Trip Report: 5 Weeks in Mexico

Old Volkswagen Beetle in Playa del Carmen

I’m back from my 5 week long backpacking trip through the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, and wanted to update everyone with a final report about the overal experience. I had a fantastic time, it was everything I hoped it would be and more.

The Experience

The first thing I want to say is that Mexico is not as dangerous as people make it out to be. While I did only spend my time in the Yucatan Peninsula, I can say with confidence that this area is safer and friendlier than many parts of the US. Because the American media only reports on sensational news that happens in Mexico, individuals who have never been there assume that the whole country is a wild and dangerous place. This gives people a skewed view about the country, resulting in a sort of mass hysteria. Mexico is very big, and just because there is violence in parts of the North does not mean the whole country is some sort of failed state. Major cities in the US have ridiculous crime rates, but that does not mean it’s unsafe for foreign travelers to visit our country either.

While knowledge of Spanish would be a great benefit, it is not needed to travel in a foreign country. I was a bit worried about my lack of Spanish, and people in this area of Mexico do not speak much English. It was frustrating to communicate at times, but it wasn’t impossible. I carried a small Spanish phrasebook that covered the basics which worked fine.

As an American, most of the time I was treated like a celebrity, but sometimes I had to endure ridicule. There was more of the former than the latter though. In touristy towns the local population just sees you as a way to make money, which is another reason I’m glad I didn’t spend too much time in these places. You can’t be hot-headed or have low self-esteem if you want to travel, because people WILL laugh at and make fun of you, and not always in a light-hearted manner.

For the most part the people I met in Mexico were all incredibly friendly, hard working, patient, and generous individuals. Many would insist on buying drinks or cooking food for me, without wanting anything in return other than conversation and friendship. Sure, there were “touts” and beggars, but you’ll find them in most places. Complete strangers would help me with directions or interpret bus announcements. At first I was wary of this type of thing, my own hidden fears showing themselves. But the more it happened the more I realized it was just natural kindness. Good luck trying to find that kind of attitude in South Florida!

Americans don’t travel to this area of Mexico much. In my 5 weeks of travel here, I only met 3 or 4 other travelers from the US. Most of the travelers I met were from Europe or Mexico City. The summer season is slow here because of the heat, and boy did I feel it. I got used to not having AC after a while though, and changing my shirt twice a day. The cold showers were actually nice in the afternoons. Even with the heat, I’m glad I visited Mexico at this time of year, because there were hardly any other tourists around.

Mexico Travel Costs:

Here is a breakdown of how much money I spent during my 5 weeks in Mexico:

• Food & Drink: $367 US (groceries, restaurants, water, alcohol)
• Accommodation: $327 US (hostels, hotels, camping fees)
• Transportation: $149 US (buses & taxis)
• Entertainment: $86 US (entrance fees, shows, gear rental, etc.)
• Shopping: $66 US (gifts & souvenirs)

TOTAL SPENT = $995 US

DAILY AVERAGE = $27.64 US

While this may seem like a very low number, Mexico is cheap to travel through if you avoid the major tourist cities. Staying in dorms at backpacking hostels and traveling by second class bus and collectivos saved me a lot of money. So did cooking a majority of my own meals. I did make sure to eat out at least once a day at either restaurants or street vendors. I never felt like I was missing out on something important because I was spending less money, in fact I actually felt like I was receiving a more worthwhile experience by eating and getting around like a local would.

Mexico Travel Photo Gallery

View My Full Photo Slideshow

How I’ve Changed

One major change I’ve seen in myself since I got back to the US is that I am starting to resist the rampant consumerism that exists in our country. Living out of my backpack was one of the most liberating and happy experiences I’ve ever had, and it’s already changing the way I live back in America. As soon as I got back I started selling crap I don’t need and hardly ever use, trying to simplify my life.

I think I’m becoming a lot more relaxed and patient with problems that may pop up from time to time as well. Bus breakdowns in the middle of nowhere, towns without working ATMs, getting caught in downpours, no hot water, walking everywhere, foreign language issues, power outages, lack of air conditioning in 102 degree heat and other experiences I had in Mexico make the minor inconveniences that many people in our country complain about seem downright funny. I’ve started to realize just how selfish and lucky we Americans really are.

What’s Next?

I head out for a full year of traveling around the world in the Fall of 2010. In the meantime, I’ll be working on projects here in South Florida to save money for the big trip. But I’ll still be posting to this blog over the next few months while I engage in some local Florida travel to the Everglades, Miami, and Key West.