Hola from Mexico! There’s alot of confusion and controversy about touring nowadays and I’ve had so many questions I believed it was about time I wrote about what it’s like backpacking Mexico solo in 2021.
Mexico is actually the one nation that has been persistently open to travellers, vacationers and backpackers of all nationalities through the coronavirus pandemic and in addition without having to supply covid assessments or quarantine!
No surprise Mexico has turn into the most well-liked journey vacation spot of 2020 and 2021 and is filled with folks from all nationalities and all walks of life who need to take a a lot wanted trip in these difficult instances or who simply need to escape the lockdowns in their very own nation.
Because of the EU/UK – USA journey bans many individuals additionally discover themselves in Mexico for 14 days as a technique to get between these two continents or as a technique to keep away from costly resort quarantines.
I’ve been in Mexico because the begin of Could 2021 and thought it was about time I wrote a full put up about what it’s like backpacking Mexico solo in 2021 as I do know many individuals are curious to know what journey is like these days and there may be alot of conflicting info within the media. Additionally remember that what you would possibly learn within the information or the official guidelines can differ to what you would possibly expertise in actual life.
What it’s like Backpacking Mexico Solo in 2021
(This put up is written from my expertise as a UK passport holder – guidelines and laws differ for various nationalities and alter continuously so take a look at the precise information on your nationality. Journey IS doable! My recommendation is to keep away from hypothesis and scare mongering within the Information and go straight to official authorities web sites like www.gov.uk I additionally wouldn’t journey with out journey insurance coverage that covers for Covid. Mine is with SafetyWing in addition to coronavirus additionally they cowl me even when I’m touring in opposition to my governments recommendation.)
Backpacking Mexico Solo in 2021
Touring to Mexico in 2021
Mexico is 2020 and 2021’s hottest vacation spot and has a number of the best entry necessities these days – no Covid take a look at or quarantine is required from guests/vacationers of all nationalities and plenty of nationalities get a whopping 180 days visa free on entry! See extra Mexico visa information right here Additionally, Mexico has been just about persistently open through the pandemic not like different nations who change their guidelines so usually you may’t sustain!
It’s best to be capable to discover flights to Mexico from most nations though the land borders are partially closed. There are direct flights with British Airways from the UK. I look on Skyscanner to test what flights can be found however then test on the airways web site straight and the official authorities web site or official tourism web site for the nation I’m touring to to verify they’re operating and to double test what the entry necessities are.
If it’s a connecting flight it’s additionally essential to test that you may be allowed to transit by means of that nation and what the necessities are which is able to rely in your nationality and which nation you might be touring from. In case your flight is on one ticket with the identical airline during you’d be simply transiting ‘airside’ which ought to be OK however when you’ve got 2 separate tickets you be transiting ‘landside’ – you would possibly want to gather your baggage, clear immigration after which test in on your subsequent flight which might not be doable as a result of entry restrictions in some nations just like the US. The very best factor to do could be to name the airline and test you might be allowed to journey on that route.
It’s additionally essential to test what the necessities are for testing or quarantine to return again into your nation and bear in mind that they might change at brief discover. Right here’s the web page for the present recommendation on returning to the UK – www.gov.uk/uk-border-control
For me, I merely needed to present a unfavorable take a look at (taken throughout the final 3 days) and that I’d stuffed out the passenger locator kind on-line when checking into my flight and it solely took a couple of minutes to undergo the digital gates after I landed. Then I stayed at house for 10 days and took 2 extra assessments. It’s also possible to pay for a further take a look at to launch on day 5. They known as me every single day however didn’t go to and all of the assessments got here again unfavorable.
There are lots of locations throughout Mexico to get a covid take a look at accomplished simply, rapidly and cheaply in case you want one to return to your house nation or on your onward travels together with the airport the place it prices 500 Pesos and takes 1 hour for the outcomes in order that shouldn’t be an issue. Most main airports world wide now supply this service.
Flying into Mexico in 2021
Touring these days is extra sophisticated than it was once however, in case you’ve gotten used to carrying a masks and obtained all of the paperwork you want, then it’s bearable and might really be fairly nice and fewer aggravating than in regular instances.
