Best Fried Chicken in New Orleans: 7 Great Picks

My ears perk up every time I hear the words fried chicken.

As an American who lives abroad, fried chicken immediately fills me with a warm, nostalgic feeling (and a sudden appetite).

And it’s never far out of reach. KFC is a global chain, along with Popeyes. Even a few brunch spots that have popped up in Barcelona have fried chicken and waffles on their menus.

Back at home, fried chicken is most often associated with the South—and especially the state of Louisiana. From local credit unions weighing in on the best fried chicken in the state to official selections in nationwide rankings, this dish is a matter of pride and heritage in Louisiana.

Usually, travelers who head to New Orleans are focused on sampling the best Creole and Cajun food, from jambalaya to red beans and rice, and even regional favorites like alligator.

But let’s not forget that, for how iconic NOLA is, it’s still part of a larger, state-wide identity.

You can find mouthwatering, beloved fried chicken eateries throughout New Orleans. Though I highly recommend you also sample the best eats (and drinks) in Crescent City, don’t forget about fried chicken.

Here’s where to eat the best fried chicken in the Big Easy.

Best fried chicken in New Orleans

McHardy’s Chicken & Fixin’

This local fixture has been a favorite for eating in, taking away, and catering for years. The secret is a perfect, crispy fry on the chicken—which is always made fresh to order and served up on a piece of white toast.

Here’s what Kodaq G. on Yelp says, “Even after more years than I can count (before Katrina) I continue to eat and rate their fried chicken the BEST in NEW ORLEANS.” (April 28, 2024)

Willie Mae’s Scotch House

Want to take a bite out of a NOLA legend? Willie Mae’s Scotch House is a Tremé staple that first opened in 1957. The restaurant is run by the founder’s granddaughter—and this family business only keeps getting tastier.

If you recognize the name, it might be because Travel Channel and Food Network have both dubbed Willie Mae’s as home to ‘America’s Best Fried Chicken’.

Dooky Chase’s Restaurant

Dooky Chase’s Restaurant, located near Willie Mae’s, is often a visitor’s introduction to the Tremé neighborhood. Opened in 1941, the atmosphere is just as homely as when it opened, with walls filled with personal photos from staff and owners.

But the real star is the fried chicken (and the red beans and rice). Just make sure to reserve a seat—Dooky Chase’s Restaurant is NOLA royalty.

Picnic Provisions & Whiskey

That catchy name isn’t just a marketing trick—Picnic Provisions & Whiskey delivers a funky menu full of delights. When it comes to fried chicken, go for the ‘Crazy Crispy Chicken & Champagne’ dish.

Instead of waffles, your perfectly golden and crispy fried chicken comes with a glass of champagne. Very French. Very demure.

Key’s Fuel Mart

Fuel like a true New Orleanians at Key’s Fuel Mart. This late-night hotspot serves up some of the crispiest fried chicken in the state and is a regular stopover for locals. Yes, you can also fill up your gas tank when you stop in for some chicken.

Brothers

Key’s Fuel Mart isn’t the only gas station in NOLA that offers delectable fried chicken. Meet Brothers. Perfectly golden and crispy, affordable, and the choice between light and dark meat, this late-night spot is ideal for picking up a bite to eat before heading home after the bar. Or hitting first thing in the morning to stave off that sazerac hangover.

McKenzie’s Chicken-in-a-Box

Dubbed the best fried chicken in New Orleans, McKenzie’s Chicken-in-a-box is a casual eatery that specializes in wings. You can pick up other southern staples, too, from sweet potato fries to boudin balls. Just know that this spot is perfect for picking up—not dining in.

8 Montana Rodeos to Keep on Your Calendar This Summer

Rodeo country is vast, stretching across the Midwest, South, and Rocky Mountain regions.

From Colorado to Wyoming to Arizona, rodeo competitions regularly bring in thousands of spectators. They’re one of the best settings to soak up the cowboy spirit and feel that pure American spirit.

From barrel racing to team roping, events showcase the unique skills and rugged-ready nature required for ranchers and other country folk.

For visitors, rodeos also offer a way to get to know—and support—local culture.

While you can find rodeos in major cities from Houston to Scottsdale, I’ve always dreamed of catching a live rodeo competition while traveling through more rural zones. In states like Montana, which just made rodeo its official state sport, adding a rodeo to your itinerary lets you dig even deeper into the local lifestyle.

