocal, our local experts are experts at creating tailor-made trips. It’s why we’ve selected them and why we are happy to put you directly in touch with them. They live in your destination and therefore have the most up-to-date and relevant knowledge when it comes to exploring their country. No one knows a country like a local.

Why did you choose to plan your trip with TravelLocal?

I have always self-booked in the past but loved the idea of being helped by an expert who was a genuine local in Mexico. It meant that we had access to all sorts of insider knowledge and tips that we simply wouldn’t have found on our own, as well as the reassurance of a local contact whenever we needed it. That really paid off when we missed our connection in Houston (worst transit airport ever): one WhatsApp message reorganized the airport transfer, hotel, and our planned foodie city tour with zero stress. It also feels great to know that more of your money stays in the local economy, so you’re doing more good while having your dream trip.

How would you describe your experience of planning a trip with a local expert?

Excellent from start to finish. We had some very specific requests, for example family rooms but only full-sized beds (my 15-year-old son is 6ft2), and a birthday celebration for my other son who turned 12 during the trip. These were more than met – including some incredible hotels, and a private boat trip complete with a mariachi birthday serenade.

What was your favourite part about visiting Mexico?

I can’t choose just one so I’ve gone for two – the food and the cenotes.

We took a foodie tour of Mexico City, which helped us better understand what and how to order, and how to pick a great taqueria; it also encouraged us to try many new dishes. We enjoyed the food at every one of our many stops.

The cenotes (underground sinkholes) were breathtaking. We were lucky enough to have one entirely to ourselves, 50m deep and lit by a single rooftop hole. We’ll never forget swimming in the crystal-clear, bottomless, freezing-cold water.

Can you recommend any unmissable experiences in Mexico?

Swim in a cenote, visit Teotihuacán (we preferred this historic site near Mexico City to the more famous Chichén Itzá), eat at a local taqueria, join the locals for a dance in the town square in Mérida on a warm Sunday evening, and go into every church you pass – sometimes the plainest exterior conceals a truly awe-inspiring interior.

What advice would you give those looking to plan a Mexico trip?

Mexico is huge and can seem overwhelming, so it’s worth seeking advice from a local expert to help you get the most from your trip. One of the things that really worked for us was having all the many different activities and places we wanted to do and see seamlessly connected with our transport and transfers – this enabled us to really make the most of our two weeks.

Make it happen

If Jo’s trip has got you feeling inspired to travel to Mexico, get in touch with our local experts and start planning your tailor-made itinerary today! They’re equipped with all the knowledge to help you understand how to plan a Mexico trip, and will get the ball rolling for an epic adventure.