Airports and planes are quieter and fewer crowded – all the lengthy haul flights I’ve taken not too long ago I’ve had a complete row of three or 4 seats all to myself so I can stretch out and sleep. Home flights have been extra crowded although. It’s takes much less time to get by means of the airports, each instances I’ve entered the UK through the pandemic immigration has solely taken 10 minutes and other than the telephone calls, no-one really got here to my home to test I used to be isolating.
Keep in mind that that is ‘the brand new regular’ for airport and airline employees – they’ve been doing this for over a yr now and it’s their job that can assist you get to the place you want to be safely and stress free. You simply want to know the principles and have the right paperwork. If you happen to don’t you could possibly be denied boarding.
The altering guidelines and laws (and the media) makes flying and touring through the pandemic sound tremendous aggravating however so long as you could have the mandatory paperwork so as it’s really much less aggravating than in regular instances. (The factor that’s the most aggravating is attempting to get your head round and sustain with the altering guidelines and u-turns from the UK authorities!)
I’ve taken many flights through the pandemic and I haven’t gotten sick – the airplane circulates the air and scientists have stated that flying isn’t as dangerous as you would possibly suppose and isn’t any extra dangerous than going to the grocery store. Take a look at this Harvard research on the chance of flying throughout covid.
Some flights I’ve been on are tremendous packed and make you put on hazmat fits, visors and double masks (India) whereas some are way more laid again and simply require 1 masks and depart the center seat free and a few flights are nearly empty. Some flights are tremendous low-cost whereas some routes are dearer than ordinary – sort of depends upon provide and demand. Service, leisure and meals have principally been nice, though some airways have lowered their meals service.
Entering into Mexico in 2021
Mexico has most likely the simplest immigration I’ve skilled in a very long time and most nationalities get a whopping 180 days visa free on entry! They merely requested how lengthy I used to be staying and why. I merely stated tourism and advised them the date I deliberate to go away.
It’s possible you’ll require an onward ticket to enter Mexico however not all the time – after I was checking in for my flight to Mexico the airline (Air France) did ask to see my onward ticket and I don’t suppose they’d have allowed me to board with out one however immigration in Mexico didn’t ask to see proof. Not everybody will get requested for an onward ticket however it’s good to have one simply in case. As I used to be uncertain of my onward journey plans I rented an onward ticket to my house nation from bestonwardticket.com which labored out nice.
I additionally needed to fill out this https://www.vuelaseguro.com/ a web based well being questionnaire to enter Mexico however immigration didn’t test this. The airline advised us to fill out the well being questionnaire and checked my onward ticket, proof of lodging (I’d simply booked an Air BnB for the primary 3 days), purpose for touring and covid take a look at however Mexican immigration have been way more laid again. While you enter you’ll fill out a customer allow (FMM) strive to not lose this slip since you’ll want it for while you depart. If you happen to do lose it, you might need a pay a small nice.
You don’t want a unfavorable covid take a look at to enter Mexico however the nations I used to be transiting by means of to get there did require it, though additionally they stated that for transit the necessities of the vacation spot nation apply. I most likely may have argued my approach by means of stating that Mexico doesn’t require a covid take a look at however wished to be accountable and to have stress free travels so I had one anyway however it was not scrutinised.
Covid Restrictions in Mexico in 2021
Mexico presently has fairly low instances of Coronavirus however are nonetheless taking many precautions. The nation has a covid site visitors mild system however in Could 2021 no areas are Pink and most issues are open, however not all vacationer sights or museums. Some issues say they’re open on Google Maps however after I reached there they weren’t so it’s a good suggestion to double test that the locations you need to see can be open.
Mexico is a loud, crowded, vibrant, vibrant nation which continues to be vigorous. Within the massive cities actually everyone seems to be carrying a KN95 masks on a regular basis, even when strolling alone outdoors on the streets, the locals could have a look at you a bit suspicious if you’re not carrying a masks outdoors however no-ones beating you up or fining you in case you select to not.
While you enter retailers and eating places you need to put on a masks, you’ll stroll by means of a sanitising mat, have your temperature checked and be given large dollops of hand sanitizer and a few locations can even spray you down front and back with a sanitising spray.
On the seashores issues are way more relaxed and also you’ll hardly see a masks or sanitiser in sight other than the restaurant employees. You possibly can nearly neglect about covid and revel in a a lot wanted enjoyable and stress-free seashore vacation.
