Within the city boundaries, petty crime and pickpocketers are your biggest concern and you should take precautions as you would in any city. Overall, Mexico is safe to travel to, and the vast majority of visits go smoothly, without any incidents. In places like Mexico City, earthquakes are especially common. Likewise, Mexico City is home to the second-highest concentration of expatriates, thanks to jobs and amenities, but it comes with all the risks of a big capital. Kidnappings put tourists at risk, but high-profile, wealthy visitors are much more likely to be targeted. Join our free Facebook group for travelers and connect with a global network of passionate explorers. While solo travel is an incredible experience, it's important to prioritize your safety and well-being throughout your journey. I share some other travel safety advice for short term rentals specific to Mexico in my video chat so be sure to watch it all the way through. Hi I'm Anne Marie. Is it safe to travel alone in Mexico? | Mexico Holiday Daniel loved his solo adventures around Mexico! My experience mirrors that; Ive had extremely positive experiences traveling and staying within it. Do not walk alone at night, especially in unfamiliar neighborhoods, desolate areas or beaches. We witnessed the Day of The Dead festival there and was one of the high lights of our trip apart from our time spent at Ceraqui at the Mission listening to what I guess was traditional music and sampling local wine with a group of 4wd travelers. Hurricanes are especially a problem in Quintana Roo state, home to popular places to visit in Mexico like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. Your email address will not be published. (Quick tip for the city: ignore the cat callers. (Insider Tips - 2023) Mexico is one of those countries that really divides opinions. You never know when you might need it. Yucatn, where youll find the party haven of Cancn and lusted, beach resorts like Tulum and Cozumel, is the most peaceful state, with lower crime rates than most US cities. Solo travel has the power to transform: Think of the memoirs "Eat Pray Love" or "Wild.". However, it comes after a few years of a rapidly rising crime rate in Mexico. Please keep in mind that, like anywhere in the world, the safety of any given destination in Mexico is subject to change. If youre visiting these popular tourist areas, make sure you pay attention and keep an eye on your belongings. America also has higher rates of gun violence, sexual assault, and drug abuse. Big capitals always come with their problems and Mexico City is not one of the safest places to be. Like any big city, you can walk into, out of, and back into bad neighborhoods in Mexico City in the blink of an eye. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Keep a good head on your shoulders and stay in control when youre out partying in Mexico. Is Mexico Safe to Travel to Right Now [2023 Update] - Travel Mexico Solo Remaining aware of your surroundings at all times and learning about the area youre going to ahead of time are key aspects of keeping yourself safe. Should i cancel a part of the trip? This incident resurfacedthe age old question of whether Mexico is safe for travel. You can lounge under tropical palms, discover underwater worlds, delve back in time to centuries gone, and party the night away, but this doesnt mean there arent some safety concerns you should look out for. During this scam, the driver hurries you into a big van or doesnt run the taxi meter to overcharge you for a ride from the airport. Mexicans are welcoming and warm, and theyll be willing to help any solo traveler in distress, but always plan ahead. However, Mexico is punctuated by safe cities and states. These advisories include risks of crime and kidnapping in certain areas. YES You can travel to Mexico right now. Solo travel in the capital, Mexico City, is definitely possible, but women are advised to avoid poorly lit areas at night and public transport where organized crime gangs can operate, especially in the cover of night. These scams tend to happen more frequently in big cities like Mexico City. Share your stories, get inspired, and plan your next adventure with us. The country is a desirable place for relocation and is home to the highest number of Americans outside of the United States. This, along with the climatic setting, makes it vulnerable to a host of different natural disasters. Some destinations are extremely safe for independent travelers, and even solo women, but some areas are best avoided. This incident lead the Texas Department of Public Safety to warn against spring break travel to Mexico. 2022 All Rights Reserved BaldGirlWillTravel,LLC |. Copyright 2023 A Piece of Travel | All Rights Reserved |, How to Never Pay an International ATM Fee Again, Stick to driving on toll roads when you have the option, Call a ride rather than flag taxi drivers off the street, Withdraw money from an ATM inside a bank during daylight hours. Therefore, its a good idea to purchase travel insurance, especially if youll be traveling during hurricane season. Even places like Playa Del Carmen, Cabo San Lucas, and Puerto Vallarta can be a hotbed for crime against tourists when they least expect it. Just keep a close eye on your tab and you should be able to avoid becoming a victim of a restaurant scam. Travelers should consult local advice on safe and unsafe areas, maintain a low profile and consider hiring security escorts in high-risk states, says Ruuska. