AT A GLANCE Mexico has become one of the most popular destinations for British holidaymakers in recent years.

With its white sandy beaches and stylish accommodation, the country is a haven for luxury and relaxation. The warm climate means that Mexico is a fantastic place to visit at any time of year, perfect for families and couples alike. WHEN TO GO There really is no bad time to visit Mexico. Different times of the year appeal to different people though so its always good to know what the weather will be like and which events and festivals will be taking place. Beach resorts in the country are at their hottest between June and September, while it is slightly cooler between October and May. The famous Day of the Dead Festival - where Mexicans celebrate their deceased loved ones - takes place from October 31st to November 2nd. Weather Spring: The weather begins to heat up after a mild winter making it a great time to travel Summer: Scorching temperatures can reach over 30, but its also rainy season between May and October with tropical storms and thunderstorms likely Autumn: The best and most popular time to visit with warm temperatures, yet not too hot to feel uncomfortable Winter: Inland temperatures can reach freezing between December and February, however coastal regions are still pleasant

Image: Sunshine by Grand Velas Riviera Maya

THINGS TO DO Mexico is home to some of the most famous attractions in the world so there are plenty of things to do if youre looking for a bit more than just lounging around on the gorgeous beaches all day. From archaeological sites to fascinating museums, here are some of the must-see attractions in the country. Attractions Chichen Itza: A breathtaking pyramid with Mayan architecture that is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World Xcaret Ecological Park: Located in the Riviera Maya, this recreational park offers various attractions with an array of nature to discover Tulum: An archaeological site situated on the cliffs overlooking the Yucatn Peninsula Xel-H Water Park: A fantastic water park and natural aquarium with activities such as snorkelling and swimming with dolphins Coba: The site of a large ruined city located around two lagoons with an ancient pyramid Teotihuacan: Just 30 miles northeast of Mexico City, various pyramidal structures dominant the landscape here

Museo Soumaya: A museum in Mexico City holding art, historical documents and religious relics Museo Nacional de Arte: Dedicated to fine art in Mexico, this national art museum can be found in Mexico City Ik Kil: A spectacular cenote (sink hole) located in the Yucatn Peninsula open to the public for swimming

Nightlife Some of the best areas for nightlife in the world can be found in Mexicos main resorts of Cancun and Mexico City. Whatever type of music youre into, youll be able to choose from a range of laidback beach bars and dynamic nightclubs. Cancun: If you want to party hard long into the early hours of the morning, Cancun is the place to go. In fact, some places dont even open until around 10:30pm. The main nightclubs include Coco Bongo, Congo Bar and Dady Rock, while there is also an array of bars and live music for every taste. Mexico City: Home to a diverse mix of bars, clubs and restaurants, there is a lively night scene in Mexico City. Music in the main clubs such as Bulldog Cafe ranges from rock and pop to electronic, with many places staying open all night. For live music, the Blu Bar is a great option with jazz and soul on the menu. Playa del Carmen: A varied mix of nightlife can be found in Playa del Carmen. Many of the bars are on the beach and open air so youll be able to dance the night away whilst looking up at the stars. Other bars have outdoor seating, while the fire shows on the beach are not to be missed.

Day Trips Around Mexico Dont just stick to your hotels for the duration of your holiday in Mexico. Whichever resort youre staying in, youll be able to embark on a number of day trips to explore even more of this magnificent country. Weve picked out some of the best: Cozumel: The largest island in the Mexican Caribbean, and just a short ferry ride from Playa del Carmen. The clear waters here make it an excellent location for scuba diving and snorkelling, while there are many species of birds and small animals to discover, as well as the Chankanaab National Park - a botanical garden featuring tropical plants.

Isla Mujeres: This 5 mile long island is the perfect place to relax and unwind in breathtaking surroundings. The Turtle Farm, Isla Contoy and Garrafon Park are some of the main attractions here, while there are plenty of options for snorkelling. A ferry to Isla Mujeres from Cancun takes around 20 minutes.

Sian Kaan Ecological Reserve: Sian Kaan is one of Mexicos largest protected areas with around 1.3 million acres of unspoiled natural beauty. Situated south of Tulum, visitors can explore unexcavated Mayan ruins, freshwater canals and lagoons.

Akumal: Located around 60 miles south of Cancun, Akumal is a fishing village which is great for water sports such as windsurfing or diving. The village is also home to the Ecological Centre with an array of local flora and fauna, while many seafood restaurants line the beach.

Images: Chichen Itza by Celso Flores / Tulum by Pete Sulick / Teotihuacan by Owen Prior / Drinking in Cancun by Ewen Roberts / Snorkelling in Cozumel by Julie Falk / Turtle Farm at Isla Mujeres by Alaskan Dude / Sian Kaan Ecological Reserve by Claire Dancer / Akumal Dive Center by Bettyx1138

SHOPPING From jewellery stands in the street to huge, modern shopping centres, there is a shopping experience for everyone in Mexico. The major resorts and cities in the country are home to some of the worlds most famous fashion brands, while markets are a great place for anyone looking to soak up the vibrant atmosphere and grab a bargain or two.

