But youre a sensible person who does their research. Avoid Cancun During Spring Break. One of the top and most affordable destinations that provide such an experience is Cancun, Mexico. There are some areas in Cancun that you should be cautious of, like downtown Cancun at night and isolated parts of the Hotel Zone. Theres basically no reason to worry about going to Cancun if you use your common sense, stay in tourist areas, and stay up to date with Mexico travel warnings. More than that though, itll be an amazing beach holiday that theyll probably never forget. Remember, your adventures in Cancun will only be enriched by connecting with locals and diving into the vibrant Mexican culture. Like many other airports around the world, the Cancun airport is jam-packed with money exchange kiosks looking to convert your money into Mexican pesos. Driving is fantastic youll just need an international drivers license, solid car rental insurance, and some confidence. Booking tours from stand-alone tour guides. by far, one of the safest areas in Cancun. Should you ever find yourself in a tricky situation, dont hesitate to ask for help from locals, your hotel staff, or nearby businesses. Experience extraordinary moments and warm hospitality at Marriott Cancun, An All-Inclusive Resort. Embrace the challenge and view it as an opportunity to learn and grow. Just remember, approach the situation with a friendly smile and never be afraid to negotiate the price of items that caught your eye. And dont forget to ask if the hotel only uses purified water in their ice machines to keep your stomach happy during your vacation. As a travel enthusiast, I cant help but feel captivated by its charm. Don't Stay at all-inclusive resorts on late arrival & early departure, 14. An adept traveler and mother, Abigail translates the spirit of Mexico into her articles, showcasing the best family-friendly attractions, restaurants, resorts, and activities. Youre in a big city, and people (including huge buses) are all driving Mexican style. While US dollars are widely accepted, you might get a better deal if you pay in pesos. To keep you extra secure weve got a few travel tips for women travelling to Cancun. When planning your trip, the first question that comes to our mind is probably, What should you not do in Cancun?. Cenotes, on the other hand, are natural swimming holes connected to vast underground rivers, offering you a one-of-a-kind experience. The hotel will call you to verify and handle ALL the payments! Its WAY cheaper, the drivers are regulated, and you can track your whole journey. 21 Travel Safety Tips & Mistakes to Avoid The Do's and Don'ts in Cancun, 1. To avoid scams, pre-book your airport transfer with reputable companies like USA Transfers. But its pretty damn special too. No. 17 Things to avoid are: 1.-. Places to Avoid in Cancun Even some of the touristy areas, like downtown, should be avoided at night. What to do: Make sure you reserve your car with a reputable company likeDiscover Carsand purchase Mexican car insurance (it only costs 7$/day with Discover Cars)BOOK NOW. After all, it pays to be vigilant and safe at all times. There are some sketchy areas that tourists should avoid. When in Cancun, its a good idea to get your hands on some pesos, the local currency. Many dont come to Cancun for history. Check out this list of the safest areas in Mexico for more travel ideas! Knowing the right travel tips for solo travelers might save you from one or the other sketchy situation. . Thanks for the great tips! Guide to the best hotels and things to do in Cancun. And hey, its better to play it safe than spend precious vacation time nursing an upset stomach. Don't Choose accommodation based solely on price, 11. For nightlife, there are plenty of options . Her bilingual skills enhance her understanding of the countrys hidden gems, making her your trusted guide in Mexico. This Mayan Riviera hotspot has plenty of must-do activities, from dipping in the turquoise Caribbean Sea and spotting Mayan ruins to cenote hopping, visiting underwater museums and various beaches,. It just means you have a bit more of an adventure. Following a few safety tips when visiting Cancun will help ensure a safe vacation, so well list a few below. 18 years ago Save There is a red district. They offer simple & flexible travel insurance, and safety advice to help you travel confidently. We ran into that situation so many times at other all-inclusive resorts that I finally figured out why! What to do: Give it a try and stay at at least one all-inclusive resort! Now lets dive into some detail about the safest areas in Cancun for tourists. Price inflation is so bad that the quote you get from the taxis at Cancun Airport can be twice as much as what you would have paid for outside the airport. 