Avoid This Common Mexico Tourist Mistake For A Healthier Trip

One of the greatest things about the U.S. is the fact that it has terrific neighbors that you can visit. To the north is Canada — a vast land of spectacular nature and thriving, multicultural cities. To the south is Mexico, with its sun-splashed beaches that feel like paradise, cinematic deserts, verdant jungles, pre-Columbian archeological sites, and charming colonial towns. Not to mention, Mexico has one of the most diverse and mouth-watering cuisines on earth.

Mexico is a treasure trove of culture, history, and generous, warm-hearted locals, so it should come as no surprise that it's easily one of the most popular international destinations for American vacationers. This is especially true during the winter when parts of the U.S. are gripped in ice, snow, and a veritable blanket of darkness that envelops much of the northern hemisphere that time of year.

America's neighbor to the south draws visitors with its vivid colors, great weather, heavenly aromas, music, dancing, and pure life. While it's easy to get swept away in the seductive atmosphere of it all and let your guard down, there are a few things to key things to remember when visiting Mexico: Keep an eye on your stuff, try not to walk down dark streets alone at night, and don't drink the (tap) water.

The admonishment to avoid tap water in Mexico is such an overused phrase that it's become a cliché. "Don't Drink the Water" was even the title of a hit 1966 Broadway play (with two subsequent film adaptations), which tells you how long these words have been bandied about.

That said, it remains sound advice, even if your hotel or resort insists that the tap water is safe in your room. Sure, the faucet may have a filter, but to be totally safe, just stick to bottled water. Any accommodations should have plenty on-site, and you can always stock up at the nearest shop. Some may even provide jugs of free potable water that you can use to fill up your own bottle.

After all, waterborne illness is no joke. While travelers' diarrhea is more of an annoyance than a serious malady, there can be some treacherous bugs in the Mexican water supply, including giardiasis, typhoid, and even occasional outbreaks of cholera. According to one study, 1.9% of all child mortality in kids between the ages of 3 and 15 in Mexico is due to waterborne disease, which tells you just how serious an infection can be. One bad sip can turn your ideal Mexican vacation upside down, so it's best not to risk it.

Despite some high-profile cases of violence, Mexico is largely a safe destination for tourists, especially if you do your homework and avoid the most dangerous areas. Also, when it comes to your personal health, there are some things you can do in addition to not drinking tap water to mitigate the pitfalls of getting sick.

Hand hygiene is key. Regularly wash them with warm soap and water and try to have hand sanitizer with you at all times. Also, choose food that is still hot, and always rinse and fruits or vegetables you buy at the markets with water or — better yet — an iodine solution such as Microdine. When it comes to street food, use your best judgment. It's never going to be 100% risk-free, but a good rule of thumb is that the busier the cart or stall, the safer the food, which means long lines might be your friend.

Ice can also be risky, so only use ice that has been made from purified water. Fountain drinks in restaurants are also best avoided, as they're likely made with tap water, so — as always –– stick to the bottled stuff. And if you're looking for a trip that's easy on the wallet, try these budget-friendly Mexican beach destinations.