My wife and I have been to Mexico a few times now. It's a country that has people who are easy to like and deal with, holds many of the same values we do and accepts the American Dollar most everywhere tourists go.

Aside from a short day trip from El Paso, Texas we have gone exclusively to the Yucatan Peninsula.

I've used the Mexican Frommer's Guide over the years to help give me some guidance of what to see, where to go and also what to avoid. It's been good to me an my family. The newest version really isn't much different, just more up-to-date. More in a bit.

Best of Mexico

I like Frommer's "Best Of" section. It gives suggestions of different types of vacations and destinations. This includes Best Beaches, Best Cultural Experiences, Best Archaeological sites, Best Get away from it all and many more Best of categories. This is the section that gets me thinking of what kind of vacation I am looking for and what are some of the Best things about Mexico that I want to see and experience.

More Contents

The book then gives two other sections to look through before looking for specific information about Mexico's destinations. The first is Getting to Know Mexico that offers information about the people, its history and geography, and its food and drink. The next section Planning Your Trip To Mexico is VERY helpful to read through before traveling. If it's your first venture there is gives good suggestions that lead to peace of mind.

Featured in this section is Visitors Information, When To Go, Events, Getting there, Getting Around and more.

In previous issues the getting around was quite helpful in suggestions about driving and what to expect on Mexico's roads including buying insurance there and purchasing fuel by the liter at the only company of gas stations in Mexico.

We did some driving on our own to see the ancient cities of Chichen Itza and then Coba and Tulum. This section did give me confidence in a country where I didn't know the language, methods of doing business and other customs.

Parts Of Mexico

Frommer's Mexico Guide then breaks up into regions and cities of Mexico including popular destinations including Mexico City, Guadalajara, Puetro Vallarta, Acapulco Cancun, Isla Mujeres, Cozumel, and the Caribbean Coast. Veracruz, Los Cabos and the Baja California Sur are also included.

Each section gives suggestions of destinations and particulars about the area. It gives information about exploring the area, finding lodging, restaurants, and places to find activities for anything from water sports to night life.

Two Specific Things I like

There are two specific assets that Frommer's Guide gives me that I like. The first is easy reading in an every man's (and woman's)simple language. There's nothing "heady" about the manner of the writers. They go into detail about popular destinations and the small out of the way places that only well traveled persons can relay well. The second thing I like is the "Star System". When going through destinations, Hotels and restaurants Frommers gives a "Star" to places they feel are of good value and experience. I like that. I have found over the years that Frommer's Guides are trustworthy and do update.

This newest issue has more information about areas south of Playa del Carmen than it did before. It's an area of Mexico that is gaining notoriety quickly. Costa Maya an relatively new cruise ship destination for excursions is now in the book. Mahajual a small town south of the Costa Maya Port is also getting a bit more attention.

Even Playa del Carmen has been updated stating all the construction and efforts put into making it a thriving town. It's one my wife and I particularly enjoy and can attest to the changes it's going through and the accuracy of Frommer's having been there a couple of times.

Finishing Touches

Frommer's Guide do not have much in photos. So shopping by pictures does not happen here. They do have maps for basic orientation but not detailed enough for driving.

Frommer's Guides are easy to read, well organised and each year or two update with good solid information. I know that from experience. Mexico continues to grow as a vacation destination. I know I can trust them to give me what I need when traveling.

Puerto Costa Maya A new and very popular port of call
Royal Caribbean Grandeur of the Seas
Majahual
10 REASONS why you should go to MEXICO!
Playa del Carmen
Tulum
Cozumel




Recommended: Yes