A Quick Audiobook List to Help You Prep for a Mexican Adventure

Even before it gained its independence in 1821, Mexico, as a land and nation, already had centuries’ worth of rich history dating back to the 1300s. As a result, it’s one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world, and visitors cannot get enough of it. 

Just this year, Mexico’s tourism agency reported a 10% increase in foreign visitors as compared to the previous year. This is very significant considering that it was already the 7th most visited country in 2023. Furthermore, with self-care travel being a priority for many, Mexican wellness destinations like Sayulita and Mazunte continue to attract more attention.

Despite this, many visitors to Mexico only have a surface-level understanding of the country. For many, what they know is even based on stereotypes portrayed in biased media.

So, if you’re planning to visit Mexico yourself, it pays to get to prep ahead of time by actually understanding the country, the people, and the culture. This will give you a better appreciation of the experiences you’ll have. Since you’ll likely be busy in anticipation of your trip, audiobooks are some of the best resources.

Why audiobooks are perfect for travelers

Given all the factors that go into planning a vacation—lodgings, logistics, and meals, just to name a few—most travelers are too busy to do much else, let alone read a travel book before setting off. Thankfully, this is the primary pain point that an audiobook addresses. With each title carefully narrated, you can absorb tons of useful information hands-free while still completing your other tasks. What’s more, these digital mediums are extremely diverse.

The great travel audiobooks on Everand showcase how you can choose from dozens of titles that will each paint a highly descriptive and immersive image. For an affordable monthly subscription fee, you can listen to and download any number of audiobooks that cover regions ranging from the Caribbean and the Americas to Europe and Asia.

Additionally, audiobook providers are widely accessible. For instance, the ebook platform Hoopla can be used in a number of territories, including the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. This means you can enjoy your content virtually anywhere, at your own traveling pace.

Now, without further ado, here are four audiobooks that’ll help you better understand and celebrate Mexico and all it has to offer.

Learn Spanish with Paul Noble for Beginners – Complete Course

Many Mexicans are conversant in English, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to converse in their native tongue. Not only is this a sign of respect for your host country, but it’s also a great way to connect with people without getting anything lost in translation. With this in mind, try listening to Paul Noble’s unique method of teaching Spanish on audiobook.

Designed free from grammar tests or memory drills that can be overwhelming, Noble’s approach focuses on realistic vocabulary that you’re more likely to use in everyday scenarios. These include asking for directions, eating out, and talking about yourself. Led by a native-speaking Spanish expert, this audiobook will have you feeling more confident once you start interacting in Mexico.

Expat Secrets of Mexico

Safety is a common concern for many tourists, and it’s not always easy to find answers in a foreign country like Mexico. Thankfully, Russell Blake’s book answers this and more. A bestselling author and 16-year resident of Mexico, Blake talks honestly about the reality of being in Mexico as a foreigner.

Originally penned for expats, this book covers critical topics like healthcare, criminal activity, and the like, which makes it a valuable resource for anyone visiting south of the border. With this information, you can more confidently enjoy the sites of this colorful country.

Mi Cocina: Recipes And Rapture From My Kitchen In Mexico

Written by former Bon Appetit editor Rick Martinez, Mi Cocina is primarily a cookbook with recipes gathered from the author’s own travels across Mexico’s 32 states. However, past the detailed step-by-step instructions on how to make authentic tacos, pozole verde, hominy chicken stew, and butterflied shrimp with avocado, Martinez also discusses the tradition and meaning behind each dish.

As it is in many parts of the world, local cuisine is the best way to literally taste a country’s culture. Martinez proves that all that and more is true in Mexico, where salsas alone can come in dozens of varieties, each tied to a distinct region, event, community, and more. If your awareness of Mexican cuisine is limited to the usual nachos and enchiladas, let this audiobook excite your palate with what Mexico has in store.

Mexico – Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture

Want to avoid costly cultural blunders during your travels? If so, then this might be the perfect resource for you. Written by Russel Maddicks and narrated by Charles Armstrong, it’s a fascinating deep dive into the cultural norms of the Mexican people. You’ll learn more about the dynamics of daily life in Mexico, the long list of Catholic feasts and fiestas, as well as how people socialize.

It has practical advice on things such as navigating a Mexican menu or tips for traveling safely through the country, but it’s also a treasure trove of information on the people themselves. If you want to immerse yourself in Mexican culture, then this audiobook is the best place to start.

Fifth Sun: A New History of the Aztecs

Mexico is a favorite destination for history buffs, not least because it was home to a flourishing civilization: the Aztec Empire. The remnants of the Aztecs can still be seen today in Mexico’s history and culture and in must-visit sites like Teotihuacan and Chichén Itzá. If you want to build a little background knowledge on the history of the region before you start traveling, then Fifth Sun by Camilla Townsend is what you’re looking for.

This audiobook, narrated by Christina Delaine, takes a closer look at the complex, fascinating history of the Aztecs. Based on texts written by the indigenous peoples of Mexico themselves, it highlights the rich culture that existed before the European conquest, including political allegiances and adapting to new technologies. It’s a must-listen if you want to learn more about Mexican culture and history.

3-Minute Mexican Spanish: Everyday Spanish for Beginners

If you’re a little short on time but still want to brush up on some Mexican Spanish before your trip, then this audiobook is the perfect option. Through 25 fast and easy 3-minute lessons, you can learn a variety of common phrases, questions, and answers in conversational Spanish. You’ll learn basic skills such as greetings and farewells, how to introduce yourself, and how to ask how someone is doing.

While this won’t make you a fluent speaker right away, it’s a great option if you’re looking for a simple but effective way to build up your vocabulary. Plus, the audiobook also comes with a PDF version so that you can follow along as you listen or even brush up on lessons when you don’t have your earphones with you.

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Collaborative Post: The views expressed are those of the external author and do not necessarily reflect those of the editorial team.