Getting round Mexico in 2021
Getting round Mexico is straightforward. Mexico Metropolis airport is surprisingly busy with reasonably priced home flights throughout this huge and numerous nation. There may be additionally a community of snug buses, Uber’s, taxis, and collectivos all working a full schedule you simply must put on a masks when touring. It’s also possible to lease a automobile or a campervan and journey round Mexico and keep in campsites – I want I’d recognized that was doable. Subsequent time!
Lodges, hostels, Air BnBs, campsites, seashores, ruins, eating places, retailers and supermarkets are typically all absolutely open and welcoming vacationers of all nationalities whereas taking precautions. So, whilst you may be disenchanted that a couple of locations you might need wished to go are closed, most issues are open and also you’ll discover lots to maintain you entertained and having a superb time in Mexico – so long as you don’t thoughts carrying a masks whereas doing most of it!
Just a few sights, particularly indoors ones like museums and galleries are closed. Some sights are partially open, just like the mighty and mysterious pyramids at Teotihuacan – they’re open however you want to put on a masks and can’t climb up the pyramids, and Frida Khalo’s home and museum is open however with restricted capability and provided that you guide your ticket and timeslot on-line upfront and cling to a protracted checklist of covid precautions and a a technique system.
Solo feminine journey in Mexico in 2021
I felt fairly protected as a solo feminine traveller backpacking Mexico solo in 2021. I’d heard horror tales about security in Mexico Metropolis and I did fear a bit of within the first place I stayed (East of the Centro Historico) at night time. All the things was eerily shuttered up and the streets have been abandoned other than the large police presence so I didn’t exit alone after darkish. Through the day time the streets bustled with folks buying and I didn’t have any issues.
It feels very similar to any metropolis on the planet – there are good areas and rougher areas of each metropolis, so long as you aren’t concerned with medication and gangs or flash costly stuff or look susceptible/drunk, simply perform some research and follow the great areas and you have to be nice. The Centro Historic was good for a couple of days to see the historic, colonial structure and sights however I most popular the areas of Roma, La Condesa, Coyoacan and Polanco with their wider, leafy streets, stylish cafes, nightlife and wonderful parks with doggy day care amenities which all felt very protected and I felt protected to exit alone at night time. Learn extra right here about one of the best areas and neighbourhoods to remain in Mexico Metropolis.
As a solo lady I felt very protected in Mexico – it didn’t matter what, or how much less, I wore I by no means obtained any trouble or creepy vibes from males – even on the nudist seashore! It was so refreshing after so lengthy in India. Even folks attempting to promote you issues on the seashores or round vacationer web site have been low trouble and left you alone after a well mannered ‘no, gracias.’ Right here’s one other good article about solo feminine security in Mexico and one of the best locations to go to for solo feminine travellers.
Concerning Covid – I additionally felt fairly protected.
The Mexicans are taking each precaution, it’s simple to get examined, there are alot of healthcare choices right here and my journey insurance coverage with SafetyWing covers Covid.
Being in slender streets with massive crowds of individuals in masks in Mexico Metropolis did make me really feel a bit of anxious although, most likely primarily because it’s not what I’m used to, and the precautions like having temperature weapons to your head made me really feel uncomfortable too, however on the similar time it’s additionally reassuring that they’re taking it very significantly and the instances are very low in Mexico now.
I didn’t fear an excessive amount of about getting sick after I was on the seashores or outdoors in contemporary, heat, sunny air however at first I did really feel a bit of anxious when staying in hostels, taking buses, using the metro and going to bars and events with travellers from all different the world. I did fear a bit about getting sick when being round so many new folks and what I might do if I used to be sick as I used to be touring alone.
Within the hostels, some folks put on masks on a regular basis, some provide you with numerous area and are cautious, others aren’t nervous in any respect and simply act like regular whereas some suppose it’s all a rip-off. No matter you imagine you can find your tribe.
I really feel it’s essential to decide on lodging with loads of air flow, area and good cleanliness evaluations and it’s sort of as much as you to guard your self how you’re feeling is greatest while you’re socialising with different company.