Shopping Centres: La Isla Shopping Village: Home to 150 stores, this shopping and entertainment centre is the finest place to shop in Cancun Kukulcan Plaza: Cancuns most luxurious shopping centre featuring an array of shops selling everything from extravagant jewellery to designer clothes Sanborns: A huge department store in Mexico City with various shops selling jewellery, toys, books, make-up and much more Centro Sante Fe: Home to over 300 shops, this is the largest shopping centre in Mexico and even has its own cinema Markets: Bazar Sbado: Open every Saturday in Mexico City, this market sells a variety of traditional Mexican crafts San Juan Market: A popular food market in Mexico City, famous for selling exotic meats such as lion, ostrich and deer Coral Negro: Located in the heart of Cancun, all kind of souvenirs and handicrafts can be found here
Image: Cancun Jewellery by Apium on Flickr

FOOD & DRINK Mexican food in England is all about nachos and burritos, but traditional cuisine in Mexico offers so much more than that. The key ingredients in many dishes include corn, rice and beans, which are joined by meat, vegetables and of courses spices. Tamales - meat wrapped in banana leaves - are a popular street food, while chilaquiles are a delightful breakfast treat with sliced onion, white cheese, sour cream and sizzling green or red sauce. Of course, no visit to Mexico is complete without sampling a glass or two of tequila. Popular Mexico Hotspots: Cancun: A huge variety of food can be found here from French and Italian to Chinese and American cuisine. Tasty fusions between Mexican fare and French and Italian cooking have been created in many of the finest restaurants. A variety of top-notch places to eat are located in the Hotel Zone or the Downtown Cancun areas that are popular with both tourists and locals alike. Mexico City: Over 36,000 restaurants can be found in Mexico City so theres certainly something to suit everyone here. From high-end cuisine to scrumptious street food including tortillas and tacos, if you love your food, youll definitely love Mexico City. The majority of the top restaurants can be found in Polanco, Santa Fe and Las Lomas towards the centre of the city. Playa del Carmen: Top-quality Italian restaurants can be found on almost every street in this popular resort, as well as in many of the hotels. Authentic Mexican cuisine from empanadas to tacos can be found in the Grand Velas Resort, while The Tides is also a popular hotspot for Mexican food lovers.
Image: Tamales by Daniel Rincon

CULTURE & ETIQUETTE The family is at the heart of social structure in Mexico and many families are quite large. Males in the country are incredibly macho with many men displaying machismo on a daily basis. Festivals are also very important in Mexico including The Day of the Dead and their version of Independence Day. Useful Phrases Quiero ver la carta - I would like to see the menu Ando perdido - I am lost No entiendo - I dont understand Dos and Donts DO buy bottled water as tap water in Mexico is not safe to drink DONT wear expensive jewellery or take large sums of money out with you DONT leave valuables unattended and always keep things like money and passports locked in the hotel safe DO book trips to explore as much of the country as possible, but always check that places are safe to travel to

DO sample some of the authentic Mexican street food such as fruta con chile - mango with chilli powder and sauce

Tipping Tipping is expected on many occasions in Mexico so its always handy to keep a few small denominations of currency in your wallet. Many people who work in the services industry rely on tips to earn a decent wage to live on. Tipping 10-20% of the total of a bill in a restaurant is customary, while hotel maids, drivers and tour guides always appreciate a few pesos.
Image: Day of the Dead in Mexico City by Tristan Higbee

TRANSPORT Anyone staying in an all-inclusive resort probably wont need to use any public transport during their holiday. There are a few options available however, if you want to travel a bit further afield. Its not recommended to use city buses as these are often very busy and cramped. Getting Around Taxi: A quick and affordable way to get around, taxis in Mexico are bright green. Metro (Mexico City only): An efficient way to travel from one end of the city to the other - avoid travelling during rush hour though! Airports: The main airports in the country are Cancun International Airport and Mexico City International Airport.

Fare Information Taxis: Some taxis have a meter but most journeys within a city cost between $2 and $5. Its always best to check with the driver before getting in though. Metro: As one of the cheapest systems in the world, a ticket from one station to another costs just 3 pesos. A smart card called Tarjeta DF can also be topped up if youre planning on making several journeys.
Image: Mexico Taxi by Alfredo Gayou

HEALTH & SAFETY British Embassy Mexico City - UK in Mexico Emergency number: 066 USEFUL ARTICLES ABOUT MEXICO: Mexperience - When to go to Mexico Go Mexico Guide - 3 Must See Summer Festivals in Mexico Good Food in Mexico City Winnipeg Free Press - Top 5 Attractions in Mexicos Riviera Maya

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