21. Awesome Cancun Travel Guide! Don't Buy Stuff at Cancun City Attractions without Bargaining, 8. A bottle of sunscreen you can buy in the US for $7 would end up costing you $20 there! This not only helps to deter crime in areas like the Hotel Zone, the downtown area, and on popular beaches but also allows authorities to quickly respond to crime when it happens. Bring your tourist card with you, as some resorts might try to check your remaining time in Mexico and use it as leverage in their sales pitch. Many restaurants (in or out of the all-inclusive resorts) have formal dress codes, but the definition of formal varies. And the timeshare we were so bad at saying no that we ended up staying the whole day until their office closed, but we got good discounts so it was an ok trade off. The information present in this safety guide was accurate at the time of writing, however, the world is a changeable place, now more than ever. 50 Best Restaurants in Mexico Top-Rated Places to Eat! If you can, try to plan your Cancun trip around the spring equinox in March, so that you can witness the Chichen Itza serpent descending the steps of the Kukulkan Pyramid one of the most spectacular and unique events in the world. While it has a bit of a bad reputation, Cancun is a top destination for traveling in Mexico. Looking for the best things to do in Cancun? Unless you can lock down thousands of dollars for a membership which is basically a commitment to come back or send people there every year, you will end up losing at least half a day listening to the extremely high-pressured sales pitch. Sunblock could be a better choice if you have sensitive skin or if you are going out for intense sun exposure. Lastly, remember that when youre in Cancun, youre there to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings not to end up in a stressful sales environment. All-inclusive adult-only resorts of this area: Temptation Cancun Resort - Breathless Cancun Soul Resort - Hotel Riu Palace Las Americas. The buses and minibusses are great. While its a popular tourist destination with stunning beaches and fantastic food, staying aware of your safety during your visit is important. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); The Cancun Sun is an Off Path Enterprises production, areas you should avoid when visiting Cancun, Obrador immediately responded to the U.S. warnings, Bad Boys (Theme from Cops) Inner Circle. All Rights Reserved. Don't - Sign up for a timeshare presentation without knowing what it really is 4. In tourist areas like Cancun Hotel Zone (Zona Hotelera) and Playa del Carmen Fifth Avenue (Quinta Avenue), you will see plenty of police and security cameras. Buying everything at the listed price. It got really sketchy without the lights, the people, and the police. What to do: Avoid scams by counting the bill out loud to the gas station attendants and making sure they agree the amounts are correct! Tap water in Cancun is not drinkable, period! As its name indicates, The Hotel Zone is a long strip along the Cancun beach lined with hotels, most of them all-inclusive. Is Cancun safe? He also questioned where this fear is coming from, considering the fact that more and more Americans are not only traveling to the country but moving to Mexican cities too. Do not let the temperatures fool you! 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.". Between the pandemic, cultural division, and a click-bait media, it can be hard to maintain what is truth and what is sensationalism. You dont want to draw unwanted attention to yourself or make the locals feel uncomfortable. Despite the fact that most tourists never run into trouble in Cancun, there are a few troublesome areas nearby. What to do: Avoid losing your tourist card by attaching it to your passport using a paperclip. I was surprised to see the contrast between the tourist areas in Cancun and the areas just a few streets over. The tap water in Cancun is not safe to drink. Ready to explore more of what Cancun has to offer? Do you have any suggestions for beginner blog writers? Well, thankfully violent types of crime are extremely rare in Cancun especially in the touristy areas. Its crucial to apply sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30 before stepping out under the Cancun sun. These regions tend to have a lower crime rate, and youll feel more secure while having a great time. To save you money, protect your skin, and ensure a seamless water-filled adventure, I highly recommend packing SPF 50 reef-friendly sunscreen. Best Car Rental in Cancun: How to Find it & What to Expect! If the answers are no, a timeshare is likely not for you, and the timeshare presentation would be pointless. When selecting souvenirs, try to find items that truly represent Cancuns culture and charm. What are the safest places to visit in Tulum? Then it sent "notice and demand" mailings to the same taxpayers, saying their payments were due right away, along with the threat of interest accrual and penalties. Sunscreens in Cancun are VERY VERY expensive! Just make sure to watch out for pickpockets, scammers, and street hawkers. Get a quote below or read our in-depth review! Otherwise, thanks for your ear and stay safe! . Touristic areas of downtown, such as Las Palapas and around Avenida Tulum, are generally safe to visit (but keep your wallet safely tucked in your front pocket). This year has been forecast to be another bad year. You get to do what you want to do, and when you want to do it, but more than anything you only have yourself to rely on. What not to do: Although Uber is back in Cancun as of January 2023, it may not be a safe travel option. Then remember what they look like. Is Cancun safe for tourists? Please come prepared with all your sun protection gear. Beyond that, Cancun is one of the safest destinations in the Mexican state. And dont forget that Mexico travel insurance! Don't - Lose Migratory Tourist Form in Cancun, Mexico 2. We do our best to advise but this info may already be out of date. When you arrive at the airport in Cancun after the customs area, there are numerous agents selling timeshare and offering tours, breakfast and lunch for free. Do Know all the benefits included in the price, 20. If you ended up making new ones or found something that I missed, please share them with me in the comments below! The stock image wouldn't lie now, would it? 12 years ago Save Are there places you wouldn't venture into in Houston? By knowing which pitfalls to avoid, youll make sure your precious vacation time is worry-free and focused on having a fantastic experience. My linguistic abilities boiled down to hola, gracias, and taco.. In addition to sun protection, pay attention to basic health guidelines like: By following these simple tips, youll ensure a fun and healthy Cancun experience. Snorkeling, Mayan Ruins, personal trips on pirate ships (yup). 