I nervous how I may maintain a bodily distance from folks whereas nonetheless being sociable and making pals in order that I wasn’t alone on a regular basis. I believe that’s the dilemma for a solo traveller nowadays – how do you defend your self and others with out being lonely? If you happen to get sick who would provide help to and the way may you isolate your self to guard others and nonetheless handle to eat?
Renting an residence or Air BnB makes distancing or isolating simpler and you may order groceries, takeaway meals, medicines and all the pieces on-line in Mexico Metropolis however this additionally means you’d seemingly be lonely as a solo traveller. This anxiousness did make it extra awkward than regular to make pals whereas touring alone and the masks make it harder to speak – particularly with restricted Spanish expertise.
I assume your expertise will rely in your ranges of tension and your threat elements. I’m a little bit of a worrier however I knew that within the worst case state of affairs if I obtained badly sick I had insurance coverage to cowl it and, in touristy areas at the very least, would be capable to discover an English talking expat hospital. I haven’t been vaccinated however I haven’t had a lot as a sniffle, I’ve had antibody assessments and it appears I’ve simply not been uncovered regardless of all this touring and mingling.
Different travellers and the final vibe
Everyone seems to be in Mexico! Many digital nomads, long run travellers and expats have made a base in Mexico and as most nations on the planet are closed many backpackers and all types of vacationers are right here backpacking Mexico solo in 2021 giving some locations a Thailand like vibe.
Many North American’s are vacationing in Yucatan and the Cancun space and there are additionally folks from all around the world simply hanging out in Mexico ready for the world to vary, to flee the lockdowns or resort quarantines or journey bans in their very own nations or utilizing 14 days in Mexico as a stepping stone to being allowed entry some place else for instance UK residents wanting to go to the USA.
In some locations it may be exhausting to discover a low-cost room as Mexico has turn into the most well-liked journey and backpacking vacation spot of 2021 so it’s a good suggestion to guide your journey and rooms upfront. However the advantage of that is that if you’re backpacking Mexico solo in 2021 don’t fear you gained’t be lonely you can find loads of folks to make pals with within the hostels and bars or through the use of on-line teams and apps. Individuals from all around the world are hanging out in Mexico Metropolis, Tulum, Oaxaca, Puerto Escondido, Mazunte and Zipolite, Sayulita, San Cristobal de la Casas and Palenque.
The Mexicans are pleasant, welcoming and useful though English isn’t broadly spoken right here. I struggled as I don’t converse any Spanish and when everybody’s in masks it makes it may be even more durable to speak however I nonetheless managed to get round and get what I wanted due to Google translate and the endurance, tolerance and helpfulness of the Mexican’s. ‘Bus Oaxaca por favor?!’
Mexico is a large, numerous and thrilling nation. It’s too massive to see all of it in a few weeks so I’d advocate concentrating on one area. I spent a month in Mexico Metropolis and touring across the Oaxaca area which gave me an awesome style of Mexico.
I’d additionally extremely advocate studying some Spanish! Hardly anybody outdoors the inns and vacationer eating places speaks English, and even in a number of the hostels and inns I stayed in usually the employees didn’t converse English. You possibly can enrol in a language college in Mexico or be taught on-line – it can make your travels right here a lot simpler and your interactions with the locals way more fulfilling.
So must you go backpacking Mexico solo in 2021?
That’s a query solely you may reply for your self, I simply wished to share my expertise backpacking Mexico solo in 2021 and supply a balanced, trustworthy account to fight the negativity, worry and confusion surrounding journey nowadays, and on the flip aspect, the drool worthy, good instagram pictures that don’t present the entire actuality.
In all honesty, a pandemic isn’t one of the best time to be backpacking alone, whereas there are various folks doing it and you’ll meet folks right here, worrying about getting sick alone can add an additional fear and I might have had a significantly better expertise with a journey buddy. Additionally, some issues could also be closed, guidelines can change rapidly and it may be aggravating attempting to maintain updated with them.
So the query whether or not to journey to Mexico in 2021 depends upon your anxiousness ranges, your threat elements and the principles of your house nation as to whether they may assist you to depart and return.
There’s quite a lot of confusion and controversy about touring nowadays, however it’s not inconceivable, and Mexico is among the best locations to journey proper now and everybody’s welcome!
Thanks Mexico for having me!
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Have you ever been touring in Mexico through the pandemic? I’m to understand how your expertise was?
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