Before you jet off on your exciting vacation, there are a number of important steps travelers must take before going to Mexico. But you don’t have to be a travel expert to prepare for your Mexican adventure. From securing your passport many weeks in advance to learning a few helpful phrases in Spanish, here are 14 easy-to-follow tips how to prepare for a trip to Mexico:

1. Make sure you have a valid US Passport that has not expired.
2. Obtain a visa only if you are traveling to Mexico for over 180 days.
3. Get up to date on all of your routine vaccines and immunizations.
4. Check if your destination is prone to frequent malaria outbreaks.
5. Learn a handful of Spanish phrases to help you communicate with the locals.
6. Learn about the history and culture of the region you are visiting.
7. Check your health insurance coverage before you leave for international plans.
8. Keep up on current events on the ground and travel alerts for Mexico.
9. Get in touch with the US embassy to let them know your schedule and plans.
10. Don’t bring expensive items like jewelry or electronics with you.
11. Copy your vital information like itinerary and passports to leave with a family member.
12. Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, umbrella and clothes for comfort.
13. Have the US Post Office hold or forward your mail while you are gone.
14. Tell your bank and credit card companies that you are traveling outside of the country