Updated On May 15, 2024

By SaraNextGen

Tips for traveling in Mexico during the COVID-19 era

As travelers, we must be very aware that our responsibility is not only to take care of ourselves, but to mitigate the risks to the population of the place where we arrive.

• Is it safe to travel, where is it safe to go, is it better to go by car or by plane? There are many questions surrounding travel in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Travel can be as risky as the tourist wants it to be. But we must also consider that sometimes those who are most at risk are the members of the host community. As travelers, we must be very aware that our responsibility is not only to take care of ourselves, but also to mitigate the risks to the population of the place where we arrive. Although each case is particular, and should be reviewed according to the conditions of the trip, we share this series of general recommendations for those who decide to travel in Mexico.

• Where to go

• Until the health crisis has been controlled, the recommendation is to avoid destinations (or activities) with crowds of people. More than a constraint, it is an opportunity to open the door to more remote and solitary places that probably would not have been on the list of possible vacations before. Now more than ever, the economy of some destinations depends on the reactivation of tourism.

• A consultation before choosing a destination

• Each case is different; there are people who put their health at greater risk doing certain types of activities that for others do not represent such a high risk. A consultation, even by telephone, with the doctor can clarify the panorama of what can and cannot be done.

• Each case is unique and must be studied according to the conditions of the trip and those who are going to do it.

• Research before booking

• Just as the location, price and availability of dates are elementary factors to consider before making a reservation; from now on it will also be important to take into account the sanitary measures and restrictions carried out by the hotels, restaurants and destinations you plan to visit.

• It is important to consider that your suitcase will have new items that you probably would not have packed before:

• More than one reusable mask.

• More than one small bottle of antibacterial gel distributed in different places (car, jacket, backpack, etc.) to have on hand at all times.

• Carry a pack of sanitizing wipes.

• Consider carrying extra footwear, specifically designated for use in public spaces.

• Open Spaces

• According to experts, frequenting open spaces is safer than enclosed spaces because of how the particles that can carry the coronavirus behave. Factors such as keeping a healthy distance and avoiding being in an air current coming from a group of strangers are very important to avoid contagion. This applies to beaches, parks or any open space.

• Do not take unnecessary risks

• It is common for accidents to happen during a trip. This forces people to go to hospitals or doctors' offices, red hotspots of infection at this time. Extreme activities or games that may cause accidents in children should be avoided.

• Traveling on the road

• The car is emerging as one of the best ways to travel while finding a vaccine for COVID-19; this implies choosing destinations not so far away from home. It is useful to understand it as a bubble that one should try not to break until arriving at the destination: if it is necessary to get out at some point, hands should be washed and footwear disinfected before getting in so as not to compromise the hygiene of the car.

• Traveling with pets

• In the same way that you should disinfect your shoes, if a dog has walked on surfaces that could be considered a source of infection, you should clean its paws with soap and water. A veterinarian should be consulted, since there are products such as chlorine that can harm the animal.

• Post-travel measures

• While the responsibility of the traveler during his vacation is with the community that welcomes him, upon his return he must do the same with those who surround his home. The recommendation is to try not to go out for 14 days to make sure that nobody got sick during the trip and that the virus does not spread further.