What to Know Before You Go to Isla Holbox, Mexico

The small island of Holbox on the northern tip of the Yucatan peninsula is fast becoming a hot spot for tourists.

Before you leave it’s worth making sure you’re aware of some of the peculiarities of the island. Here are some of the things you need to know before you go.

Make sure you take a good amount of cash with you, because the only ATM on the island that dispenses Mexican pesos often runs out of money. There are U.S. dollar ATMs around, but you will lose out on the terrible exchange rates in restaurants and bars.

Don’t get hooked into hiring a golf cart, as the navigable roads on the island are so few it’s not worth the money. You can walk to anywhere you want to go within 30 minutes of the central square, so unless you have trouble walking there is no need to hire a cart.

Be aware the streets flood, and you’ll have to get used to dodging huge puddles. Some roads are impassable after it rains, unless you want to walk through calf-high water, so you’ll have to plan your route from A to B.

Remember your insect repellent, as there are huge numbers of mosquitoes. Try to avoid being outside at dusk, when they are most active.