Do:
ù Think safety first. Look out for yourself and your friends.
ù Travel by plane. From experience, the excitement of the trip makes the 17-hour ride somewhat fun. But the way back seems twice as long. Take the bus only if you: a) need to save money, and b) think that you can brave it. It's not for those who get motion sickness.
ù Avoid eating at hole-in-the-wall taco stands. No, don't be looking for marks in the walls, but just imagine the worst street-side hot dog stand in downtown Manhattan and then think if it could possibly be worse.
ù When it comes to spending money, try to use traveler's checks.
Don't:
ù Don't drink the water. Yes, it's a cliche, but you should buy bottled water and save yourself any worry about bacteria sickness.
ù Don't do anything stupid or illegal (i.e. avoid fights and trouble). Realize it's their country not yours.
ù Don't impress your friends with all the insults you can remember in Spanish. Not the time, nor the place.
ù Along the same lines Ä don't make questionable gestures and shout 'NAFTA this!'
ù Don't incite the tempers of students from other universities with remarks such as 'Gee, Arizona sure beat up on your school's team pretty badly. What was the score, again?'