You’ll rub elbows with thousands of fans, learn about different types of roping and racing events, and get the chance to sample a few delicacies at the food stalls.

Ready for a little cowboy fun? These are the best rodeos in Montana this summer. Don’t miss out.

Best rodeos in Montana in summer

Home of Champions

July 1-5 (Red Lodge, MT)

Red Lodge is celebrating its 95^th year of rodeo fun—so make sure to stop by to celebrate with hundreds of fans. Though Home of Champions is almost 100 years old, Red Lodge’s rodeo legacy started a bit early.

In the 1890s, cowboys gathered to ride exhibition broncos at the local stockyard. By the 1930s, the next generation had purchased 180 acres of land where they eventually built the grounds where ‘Home of Champions’ takes place today.

Livingston Roundup

July 2-4 (Livingston, MT)

Established in 1924, the Livingston Roundup celebrated its centennial last year, making it the oldest rodeo in the state. But you’re not too late to join the fun.

Every year, Livingston Roundup grows in size and excitement. This year, keep a lookout for Miss Livingston Roundup events, in which you can see Rodeo Queens do their thing to ‘make the rodeo spectacular’.

Bigfork Montana Rodeo

July 5-8 (Bigfork, MT)

Sheep riding, image courtesy of Visit Montana

Last year, Bigfork Montana Rodeo was voted ‘Rodeo of the Year’ by Medium. You can expect a fast-paced and high-energy show at Bigfork, along with a family-friendly environment that includes a separate kid’s area. Just remember to wear red, white, and blue on Saturdays—it’s the time to ‘show your colors’.

Big Sky PBR

July 17-19 (Big Sky, MT)

PBR stands for professional bull-riding—and it’s center-stage at Big Sky PBR. You can expect to see some of the country’s best cowboys take on the biggest and baddest bulls around. You’ll also have a great view as you enjoy the show.

Looming above the battlegrounds in Big Sky is nearby Lone Mountain, which stands at over 11,000 feet tall.

Kootenai River Stampede

July 25-26 (Libby, MT)

Horse races, Miles City Bucking Horse Sale, image courtesy of Visit Montana

Though the Kootenai River Stampede is relatively young compared to other Montana rodeos (this year is its 19^th annual show), you’re still in store for plenty of non-stop entertainment. From tie-down roping to ladies barrel racing to steer wrestling, there’s something for everyone.

Bear Paw Roundup

Aug. 7-8 (Chinook, MT)

This rodeo has been around for almost thirty years—and it’s scaling up quickly. After taking home awards in both 2023 (Small Rodeo of the Year for the Montana Circuit) and 2024 (WPRA Most Improved Ground for the Montana Circuit), the rodeo spirit in Chinook is stronger than ever.

Cascade Pro Rodeo

Aug. 8-9 (Cascade, MT)

Horse races, Miles City, image courtesy of Visit Montana

It’s all about the next-gen of cowboys with Cascade Pro Rodeo. Back in 2009, the association was formed with the goal of educating high schoolers in the arts of rodeo. By 2014, Cascade managed to join the PRCA circuit. Since then, Cascade Pro Rodeo has taken off, with Justin Boots taking home the ‘best footing award’ in 2018.

Montana’s Biggest Weekend Rodeo

Aug. 29-Sept. 1 (Dillon, MT)

Montana’s Biggest Weekend Rodeo includes three days of non-stop events—which include a PRCA rodeo event and a Labor Day parade. Though this year’s lineup hasn’t yet been announced, there’s usually a live musical performance. Off the grounds, the town of Dillon comes alive.

4/20 is Approaching—Ready to Learn About Cannabis Festivals?

Here in Europe, I get asked a lot about whether cannabis is legal in the United States.

There’s no straightforward answer. Cannabis is legal in 39 states for medical use and 24 states for recreational use. Federally, it’s illegal, but prohibition isn’t enforced in states that have launched medical and recreational markets.

It’s a gray area on top of a gray area—which isn’t actually unique when it comes to smoking a little green.

I live in Barcelona, Catalonia, where the laws surrounding cannabis are just as complex. Within Catalonia, it is legal to grow and smoke your own supply—but not to sell or distribute.

If you’ve visited the city, you may have been invited to an ‘association’. The association is technically a social club that you join; instead of ‘buying’ a gram or two, you’re contributing your ‘share’ to the club. (They also do this with bars to keep costs for drinks lower, but that’s another story.)

That’s about as liberal of a policy as you’ll find in Europe—one that could be reversed as the city council pushes back against cannabis-based tourism. Nobody wants an Amsterdam situation.

The US, for all its gray areas and complexities, has an overwhelmingly open approach to cannabis. Though social and legal acceptance is still very new, and markets are subject to state-by-state regulation, every 4/20 ‘holiday’ gets a little grander.

In some states, 4/20 festivals have been going strong for decades… all the way back to 1971 in California, if you want to dig into the origin of the date.

If you’re curious about what cannabis festivals are like and whether or not you should join, consider this your intro.

What happens at a cannabis festival?

At festivals, the focus is on cannabis in all its forms. Though smoking for recreational purposes is one of the main affairs at festivals with legalized markets, it’s far from the only one.

You’ll notice plenty of cannabis products on sale, from textiles made of hemp to THC-free oils that can be used medicinally.

Most importantly, you do not need to smoke to attend.

Depending on the festival, you might be offered samples or invited to smoke with someone, but you can always decline. You won’t be the only one not partaking.

Some festivals also offer a strong counter-culture lineup of activities. You can learn about traditional ‘hippie’ fairs like off-grid living, sustainability causes, and other tenets of alternative lifestyles. Plus, expect tons of art—from live music to workshops to galleries to seminars.

Some cannabis festivals are also more business-oriented; you might notice plenty of marketing and networking. As new states build their cannabis markets, both long-time cannabis fans and first-time 4/20ers are rubbing elbows to explore new ventures.

Caught your interest? Below, I’m listing out some of the largest and most unique 4/20 festivals around the country.

Famous 4/20 festivals in the United States

Hash Bash (Ann Arbor)

Like I mentioned up top, the first usage of the term 4/20 dates back to California in 1971. Only one year later, students at the University of Michigan decided to celebrate 4/20—with a political motivation.

Students were celebrating a decision by the Michigan Supreme Court, which had ruled that the laws used to jail a cultural activist for his possession of two marijuana joints were unconstitutional.

In 2019, Michigan’s governor even joined thousands of attendees at Hash Bash to celebrate the legalization of recreational use. This year, Hash Bash celebrated its 54^th birthday. Just note that this celebration is held in early April instead of on April 20^th.

420 Hippie Hill (San Francisco)

Hippie Hill is a famous incline in Golden State Park, with a gradual and grassy slope that’s perfect for gathering with friends. It gained notoriety in the Summer of Love back in 1967, when a lot more than marijuana was on the ‘menu’.

Today, 420 Hippie Hill is one of the most famous cannabis gatherings in the country—one that harkens back to San Francisco’s free-wheeling, free-love era.

If you’ll be in the area on April 20^th, I’d suggest passing through Golden State Park to catch a glimpse of the madness on Hippie Hill. But only join the crowds if you’re okay with smoke—it’s a relatively small area that will be packed with revelers armed with lighters.

(It looks like organizers have also added ‘rest and decompression tents’, so keep those on your radar if you join!)

Mile High 420 Festival (Denver)

Looking for a music festival vibe? While 420 Hippie Hill offers live performances, Denver’s Mile High 420 Festival is a proper single-day production.

This year, the event is led by the one and only Tommy Chong and will include performances from Bone Thugs-N-Harmony and Cordae.

Despite the high production value, general admission isn’t too steep at $20. Just be mindful that Denver (and Colorado as a whole) has some of the priciest cannabis products around. Bring some extra cash.

SweetWater 420 Fest (Atlanta)

The state of Georgia has not legalized medicinal or recreational cannabis use.

Despite the state’s stance on cannabis use, SweetWater 420 Festival has been around since 2004. Back then, the focus was on ‘music, beer, and the environment’… plus, a little smoke. The event is thrown by SweetWater Brewing Company, which offers a flagship ‘420 Extra Pale Ale’ brew.

Over two decades later, the state has yet to legalize cannabis—or THC-infused beers. Still, SweetWater highlights the consistent intersection between 4/20 festivals and interest in sustainability and alternative lifestyles.

Seattle Hempfest (Seattle)

Back in 1991, Seattle Hempfest began as a ‘humble gathering of stoners’ who wanted to support the legalization of cannabis in Washington State.