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. [Source]. My wife and I have just returned to Australia after spending 1 month in this wonderful country. I have mixed feelings about Mexicos approach to segregating women and men, which you can read about in my article on Safety in Mexico City. Some of the most common scams in Mexico to look out for include: Fake ATMs When youre grabbing cash at an ATM, you may not normally think about what ATM youre using. Related article: How to Never Pay an International ATM Fee Again. Petty theft is the most common security threat travelers will face across the country.. Verify your FMM visit duration. People were so rude and angry on the trains and inconsiderate with boom boxes playing at full volume, smell of dope everywhere and homeless people sleeping on bench,s everywhere. Great article!! HOW TO TAKE GREAT PHOTOS ON SOLO TRAVEL: 5 THINGS TO DO! The important thing is knowing the risks, understanding the threats, and making a plan for how you intend to factor these into your day-to-day movements to minimize your risk of harm as much as possible. Campeche is the capital of Campeche state in the Yucatan and where I spent the most time while in that state. However, the context is important. Covering everything from cartels to natural disasters and even the water quality, were in for a bumpy ride. Oaxaca is another excellent choice, with its beautiful colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and delicious cuisine. Thats not to say I felt unsafe in Puerto Escondido. It is best to ignore these advances or confrontations and walk away., Some of the most common places for harassment in Mexico include taxis and public transport. As for getting to Mexico, flying into the country is generally safer than driving, as the highways, especially the non-toll roads, can be dangerous, especially at night. In early March 2023 in the Mexican border town of Matamoros, 4 Black American tourist were abducted in broad daylight. But, this is a consideration you need to make in Mexico due to the abundance of fake ATMs that rip off your card info. The U.S. State Department has elevated travel advisories due to crime in several Mexican states popular with tourists, as well as several bordering the US. Isla Holbox and Isla Mujeres are two island paradises that offer a more relaxed atmosphere than the bustling Cancun. You may be surprised to learn that many types of crime are actually more common in the United States than in Mexico. Mexico is a big country, so the American government has several travel advisories across various regions of Mexico. My itinerary is driving from CDMX to Bernal to SMA and then to Guanajuato and back to CDMX. The San Diego border crossing is a popular one for people wanting to travel from Tijuana to Ensenada and other northern Mexican beaches. Is Mexico Safe for Solo Female Travelers? Simply type in airport transfer and the destination in Mexico youll be visiting, and youll receive a list of options. 2022 Safety Guide for the Yucatan Peninsula. Many regions and cities in Mexico are safe to visit right now. So, lets address the question Is Mexico Safe in this guide: Disclosure: Travel Lemming is an independent reader-supported blog. The media picks up and sensationalizes the few cases that go wrong. However, renting a car in Mexico can actually be a confusing and difficult process. Earthquakes, tsunamis, flooding, hurricanes, landslides, and volcanic eruptions are all real and imminent threats. But that shouldn't be a deterrent. Many areas in Mexico are safe enough if you take proper precautions. There is a wide range of crimes that can affect tourists in Mexico. San Miguel de Allende is a charming town with a thriving arts scene and plenty of boutique shops and cafes to explore, while Queretaro is a lesser-known gem with a beautiful historic center and lovely plazas to relax in. I have traveled to over 40 countries and I want Black Women over 40 to embrace solo travel! Is Mexico Safe? A Solo Female Perspective - A Piece of Travel Though Mexico has a good reputation for many, many other things. I am suposed to travel there by car with my girlfriend but i read many bad things about the state as a whole in terms of crime. She's an early bird and backpacker at heart and can often be spotted with a dog or ten that she's befriended along the way. In this blog post, we will explore the safety considerations for solo travelers in Mexico and recommend some non-beach destinations and less touristy beach locations that are worth considering for travel and are known to be safe destinations for solo travel. Nomadic Matts Travel Site, The 4 Best Hostels in Florence Worth Staying At, A Travelers Manifesto: 30 Travel Rules to Live By. Maybe there are areas like this that we did not visit in Mexico, but we never saw this in Mexico. Is Mexico Safe for Tourists: 2022 Safety Guide to Mexico. Firstly, safety should always be a top priority when traveling alone, regardless of your destination. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Is Mexico Safe for Solo Travel - Bald Girl Will Travel Tijuana is one of the more dangerous areas in, Mexico. Oaxaca state covers coastal areas like Puerto Escondido and the charming interior Day of the Dead hub of Oaxaca City. As safety is a complex topic, I do my best to tackle it in this article , Is Mexico Safe to Travel to Right Now?, and this podcast titled Tips for Safe Solo Travel in Mexico. There's no way to give a definitive answer to these questions. It's beautiful, but is Mexico safe? (October 22 ) Many young people visiting the country for spring break or parties often fail to think about the consequences of breaking the law on their escapade. No surprise, the U.S. State Department recently issued a chilling warning about travel to Mexico with a level 3 on a scale of 1 to 4, meaning reconsider travel. And some parts of Mexico where drug cartel violence is at its worst have long been on a no-go list, with a level 4 no-go advisory. Yes, the most popular landmarks have a heavy footfall, but they're popular for a reason. Both Daniel and I have solo traveled around Mexico, and we both had super positive experiences. Even if you are traveling to Mexico City alone as a woman a city which, more than any other in the country, tends to get recognized for violence, your level of safety is the same as anywhere else in the country as long as you do appropriate research and avoid hot spots of crime. Masks are only required in places like gyms. According to statistics, the countrys overall peacefulness is on the up, but homicide counts and gun violence are only worsening, so what does this mean for tourism? This post contains affiliate links. One of the top concerns that travelers have in Mexico is the drug trade and drug-related violence. Mexico City is a bustling metropolis with plenty of cultural attractions, including museums, galleries, and historic sites. There are many reasons to travel solo, and Mexico is a popular destination with plenty of activities to keep solo travelers busy. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. This website, Baldgirlwilltravel, LLC, And all trademarks and other intellectual property used herein are the property of MegEd Enterprises LLC. Machismo culture also still dominates. Yucatan is one of only two states that rank as a Level 1 (exercise normal precautions), according to the DOS. In January 2022, two tourists were killed in a shooting in Playa del Carmen, while a gay couple from Texas was found dismembered near Ciudad Jurez. Earthquakes can also strike. What I like about GetYourGuide is that theyre an international, English-speaking company with 24/7 support. Bird Poop Swindle The bird poop swindle is a variation on all the other sticky goop types of robberies. A Complete Comparison Guide, Is Campeche Safe? Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Your email address will not be published. You dont want to get caught out in the middle of nowhere with no phone signal as a result of poor planning or unreliable interstate busses. As of fall 2022, visitors do not need to present a negative COVID-19 test or proof of vaccination when they travel to Mexico. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. However, the Yucatan Peninsula comprises three statesYucatan, Campeche, and Quintana Roo. Mexico and its people in my opinion dont deserve the bad wrap that is given especially by US travel advisories as they need to look in their own yard also. Baja California Sur is a popular tourist stop for many, as its home to Los Cabos (Psst! Required fields are marked *. Required fields are marked *. But, really, that person is stealing anything they can grab from your pockets. When youre planning to visit Mexico, there is one question that every traveler wants to answer first and foremost: is Mexico safe? Maybe you want to experience a new country without the distraction of other people getting in the way of your travel desires. You can read my article on Safety in Los Cabos for details. Unfortunately, there are quite a few common scams to be aware of before you travel to Mexico, besides run-of-the-mill pickpocketing. The coastal regions of Mexico can also be affected by hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, and flooding. Yucatan and Campeche states fall under Level 1 for safety; the DOS classifies Quintana Roo as a Level 2. . Especially if it will be your first time visiting Mexico or a certain city or town, choose a place close to the zcalo, or main square. However, never forget that youre a guest in a foreign country. Read my article on Cabo San Lucas vs. San Jose del Cabo if youre confused about the difference between the two). Visitors should take extra precautions here, especially if traveling alone or crossing large portions of the country, but Mexico isnt all gangs and drugs. Cancun Solo Travel in 2023: How to Visit Cancun Safely - Travel Mexico Solo Is it safe to drink the tap water in Mexico? Mexico is a stunningly beautiful and vibrant country, and you would be remiss to allow news headlines to prevent you from venturing there to experience it for yourself, by yourself. While COVID-19 restrictions have loosened, the Mexican government still encourages everyone to practice social distancing and wash their hands. Also, keep an eye on your drink because its very common for tourists to get drugged when theyre not paying attention. Some tips: Learn some basic Spanish and keep personal things to yourself. See the Disclaimer and Terms of Use for more information. But Baja California is also a state. 