11 Best Beaches in Cancun Beautiful Public Waterfronts, Itinerary Cancun: Your Ultimate Guide to the Perfect Vacation. Cancun is romantic. Great points! Look beyond the beaches and plan exciting excursions to sites rich with history, culture, and adventure. What to do: Avoid missing out by asking the receptionist at check-in which restaurants require reservations! Seasoned Cancun visitors also know that the winter months are typically the best time to visit to avoid excessive amounts of the ever-present seaweed. And some parts of Mexico . Theyve been doing it since 2002 protecting, connecting, and inspiring independent travellers just like you. The sea is shallow, and some parts are protected from seaweed. And do remember to ensure that your travel insurance is in order. If you're in Cancun for spring break, expect thousands of partygoers, fully booked accommodation, and high prices. That means you will have to pay extra for a new flight ticket on top of the fine. While many locals speak English, particularly in tourist areas, showing a genuine effort to speak their language can go a long way. Don't Forget to pack sunscreen to Cancun, 6. Visiting during Spring Break. Dont take the risk when you can be covered for cheap. Don't Go to specialty restaurants at peak dinner time, 19. Yes. This list includes not only safety tips and scams to watch out for in Cancun, but also a list of what to do vs what not to do in order to avoid wasting time and money! What to do: Be vigilant of your surroundings and avoid deserted streets at night by sticking to the main tourist areas. The reason is that promoters can only give you a discount on tours, but members can use their referral code to get you a 20-25% discount for the whole stay at the hotel! What to do: Grab my timeshare presentation guide and avoid wasting time by analyzing your situation before signing up for these irresistible deals. Conventional taxis sometimes have high prices, and while Uber is available, its not legal for drivers to pick up passengers at the airport. Choose restaurants that have a good reputation for cleanliness and food safety. Sargassum "season" typically begins in late February with April through June being the worst period. Are the rumours true? There exist cartel-related crimes that happen between rival cartels or drug dealers. If you travel out of Zona Hotelera into downtown Cancun, only do so during the day and avoid wearing high-value items or flashy accessories. We independently evaluate all recommended services and products. Get travel information for your Cancun vacation from AARP, including fun attractions, restaurants, things to do, ways to save and more. The city has some fantastic markets where you can find unique and authentic items. The neighborhoods to avoid are mainly located north of Lopez Portillo, near Bonfil. You want to enjoy your shopping experience, and so do the vendors. No one wants to think about what could go wrong on a vacation, but the truth is that accidents can happen anywhere, at any time. Other Cancun safety things to be aware of, that arent human-related but more due to Mother Nature, is the weather! Spot on with this write-up, I truly think this website needs much more consideration. You can potentially save a lot of money on your luxury trip, but be sure to check out my timeshare presentation guide before you go! Mexican President Andrs Manuel Lpez Obrador immediately responded to the U.S. warnings regarding travel to the country. Step up your tanning game, chill at the beach for a whole week straight, or have the party of your life the options are endless. That said, thousands of people visit Mexico every year. Do Watch out for crime and scams at the gas station, 16. They run all over the city, theyre regular and super cheap. U.S. State Department Warning For Cancun You can find great videos for tips on shooting and editing high-quality content that will make your friends back home jealous. Most reputable companies will allow you to pay for excursions and activities such as paragliding, scuba diving, and snorkeling with a credit card. Keep your bling in your room Stay near the main road in town or at the beach resorts Keep an eye on your drinks Its essential to know how to avoid any blunders and make the most of your trip. However, most of the time when we arrived at 7 pm or 8 pm, the wait would either be too long or the waitlist was full already. During the day, stay away from non-touristy areas or get a local guide to show you around. Here are some helpful phrases for your Cancun adventure: One key point to remember is that misunderstandings can happen even if you know your way around the Spanish language. However, if you wander just a few streets off the tourist areas, you will see completely different vibes, uncrowded streets without lights, and bad roads. Find a lovely spot under a palm tree, or bring a wide-brimmed hat to provide relief from the sun. Hmm it appears like your site ate my first comment (it was super long) so I guess Ill just sum it up what I wrote and say, Im thoroughly enjoying your blog. Picturing a breezy day of souvenir shopping, I was met with hilariously stark reality.