Fast forward almost 35 years and Hempfest is now the world’s largest cannabis gathering, welcoming over 100,000 guests annually.

Like you might imagine, Hempfest is an all-out celebration and exploration of marijuana. You can watch live performances and veg out if you want. Or if you’re interested in politics, Hempfest also has rally events. There’s also plenty to do in the way of shopping and attending arts and crafts events, from workshops to exchanges.

Top 8 Historic Hotels in Pennsylvania

It’s easy to settle for the first great hotel we find when planning a trip.

We look for the basics, like location, cost, and amenities. After, we read through the reviews to make sure we know what we’re signing up for. Lastly, we look for extras like romance packages or experiential programs.

In the end, we’re all looking for something different in a top-notch hotel experience.

And if the ambiance is high on your priority list, then I highly suggest you look for a boutique hotel experience. Boutique hotels have a focus that you can feel throughout the grounds, from high design elements to surfer vibes to hostel-like social programming.

As a fan of history and historic, quaint grounds, I usually keep a lookout for boutique hotels with unique backstories.

Though you can find historic hotels dotting the country, especially in New England, the US’s oldest state is home to more than a dozen verified historic hotels.

Welcome to Pennsylvania’s coolest hospitality attractions—its historic hotels.

Below, you can find my top picks, which are based on age, history, and modern outlook.

Top 8 historic hotels in Pennsylvania

Omni Bedford Springs Resort (Est. 1806)

Bedford, Pennsylvania

In the late 1700s, settlers discovered high-mineral water springs near Bedford, Pennsylvania. Shortly after, a local doctor purchased the lands with the springs to offer medicinal baths to his patients.

By 1806, three buildings were erected, one of which would become the famous Evitt House of today’s Omni Bedford Springs Resort.

Today, it remains a popular resort thanks to its healing waters. In fact, a new spring was discovered in 2006 during resort expansions. There’s also a golf course and a full spa on the grounds.

The Sayre Mansion (Est. 1856)

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

This commanding single-family home was built in the center of Bethlehem by one of the town’s wealthiest industrialists in the mid-1800s, Robert Heysham Sayre. The beloved family home, built in a Gothic Revival Style, housed Sayre until 1970. It’s where his raised eight children with four different wives.

But the Sayre Mansion was eventually sold in 1914, then again in the 1930s. It served as a multi-family rental unit until the 1990s. A major restoration saved this mansion in the 1990s from demolition. Since then, its current owners have worked hard to renovate, restore, and celebrate the Sayre Mansion.

Eagles Mere Inn (Est. 1877)

Eagles Mere, Pennsylvania

This historic inn comes bundled with a gorgeous, quaint town: Eagles Mere.

The town was established in 1877, and its main street doesn’t look all too different than it would have in the early 1900s—including the Eagles Mere Inn. It’s one of the smallest historic hotels in Pennsylvania, but it’s been hosting wayward travelers as a resort destination since it first opened its doors.

Glasbern (Est. 1870)

Fogelsville, Pennsylvania

Parts of Glasbern look so modern that you might wonder about its historic status. This tract of land was purchased in the late 1700s and was used for farming—but by 1870, a new property owner began adding a family home and several barns.

A century later, in 1985, a couple purchased the property with the goal of restoring the old structures and creating a historic inn.

Though the hotel changed hands in 2024, it retains its historic status and charm The Carriage House is built on the former tractor shed and the Gate House is built on another large shed.

Notably, some structures are reconstructed from barns taken from surrounding properties. A historic hodge-podge, if you will.

Ledges Hotel (Est. 1890)

Hawley, Pennsylvania

The Ledges Hotel was once a massive glass-cutting factory, which employed a significant portion of county laborers. The factory was created to run on water power—if you visit, you’ll immediately hear the calming sound of Wallenpaupack Creek.

It was purchased in 2011 by a hospitality group that has since turned the factory into a stunning five-story historic hotel.

Settlers Inn (Est. 1927)

Hawley, Pennsylvania

Not far from the Ledges Hotel, you can explore Settlers Inn. The property was built in 1927 in an Arts and Crafts design and was meant to serve the incoming visitors to the man-made Lake Waullenpaupack.

Though those plans stalled (by around two decades), The Settlers Inn has since become one of the most popular boutique historic hotels in town.

Skytop Lodge (Est. 1928)

Skytop, Pennsylvania

The massive, impressive Skytop Lodge spans a whopping 5,500 acres, handing you the reins to a luxurious and calming escape. This AAA Four Diamond-rated escape has perfected its offers since it opened its door almost a century ago—so if you want an opulent adventure that offers a glimpse into the past, head to Skytop.

All that land means you’ll have plenty of opportunities to get outdoors. There’s a full golf course, an adventure center, zip lining, hiking, pickleball, beekeeping, tennis, lawn bowling, shooting lessons, boating, paintball, archery lessons, something called ‘wibit’, and more.

Penn Wells Hotel (Est. 1869)

Wellsboro, Pennsylvania

So far, I’ve focused on hotels that look the part (aside from Glasbern)—but Penn Wells Hotel, located in the heart of Wellsboro, resembles a modern urban structure.

The original hotel from 1869 was expanded in the 1920s to include 70 rooms and a fantastic lounge that’s still a popular pick for locals. Both have stately interiors that call back to the Gilded Age.

6 Beautiful Gardens in New Jersey: The Garden State in Spring

I lived in New York City long enough to know that New Jersey catches a lot of flak.

Stereotypes abound about New Jersians, which shows like Jersey Shore and The Real Housewives of New Jersey only exacerbated. Meanwhile, the state is often the butt of jokes thanks to its congested traffic and less-than-charming streets, laden with ads and wires strung between electrical poles.

Being that most of my introductions to New Jersey were painted by New Yorkers, I’ve always taken them with a grain of sand.

Still, I’ve always wondered how New Jersey ended up with the moniker The Garden State. The only nature-ish factoid I know about the state is that there’s a cryptid lurking in its famous Pine Barrens: the Jersey Devil. (It’s also the name of the state’s NHL team in case that name is ringing any bells.)

Turns out, New Jersey is known as the Garden State because (drum roll, please) it has an agricultural history and is home to abundant natural beauty. A local lawyer used the term ‘Garden State’ to describe New Jersey at the Philadelphia World’s Fair back in 1876. And it stuck.

Here’s to the most beautiful gardens in New Jersey.

6 beautiful gardens in New Jersey

Cross Estate Gardens

Bernardsville, New Jersey

Like the name suggest, this small-but-stunning garden is on the grounds of the Cross Estate. The Cross Estate is located in the Morristown National Historical Park. That adds a layer of history to the Cross Estate Gardens.

Not only can you experience gorgeous native flora and a wisteria-covered pergola, but you can also explore the estate.

The gardens have been overseen by the National Park Service since 1975 with the help of diligent volunteers. Bonus tip: look out for plant sales, which run a few times annually.

Greenwood Gardens

Short Hills, New Jersey

Similar to Cross Estate, Greenwood Gardens is located on the grounds of a larger-than-life estate—one that was only recently donated to the Essex County Park System back in 2003.

Prior to the donation, the grounds were owned by the Blanchard family. The gardens are in a gorgeous 1920s Arts and Crafts style (the same as Cross Estate).

You’ll recognize this familiar setup from the famous gardens of Europe; they include terraces, intimate grottoes, and plenty of stonework. Tours are offered by volunteers and run daily—but keep in mind that these gardens are closed until early May and cost a small fee.

New Jersey State Botanical Gardens

Ringwood, New Jersey

The New Jersey State Botanical Gardens are on the grounds of a former Gilded Age mansion. (If you’ve been following along so far, you might notice a pattern: New Jersey’s top gardens are located on the grounds of once-private residences.)

The state’s official botanical gardens can be found on the Skylands property, which includes a massive manor. Even the gardens span a whopping 95 acres. It includes a lilac garden, a lane of magnolia trees, a wildflower garden, a crab apple orchard, and a massive perennial garden.

There’s also a winter garden, which includes weeping beech trees and Jeffrey pines. You can take a self-guided or guided tour. Fans of history should explore the mansion, which is also open to visitors.

Hunterdon County Arboretum

Lebanon, New Jersey

Gazebo in hunterdon County n.j hunterdon county parks

An arboretum is a garden that consists exclusively of trees. At Hunterdon County Arboretum, you can find a quiet and charming escape from New Jersey’s hustle. The arboretum offers six different walking trails that run over two miles, in case you’re a little burned out with the garden tours.