4 MORE OF MY FAVORITE SAFETY APPS & GADGETS FOR SOLOTRAVEL! Although the DOS continues to keep this state at a Level 2, drug cartel violence has been on the rise. The peninsula is joined by Tlaxcala, Chiapas, Campeche, and Hidalgo as the provinces demonstrating homicide rates of around eight per 100,000, less than a quarter of those for the country as a whole. And while youre at it, make sure you check out Taylors Mexico packing list to know exactly what safety items to bring. When asking, Is Mexico safe? the answer might surprise you: One destination in Mexico even ranks as safer than cities in the United Statesthats Merida, Mexico. The Sinaloa Cartel is still active in Mexico and theyre the dominant and most powerful drug gang in the country. This means, of all these crimes, a very small percentage directly affect tourists. Although I explore it with heightened awareness, especially as a woman, I love the food scene, street art, parks, and buildings ranging from quaint to towering modern masterpieces. Personally, I love Mexico City. In general, Mexican people are friendly, fun-loving, helpful and openand curious of solo female travelers.. Ask questions, get inspired, and plan your next adventure with us! When it comes to accommodations, many solo travelers choose to stay in vacation rentals like Airbnb. The land of margaritas and mariachi music was once riddled with a reputation for drug smuggling and gang crime, but you might be wondering, is Mexico safe for tourists in 2022? In particular, I felt extremely safe walking around Merida and Valladolid day and night. You never want to mess with the local authorities and laws when youre exploring a foreign country. The DOS currently lists Baja California State as a Level 3 (reconsider travel) due to crime and kidnapping. Please contact the developer of this form processor to improve this message. Tourists need to be mindful and careful of this reality on their trip. Just take the standard precautions (keep your valuables secure, always be aware of your . San Miguel de Allende is very touristic, has a ton of foreigners (youll hear more English than Spanish in the city center), and is generally safe although it does occasionally have high profile incidents. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Maybe you just need some much-needed alone time. Photo by Christopher_Boswell on Envato Elements. See our Advertising Policy for further explanation. Crimes have taken place in resort areas, so you'll need to be cautious if you're a female planning a solo trip to Mexico. Mexico is safe for solo travelers, though it never hurts to travel in groups if you're going out at night. To help you narrow it down, I've listed a few of the highlights of my trip below, plus some overrated places that you can easily skip. You can check out my articles on Safety in Guadalajara and Safety in Puerto Vallarta for more details. Mexico can be as safe as you make it and high crime rates wont always jeopardize the security of foreigners, but that doesnt mean you shouldnt take extra precautions. Unfortunately, as with all other travel situations, women may want to abide by a different set of rules to keep them extra safe, and thats why were here for you. Water tends to be purified at the source in order to aid water quality, but contamination can happen at any point during the distribution process before it reaches your tap. The most dangerous states in Mexico include: The DOS states that theyve put these states at a Level 4 for safety because of crime and kidnapping. It the most wonderful place. And drug vendors, while undoubtedly present, werent insistent on me buying drugs, unlike my experience in east coast destinations like Playa del Carmen and Cancun. There are 8X more crimes committed in total in the United States than Mexico, largely due to Americas size and population. Instead, Ill point you to my articles that dive deep into safety in the following destinations: Ive also written an article on Safety in Quintana Roo, which covers safety in Bacalar and the Riviera Maya. You can check out my articles on Safety in Oaxaca City and Safety in Puerto Escondido for more details. safe to travel to Mexico? (all inclusive, staying on resort Christelle ambr Jun 13, 2023 12min Explore the world North America Truth be told, I had only set out to trace to Mexico because my goal was South America. As a rule of thumb, you shouldnt drink water from the tap in Mexico as you can never determine what bacteria it might harbor. These areas are always well lit, and there are usually plenty of police officers around, making it less attractive for criminals. Theres nothing like recent firsthand experience to paint a more realistic picture of Mexicos current safety situation. These occurrences range from petty crimes like pickpocketing and other forms of theft to more violent crimes like carjacking and kidnapping. Lets get into it. Basically, you get hit with a gross substance like bird feces, and a kind passerby helps you clean it off. Before you leave, be sure to check out all our Mexico travel guides. Mexico is a beautiful and diverse country with a rich culture and history, making it a popular destination for travelers from all over the world. Don't forget Travel Insurance for Cancun, so you're covered on your trip if anything unforeseen arises. Copyright BaldGirlWillTravel,LLC 2022. Readers should consult with a licensed professional to get advice for their individual situation. Drug cartels and criminal organizations do exist in Mexico, and drug-related deaths are unfortunately common in Mexico. Dont make yourself into a vulnerable target in any country. However, if youre staying in a budget hotel in Tulum, you may need to think a little more about what part of town you stay in. Staying in the Hotel Zones of Cancun and Tulum is best, as these areas have the highest number of police officers. But the real question that travelers are asking: What about the tourism areas along the Roviera Maya? In conclusion, Mexico can be a safe and enjoyable destination for solo travelers, including Black women over 50. Some of the most-visited tourist destinations in Mexico are more dangerous than people think. Maybe you just need some much-needed alone time. I regularly use World Nomads for all of my travel insurance needs. This story really hit close to home for many of us because we are unused to seeing people that look like us in a news story such as this one. Maybe you want to experience a new country without the distraction of other people getting in the way of your travel desires. These cities line the Riviera Maya and the beaches that extend down to the Belize border. Ultimately, all travel is risky and to some extent the decision whether to travel is up to you. Or how can we improve it to help you travel better? Additionally, make sure you know at least a little Spanish to get yourself out of any sticky situations if there are no English speakers around. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Bus, Taxi or Private Driver: Getting around Cancun. Is Tulum Safe? What You Need to Know to Travel Smart Especially if youre in gang territory, which isnt safe for solo travelers. Ill share those with you shortly. Learn how your comment data is processed. The town is home to amazing ancient Mayan ruins and boasts gorgeous white sand beaches bounded by the azure Caribbean Sea (thanks to its position along the Yucatn Peninsula). Plenty of people travel solo to Mexico each year. In 2017 alone, more than 39 million international visitors traveled by air to Mexico. When she's not writing, you'll find her lying on a beach somewhere, lost in a crime novel. Its a wonderful destiantion. As every woman on earth will know, the world just carries more risks for us its not a Mexico issue! As some of the top Mexico resort towns, they all have good and bad points and they are safe for most visitors, though not all. official list of travel advisories for Mexico, 8X more crimes committed in total in the United States than Mexico, gun violence, sexual assault, and drug abuse, Colima state (due to crime and kidnapping), Michoacan state (due to crime and kidnapping), Sinaloa state (due to crime and kidnapping), Tamaulipas state (due to crime and kidnapping), Zacatecas state (due to crime and kidnapping). Mexico is typographically diverse with a complex and varied landscape, extensive coastline, and unique location. Public transport around the country is a reasonable way to get around, especially if youre visiting Mexico on a budget. I do feel safer there. By the way, I have guides to things to do in San Miguel de Allende and where to stay in San Miguel de Allende. Visitors are encouraged to do research into the area they are traveling to and avoid regions of high risk. The cartels have a stronghold on several states in Mexico, placing those states on the DOS Do Not Travel list. A tougher question would: what are the best places to visit in Mexico? This is especially common in Mexico City. Quiet surf towns like Sayulita and Puerto Escondido offer slow pace living and a great quality of life, while cities like Merida and Oaxaca are among the countrys safest and most culturally diverse places with good healthcare thanks to medical tourism. If you cross the border from San Diego into Mexico, youll be in Baja California state. We caught up with Ruuska to find out whether its safe to travel to Mexico right now. In contrast, popular tourist destinations like Puerto Vallarta, Ajijic, and Chapala all call Jalisco state their home. Maybe you want to "find yourself" like all the influencers you see on instagram. I cant comment on the safety in La Paz from personal experience, but I have lots to say about Los Cabos. However, Mexico is one of the top 15 largest countries in the world, and some . (Honest Advice for 2023) Sky Ariella Updated on June 14, 2023 Mexico Jump to: Is Mexico Safe? We send expert travel tips & guides that save you money, stress & FOMO: TravelLemming.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. I traveled by public bus to beach hop. With a bad reputation for violent crime and criminal groups, it often scares people away. If you're a solo traveler in Mexico City, don't swerve the big-name attractions. The Yucatan Peninsula was my base, but Ive traveled to the west coast and central Mexico a few times each. Is it safe to travel to Mexico? Here's what you need to know In general, it is not advisable to travel to the Mexican states subject to a Level 4 advisory. Inland, remote regions also suffer most from floods and landslides at this time, so never go off the beaten track without guidance and always let people know where you are. While Mexico is a fairly safe destination with precautions, there are some extra steps that solo travelers need to take to keep themselves safe. Your email address will not be published. This is especially true for solo female travelers. As a whole, Mexico isnt a very safe country for women traveling alone and it isnt the best choice for first-time solo travelers. Whatever your reason, solo travel is, almost without exception, a deeply enriching experience for anyone looking to get to know the world outside of their hometown. Grab theBaldGirlWillTravel: A Guide to Travel Safety and Security for Solo Female Travelersand ensure you follow the safety tips to ensure a safe solo travel experience. If a situation is fishy, walk away., Ranked: The 20 Happiest Countries In The World In 2022, Crime In America: Study Reveals The 10 Most Unsafe Cities (Its Not Where You Think). I spent one month in Guadalajara and can attest to feeling like I needed to be on heightened alert there compared to certain other destinations Ive visited in Mexico. The word Mexico often conjures up many images for people depending on what theyve heard in the news or experienced as a traveler. Chichen Itza's Kukulkan pyramid at sunrise, U.S. State Department recently issued a chilling warning. Is Mexico Safe to Visit in 2023? | Safety Guide | Travellers
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