Types Of Clothing To Avoid Wearing In Mexico If You Want To Blend In With The Locals

Sometimes it's fun to be the center of attention, but when you're traveling in a foreign country, especially for the first time, it's a good idea to stay under the radar. Traveling can be stressful, and if you're instantly pegged as a tourist you can receive unwanted or negative attention that can really take away from the experience. Tourists are often targets of petty theft and pickpocketing, particularly when traveling through large cities. Furthermore, it's not uncommon to receive "tourist pricing" when purchasing goods or services in another country.

Regardless of where you're traveling — and Mexico is no exception – blending in with the locals can help you have an easier and more enjoyable trip. Spend some time researching the cultural norms to ensure that you don't say or do anything that could be considered rude. You'll also want to consider packing clothes that align with the local styles so that you don't stick out like a sore thumb. If you're planning a trip to Mexico, you'll want to carefully plan your packing list based on the region you're visiting, the weather, and your list of activities. If you only pack resort wear and bikinis, you're going to stick out like a sore thumb if you choose to visit Mexico's cosmopolitan cities. 

Tourists tend to pack wardrobes full of colorful Hawaiian shirts, itsy-bitsy bikinis, and flip-flops for their vacations, which is a common mistake to avoid when visiting Mexico. You won't catch many locals walking around town in that sort of attire. Of course, when you're relaxing at the beach or by the pool, feel free to wear whatever swimwear you want. Shorts, crochet cover-ups, sun hats, and other beachwear is usually acceptable for casual dining and beach bars in the touristy coastal towns. The same clothes aren't as acceptable in cities, however, and you'll likely feel out of place if you choose to wear them. Overall, you'll find that locals dress somewhat formally.

In urban environments, Mexican locals don't usually wear shorts or sandals. Men are almost always wearing long pants, even when it's hot outside. Jeans are one of the most popular clothing choices for both men and women. Mid-length skirts and sundresses are excellent choices. Many of Mexico's beautiful cities have cobblestone streets, so it's a good idea to pack some sturdy closed-toe shoes. Lightweight leather boots or tennis shoes work great. If you plan on enjoying Mexico's mouthwatering foodie scene, it wouldn't hurt to pack at least one dressier outfit.

When you think of vacationing in Mexico, you probably envision balmy beaches and palm trees swaying in the wind. While Mexican beaches certainly offer a paradise you will never want to leave, it's important to keep in mind that the country is vast — full of big cities and unique magic towns. There are three different land types, or climate zones: Tierra caliente translates to "hot land," tierra templada means "temperate lands," and tierra fría is "cold land."

Mexico's beautiful beaches are located in tierra caliente regions. If you're visiting Cancun or Tulum, expect super-hot temperatures pretty much year round. The climate ranges from semi-arid to tropical and it can be quite humid. There is a rainy season that lasts roughly from May through November. As you move inland to the mountainous regions, you'll discover that temperatures are chillier. Mexico City sits at an elevation of 7,349 feet and the temperatures range from the low 40s to the low 80s Fahrenheit. You'll want to be mindful of the temperatures and weather in each unique region you're visiting, and pack accordingly. If you're visiting multiple climate zones, make sure to pack some layers.