Despite its focus on mature trees, the Arboretum has a few cute amenities, including benches overlooking a pond and a two-story, artisanal gazebo structure. Plus, you’ll notice plenty of flowers and colorful bushes, which have been added around walkways and shady areas.

Deep Cut Gardens

Middleton Township, New Jersey

This large 54-acre public botanical garden has something for everyone. In addition to its rose garden and Japanese garden, Deep Cut Gardens is home to unique projects like a rock garden and even a small replica of Mount Vesuvius—a call back to when a mobster owned the park back in the 1930s.

Personally, I’d head straight for the greenhouse. It’s temperature-controlled throughout the year to tend to its succulent plants, many of which came from as far as South America and Africa. Then I’d head to the brightest section of the garden, literally named ‘Candy Store’ for its bright pink blooms.

Just over the border: Longwood Gardens

Kennett Square, Pennsylvania

Kennet Square, PA, USA February 2, 2006, Cacti and other desert plants are on display at the Longwood Gardens (Getty)

I’ve saved the best for last. Unfortunately, it’s located just over New Jersey’s border with Pennsylvania—but I vote we let that slide.

Longwood Gardens is an over-the-top historical public garden that spans 1,100 acres. That’s big enough to get lost in, and its important enough that educational lectures and workshops are hosted on the ground year-round.

Since 2012, Longwood Gardens has welcomed over one million visitors and is still being expanded by the Dutch landscape architecture company West 8. It’s a large-scale, for-profit operation—so, although vaster than the others listed here, it’s not a home-grown, New Jersey garden by any stretch.

Heading to Mexico? You Need to Fill Out an FMM Form

It’s been a busy year for travel news for Americans.

In case you’ve missed out, here’s a quick catch-up:

The US has issued travel bans for certain countries and tightened its entry protocols. On the flip side, some countries have listed travel advisories for citizens heading to the US. Meanwhile, the European Union’s attempts at launching ETIAS forms have hit another major delay—but not in the UK, which now has a new entry form for visitors.

Then, there’s Mexico.

As one of the most popular destinations for Americans heading out on vacations and visiting family, movement between the US and Mexico has always been pretty seamless for decades. (For the average traveler, at least.)

As ongoing economic and political events shift the relationship between the US and Mexico, traveling to our southern neighbor is changing.

Already, there’s one major update: Mexico is now enforcing its FMM requirements at multiple entry points for travelers heading into the country.

Never heard of the FMM? Let’s explore.

What is the FMM?

The FMM is Mexico’s official tourist permit, which stands for Forma Migratoria Mulitple. That’s Spanish for multiple immigration form.

Forms like these are a common requirement for crossing borders around the world and are similar to the ETIAS program that Europe is trying to implement and the ETA that the UK just rolled out.

The FMM is often called a tourist card. It’s free, you can fill out the FMM form online, and all you need to do is present proof of completion when you’re preparing to cross the border. In some cases, you might need to print your FMM.

The FMM has been around since 2015, but it wasn’t actually enforced for American travelers. As of February 2025, Mexican border authorities have been requiring US travelers to have their FMM ready upon arrival.

How can you make sure your FMM ducks are all in a row?

Heading to Mexico anytime soon? Fill out your FMM form online, first and foremost—but don’t fill it out too early. FMM applications are valid for 30 days after the date of issue and allow you to stay in the country for up to 180 days.

Regardless of whether you arrive via land or air, you must present a valid FMM form.

The best way to obtain your FMM form is to wait until you’re within 30 days of your arrival. Once you’ve filled out the form, I highly suggest printing your application.

Though most airports and offices accept digital FMM forms, some require printed copies. And, again, FMM requirements still aren’t consistent across the board. Some entry points might be stricter than others.

You can, of course, wait to fill out your form online once you arrive—but you could be in store for long waits. Though the FMM has been around for a decade, its recent enforcement has caused delays and confusion at airports.

Are there any other changes travelers should know about?

There is one huge caveat that travelers heading into Mexico from the US should know: the FMM isn’t required in Cancun.

To minimize confusion and waits, Cancun Airport nixed the requirement a few years ago. It looks like that ruling is still in place.

If you’re heading to Cancun, I recommend calling ahead to ask whether the form is required. As per the website, it looks like you can fill out a shorter online form rather than the traditional FMM.