Guanajuato City, Mexico
Mexico is a country rich in culture, history, and heritage -- from the food filled with diverse and exotic ingredients to the music with its rhythms and beats to its warm-hearted people that will welcome you with open arms. It comes as no surprise that Mexico is also recognized for some other, not as positive, aspects such as corruption, violence, and crime fueled by the intersection of drugs, money, power, and poverty.
Even though aspects exist, they are not a reason to eliminate Mexico from your list of great traveling destinations. In 2019, Mexico was the 6th most visited country in the world with 39.3 million visits undoubtedly due to its incredible beaches, affordable prices, and incredible cuisine.
Whether if you are joining a group trip to Mexico or venturing there as a solo traveler, it is important to arrive prepared.
7 Tips on for Safe Travel in Mexico:
Educate Yourself
Before traveling to Mexico, read and learn from the U.S. Department of State’s regional tips and warnings and plan your trip accordingly. Just like in any country, some regions are safer than others. When you land in your destination, learn from locals in the area too. As a tourist and newbie, it is good to follow local’s advice on where to go and what places to avoid.
Plan Your Route
Traveling spontaneously is always fun but having a plan for your Mexico travels is a smart way to avoid any mishaps or risks throughout your stay, especially if you are driving. Select safe roads and routes that are well-trafficked and not too far off the beaten path unless you are traveling with a trusted local. Once you have your itinerary planned and all setup, share all the information with people you trust at home, that way they will always have knowledge of your whereabouts.
Learn some Spanish
It always comes as an advantage to learn the basics of the local language when traveling to a new destination and getting around. Taking an online Spanish course is a smart way to prepare for your adventure. And some quick language tips here:
If you find yourself lost, you should say “Estoy perdido/a”, and then continue asking for directions to your hotel with “como llego a (x hotel).
If you find yourself sick and you want to find a pharmacy, you would say “Estoy enfermo/a, necesito una farmacia.” The simple “can you help me” will always come in handy: “Me puede ayudar?” And of course, don’t forget your please & thank you, por favor/gracias!
Keep a Low Profile
Once you arrive in Mexico, avoid making yourself an easy target for theft. Keep your purse to the front of your body or your wallet in your front pocket. Although pickpockets have a good eye for targeting tourists, do your part by not wearing expensive clothes or accessories, like flashy jewelry or watches, or swinging your new iPhone 12 out in full view. Also, avoid deserted areas and do not walk alone at nightstick with the buddy system, walk-in well-lit areas rather than side streets, and better yet plan your adventures for daylight hours.
Follow your gut
Mexico is a leisure destination where relaxing is a must. Nevertheless, do not relax too much in terms of accepting invitations or drinks from new acquaintances. Remember that if it doesn’t feel right, it probably is not right. For our female travelers to Mexico, this is extra important to keep in mind. As a country that unfortunately prevails in machismo culture, receiving unwanted attention from men can happen even during the daytime. The best advice is to ignore or simply walk away.
Avoid street cabbing
Avoid catching cabs on the streets in Mexico, as they tend to be unofficial and unmetered, taking advantage of tourists with expensive fares. Instead ask a hotel or restaurant employee to call a taxi for you, or simply order an Uber from your phone.
Guanajuato’s Cathedral
Mexico is a magical destination, and its people are incredibly hospitable and friendly to foreigners. Remember that one negative aspect of a place shouldn’t have you set aside the idea of visiting an entire country! Stay aware of your surroundings while also being curious. Chat with your waiter, engage with the shopkeeper, talk with the street artist – these are the gems of truly immersive travel!
Much of Mexico is safe for solo travelers, but traveling alone does not have to be the only option! Join us in our small group tour to San Miguel de Allende for a cooking and yoga retreat that will provide a glimpse of the sustainable agriculture in the region, complete with a visit to the birthplace of Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo’s husband.
More blogs on Mexico:
This yoga retreat in Mexico combines cooking classes with daily yoga, in the magical town of San Miguel de Allende. Read more for what to expect on this retreat: