Mexico is an incredible nation to go to…however it has one thing of a foul status. Is it truly secure to go to? What should you’re a solo feminine traveler? On this visitor publish, Kristin Addis from Be My Journey Muse shares her security ideas and recommendation that will help you navigate Mexico with confidence as a solo feminine traveler.
The tastes, smells, sights, and sounds of Mexico are irresistible. It’s the primary place I traveled internationally, and at any time when I need a heat, welcoming journey that’s straightforward and accessible, I consider Mexico.
However typically folks with little to no Mexico journey expertise will attempt to speak you out of touring there solo. They’ve seen nothing however negativity on the information, and in order that’s their impression of the whole nation. In any case, Mexico has a world status for having excessive crime. So sure, that is one thing you’ve to pay attention to when touring there, particularly by your self.
However let’s be actual: a lot of incredible locations — together with many within the US — have the same status. It doesn’t imply the whole nation is “unhealthy” or that you would be able to’t have an ideal, secure time there. You simply must take sure precautions, identical to you’d in a lot of the world. That begins with being effectively knowledgeable.
That can assist you keep secure, listed here are my high ideas for touring safely in Mexico as a solo feminine traveler:
1. Select your vacation spot properly
I are likely to base my journey locations on ideas from others or photographs that I’ve seen and saved, normally from Instagram. That’s how I ended up road-tripping in Baja California, trying out the cenotes of Tulum, attending a girls’s retreat in Sayulita, and falling in love with Isla Holbox.
However these days, crime has elevated in components of the Riviera Maya, and vacationer cities that was once widespread locations, like Acapulco, have since turn out to be extra synonymous with cartels. Simply because one thing was widespread ten years in the past doesn’t imply it’s a good place to go to now.
How are you aware? If you happen to’ve received someplace in thoughts, do a fast Google seek for the city together with “crime” or “vacationer crime.” Bear in mind: the media can actually overplay issues. I like to have a look at as many particular statistics as I can, when accessible.
I additionally like posting on message boards (like Journey Advisor’s) when planning journeys to get essentially the most present data. Native expat Fb teams can be useful. Right here’s one particularly for Tulum, for instance. You’ll be capable to ask people who find themselves residing or on the bottom there what their expertise is. This works for nearly any main space of Mexico (and the world).
2. Select centrally situated lodging
Particularly if it is going to be your first time visiting Mexico or a sure metropolis or city, select a spot near the zócalo, or important sq.. These areas are at all times effectively lit, and there are normally loads of cops round, making it much less enticing for criminals. (One exception to that is Mexico Metropolis, as there are such a lot of neighborhoods to select from in addition to the zócalo downtown.)
Though I haven’t made this error in Mexico, once in a while I’ve gotten this mistaken when in different nations. I keep in mind a state of affairs within the Philippines the place I used to be so distant from the entire issues to do and different vacationers that I spent a really lonely few days on the tip of an island, reduce off from everybody and every part.
Coincidentally, that’s precisely when somebody tried to interrupt into my bungalow at evening. I discovered my lesson the laborious approach on that one: at all times learn the opinions fully and have a great understanding of what’s close to your lodging.
3. Study some fundamental Spanish
Notably while you’re a girl touring solo, realizing some key phrases might help you’ve a smoother expertise. You’ll be capable to make mates with locals, get residence safely extra simply if the taxi driver doesn’t converse English, and perceive when any person is crossing a line once they’re speaking to you.
What should you don’t know a lot? Nicely, my Spanish isn’t nice. I assumed it could be cool to take French in highschool, even having grown up in Southern California, the place Spanish would have been very useful! So every part I do know it’s simply what I’ve picked up since then.
That stated, the fundamentals are sometimes sufficient, and Mexico is a superb place to be taught extra. Mexicans are typically very form and forgiving towards those that attempt to converse their language.
Even should you simply be taught fundamental greetings and key phrases, you’re off to an ideal begin. Duolingo is useful with that, and you may also obtain Google Translate for offline use.
Talking the language (even poorly) is an indication of respect and might help break the ice with locals, so why not give it a strive?
4. Discover journey mates to really feel much less alone
I like every part having to do with the ocean, so after I was in Baja California, I signed as much as swim with sharks. On the boat, I randomly ran right into a buddy of mine with whom I’d swum with whales in French Polynesia! However even when I didn’t already know somebody on the boat, I are likely to make mates each time I do an exercise, and that offers me a built-in group to have dinner with that evening, and even hang around with and do extra issues with within the coming days.
Generally signing up for a retreat can be a great way to go. I normally discover these by means of influencers I observe. I did this towards the tip of my journey in Sayulita a number of years in the past, which gave me a great stability of time with folks and in addition solitude earlier than and after.
As a solo feminine traveler, that is my absolute favourite option to ensure that I meet different folks. Do you’re keen on meals? Join a cooking class or perhaps a meals tour with nice rankings on Google or TripAdvisor.
5. Go for rideshare apps when you’ll be able to
Generally taxis will be sketchy relying on the place you’re touring to in Mexico. In Mexico Metropolis and Playa del Carmen, for instance, riders have even been kidnapped and extorted. In different cities, nevertheless, taxis are completely secure. Mérida, Cancún, San Cristóbal de las Casas and San Miguel de Allende are all superb locations to take taxis in.
Rideshare apps are typically a safer choice, particularly at evening. These apps make it attainable to carry drivers accountable for any misdeeds, making it far much less possible that they might commit any crimes. Plus, no precise cash is exchanged, and so they’re much less possible so as to add additional mileage to make the invoice increased since you’ll be able to see proper on the app what the advised route is.
Uber is obtainable in some cities in Mexico, however not all. There may be virtually at all times some form of taxi app (like DiDi, for instance) or WhatsApp taxi service accessible in any important metropolis, however should you’re visiting a small city or village, these choices possible gained’t be accessible.
6. Keep away from being flashy
Sporting flashy jewellery and designer garments will draw consideration to you, virtually wherever you go in Mexico. One exception is Mexico Metropolis, the place folks typically gown up extra in particular neighborhoods. Nearly wherever else, carrying extravagant clothes might make you a possible goal for theft.
Though I personal them, you gained’t catch me with designer purses overseas, as a result of I simply don’t wish to make myself essentially the most enticing goal.
The identical goes for having your good smartphone in hand on the road. There are two causes for this: one, it may be a giant distraction for you, and two, it’s one thing very straightforward to shortly steal out of your hand.
7. Vet tour corporations beforehand
There are lots of of tour corporations in Mexico, and never all of them are respected or secure. I virtually by no means ebook a tour instantly from a vendor or proper off the road. I at all times wish to have a look at opinions first.
If you wish to go on a day journey with a selected tour firm, see should you can look it up on-line and browse precise opinions earlier than you hand over your cash. Subsequent, I examine if they’ve web sites and social media, corresponding to a Fb web page.
If you happen to don’t have a selected firm in thoughts, Google the exercise you’re inquisitive about and see which corporations provide it and observe the identical recommendation. Likelihood is there will likely be some Google opinions, and if somebody has had a foul expertise, they’ll most likely go away one to warn different vacationers. You too can examine TripAdvisor.
One other smart way to verify a tour is legit earlier than you ebook is to undergo a third-party web site, like GetYourGuide. On these platforms, you’ll be able to see opinions from different clients and make a extra knowledgeable determination on which tour is most secure and price your money and time.
Moreover, watch out for a typical rip-off wherein sketchy tour corporations hire gear to clients after which blame them for intensive damages. That is commonest with scooter leases, segway excursions, and even snorkeling gear leases. To keep away from this, make sure that to ask what the coverage is for any harm to gear to ensure you gained’t be held liable. You must also take photographs of something you hire earlier than utilizing it. That approach you’ll be able to show that you simply haven’t made any damages.
8. Inform a buddy the place you might be
If you happen to’re touring alone, inform a buddy or member of the family at residence your itinerary and with whom you’ll be able to examine in repeatedly. Earlier than I began touring internationally 10 years in the past, I added my mother to my checking account, in order that if it have been ever locked whereas l was abroad, she might simply name and approve the costs. She has saved me many occasions, together with when my financial institution tried to dam my card repeatedly throughout an overland journey in Africa. There was no approach I’d’ve been capable of name, however she knew that these withdrawals have been made by me by shortly checking in with me.
Personally, checking in with somebody each day or sharing my location with them would drive me completely bonkers, however so many solo feminine vacationers have really helpful this in feedback on posts I’ve written over time that I do know that, for some folks, the peace of thoughts is price it.
9. Get a Mexican SIM card
If you happen to’re from the US, you might have cellular phone service whereas in Mexico at no further value. If not, think about selecting up a Mexican SIM card while you arrive. A Telcel card solely prices 150 pesos ($7.50 USD) and you may simply load knowledge onto it on-line or at any OXXO (24-hour comfort retailer).
I just about at all times get native SIM playing cards as a result of they work higher and are a lot cheaper that utilizing your common SIM. I simply ask a buddy or individual I meet at a hostel who’s bilingual to assist me get mine in Mexico, as my Spanish just isn’t ok to get the job achieved.
However after that, I’m set when it comes to navigation, making native calls when wanted, and at all times being related.
10. Don’t indulge cat-callers
I do know from private expertise how troublesome it’s to not snap again at a cat-caller who has disrespected me, however it’s not a good suggestion to pay any consideration to them in Mexico.
In typical machismo vogue, a person who will cat-call you on the road might turn out to be aggressive and even violent if proven any form of resistance. It’s a tragic reality and one which pains me to say. However letting a disrespectful individual know they’ve crossed a line doesn’t at all times have the specified impact of creating them cease what they’re doing.
11. Watch out on relationship apps
Quite a lot of vacationers use relationship apps like Tinder and Bumble to fulfill folks (even simply as mates) whereas on the transfer. I’ve had mates rave about it in Europe and have run into folks on the highway who inform me that’s how they met. This might probably be a cool option to see Mexico from a neighborhood’s perspective, however it additionally makes me nervous. What if they’ve expectations? What should you’re not on the identical web page?
There are a number of methods you’ll be able to vet somebody earlier than deciding to fulfill up. First, have a look at their social media for any crimson flags. Subsequent, make your intentions clear from the get-go. If you happen to simply wish to make a brand new buddy and see town, allow them to know. Then, agree to fulfill up in a public. You too can have a buddy on standby to examine in with you mid-date to ensure you’re alright.
There are additionally Fb teams that you should utilize to fulfill up with others. I run one particularly for solo feminine vacationers known as BMTM Solo Feminine Traveler Join. There’s additionally Meetup.com and Bumble Good friend, which is particularly arrange for platonic conditions.
12. Belief your intestine with regards to meals
Let’s be trustworthy, no one desires to spend their Mexican trip in a resort lavatory. Generally getting even just a bit sick in another country is unavoidable, however there are some things to look out for to maintain your tummy in working order in Mexico.
I’m not suggesting that you simply keep away from avenue meals and persist with solely eating places. The worst meals poisoning I’ve ever had was from a elaborate restaurant in Mexico! Plus, I completely love avenue tacos there, and I’m at all times looking out for them. However I’ve some guidelines.
To start with, belief your instincts with avenue meals. If a stall appears to be like unsanitary, it most likely is. However, If you happen to’re uncertain of the place to eat, decide the taco stand with the longest queue. If there’s an enormous line for a selected place, it’s most likely as a result of the meals is nice. Locals actually know finest on this one.
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There’s a purpose why you’ll discover so many ladies touring by means of Mexico on their very own. It’s a ravishing and culturally wealthy nation that is filled with surprises, making it excellent for the adventurous coronary heart. I’ve met superb folks in Mexico, a lot of whom have turn out to be mates far past the time I spent within the nation.
Every time I’m going again to find a brand new space, I’m reminded of simply how mistaken the media has it when portraying Mexico. Identical to another nation, it has its justifiable share of security issues, however by being ready and following some easy pointers like those above, I’ve had lovely experiences swimming with sharks, dunking in crystal-clear cenotes, consuming superb meals, and making connections that I’d have missed out on had I listened solely to all of the unhealthy information.
Kristin Addis is a solo feminine journey knowledgeable who conjures up girls to journey the world in an genuine and adventurous approach. A former funding banker who offered all of her belongings and left California in 2012, Kristin has solo traveled the world ever since. There’s virtually nothing she gained’t try to virtually nowhere she gained’t discover. Yow will discover extra of her musings at Be My Journey Muse or on Instagram and Fb.
