Let’s face it. If you want to retire in Mexico, you need to experience it first.

A few people who are just beginning to consider moving to Mexico for their retirement years and some who are now ready to decide just what area will fulfill their dreams of retirement have emailed me asking just how, in my opinion, they should best experience Mexico so they can be sure they are choosing the right area for them to live.

Please, don’t just pack up and head down on a tour bus or an “all-in-one” planned tour… not for this important venture. Not for your retirement.

Take charge of your trip – do your research first, have a list of places and things you need to check out. A tour is great, but it’s not going to show you what the real Mexico is. In other words, don’t go with the idea that you’re just going on an elaborate vacation. Go realizing you are looking at a potential place to live.

Go shopping for groceries where the natives go. Wal Mart is great, but go to the market place, too. You’ll be amazed at the quality and variety of foods offered, fresh, and very reasonable! You’re sure to see lots of things you’re not at all familiar with. That’s all part of the charm and fun of a new location. Remember, this is your retirement adventure.

Some of the best information that I didn’t even think of obtaining came from a lady I stopped in a grocery store. We talked for 20 minutes and Dick and I received a wealth of information from her and her husband, who finally came walking down the isle, wondering just where she had gone :)

You really want to spend your time talking with people who live there. Start up conversations with people at little restaurants where the natives go. Start conversations up with people in the shops. You just may even end up with a new good friend!

Do find the American organizations in the area. I list some that are in I list some that are in Mazatlan in my book, Retire In Luxury Talk with the people there …you will be so welcomed!

See what day-to-day life will be. You don’t want a sanitized version of life in Mexico. Not everyone who lives in Mexico goes to a fiesta every night.

Learn what the real Mexico is like. You’ll probably truly fall in love with it. You’ll still have plenty of time to enjoy the beautiful days and your evenings relaxing and having fun! Sure, you want to do the sightseeing stuff …just make sure you do your investigating first!