Visiting Mexico was a dream come true for me. I had to experience the turquoise waters, ancient ruins, nightlife, and incredible tacos, and I wasn’t disappointed.

I loved Mexico so much! After visiting back-to-back for three years to eat tacos, I never got enough. I learned much during my trips to Playa del Carmen, Isla Mujeres, Cancun, and Tulum. If you plan to visit or revisit, here are some things you need to know. Don’t end up with your credit card stuck in the ATM as I did.

I shared plenty of tips in my interview with Fox News and have added even more here to help you have a fun and safe trip to Mexico.

How I Got Scammed

During my last visit to Tulum, Mexico, I was a victim of a clever scam that took $250 from me as an experienced traveler.

I arrived at the docks two hours early for a quick boat ride to the airport to catch my flight, when a man in what appeared to be an official vest approached me. He informed me that I had missed the boat and that the next one would take two hours to arrive – pure baloney.

He bullied me into paying cash for an “emergency” 10-minute water flight. I was quickly escorted to the nearby cargo jet and flown 10 minutes across the water to the airport. The truth was that the boats departed every 30 minutes on time, and I still had plenty of time to make my flight without their “help.”

This trick takes advantage of travelers’ fear of boarding flights by posing as solution providers in haste. The criminals operate near transportation terminals, approach people who’ve just missed real departures, and use high-pressure methods to force victims to make cash payments.

The experience was an education in double-checking timetables myself, not being taken in by last-minute money requests, and being firm under pressure to act quickly.

Real transport services don’t include rushed trips to the ATM. I now double-check timetables myself and walk away from any situation where strangers demand immediate money for “emergency” services, advice that could save others from making the same costly error.

Mexico Safety Corridors

Safety corridors in Mexico are specific stretches of highways or roads that the government uses to enhance security. This, in turn, helps reduce the risk of crime, particularly for travelers. These corridors are usually patrolled more heavily by law enforcement.

They may have extra security in place, including cameras and checkpoints.

What To Expect From Safety Corridors In Mexico

1. Increased Police Presence: More frequent patrols by federal and state police.
2. Checkpoints: Regular stops to verify the identity of drivers and passengers.
3. Surveillance: Use of cameras and other monitoring technologies.
4. Emergency Services: Quick access to medical and emergency response.
5. Information and Assistance: Availability of tourist assistance.

Where Are The Safety Corridors In Mexico

• México-Querétaro Highway: Known for its heavy security presence and frequent patrols, ensuring safety for travelers between Mexico City and Querétaro.
• México-Puebla Highway: A key route with security measures, connecting Mexico City to the city of Puebla.
• México-Acapulco Highway: Known for its safety initiatives to protect tourists traveling to the popular beach destination.
• México-Guadalajara Highway: A major corridor with increased security, linking Mexico City to Guadalajara through states like Michoacán and Jalisco.
• México-Oaxaca Highway: Has safety measures to protect travelers heading to Oaxaca City, a cultural hotspot.
• Cancún-Tulum Highway: Heavily monitored to ensure the safety of tourists traveling along the Riviera Maya.
• México-Veracruz Highway: Known for its security, connecting Mexico City to the port city of Veracruz.
• Monterrey-Nuevo Laredo Highway: A critical trade and travel route with security to combat organized crime.
• México-San Miguel de Allende Highway: This highway has safety measures to protect travelers visiting the UNESCO World Heritage of San Miguel de Allende.
• Puerto Vallarta-Guadalajara Highway: A key route with increased security, connecting the coastal city of Puerto Vallarta to Guadalajara.

Safety Practices In Mexico

1. Cancun Is More Than Just a Party Spot

Before arriving, I assumed Cancun was just about all-inclusive resorts and nightlife. It turned out to be so much more. I found low-key beaches like Playa Delfines, explored the cenotes nearby, and even stayed a few days in Isla Mujeres. If you want to experience Cancun beyond the party scene, it’s absolutely possible.

2. Isla Mujeres Feels Like a Hidden Paradise

I took a quick ferry ride from Cancun to Isla Mujeres. It is a peaceful island with some of the bluest water I’ve ever seen. Renting a golf cart was the best way to explore the island. I highly recommend checking out Playa Norte. It’s breathtaking as well. Also, the seafood here is fresh and delicious! So much ceviche!

3. Playa del Carmen Has the Perfect Mix of Relaxation and Adventure

I fell in love with Playa del Carmen. It had a chill vibe, but still plenty to do. Fifth Avenue (Quinta Avenida) is a lively street full of restaurants, bars, and shops. Walk a few blocks away and you’ll find more authentic food spots that are cheaper and tastier. From there, I took a ferry to Cozumel, which was great for snorkeling.

4. Tulum’s Ruins Are a Must-See, but Go Early

The Tulum Ruins were one of the highlights of my trip. However, I learned the hard way that arriving early is key. By midday, the heat is intense, and crowds take over. If you want to get great photos and enjoy the ruins peacefully, go as soon as they open.

5. Cenotes Are Even More Magical Than Expected

I knew I wanted to visit a cenote on one of my visits. Even though I cannot swim, I wanted to see them. It is a natural sinkhole filled with crystal-clear water. However, I wasn’t prepared for how incredible they were and how scared I would be.

My favorites were Gran Cenote in Tulum and Cenote Dos Ojos near Playa del Carmen. Bring biodegradable sunscreen because regular sunscreen isn’t allowed in the cenotes to protect the ecosystem.

6. Cash Is King. Get It From The ATM

Most places in Cancun accept credit cards. However, I found that many small restaurants and taxis only took cash in Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and Isla Mujeres. It’s best to withdraw pesos from a bank ATM rather than using currency exchange booths, which often have bad rates.

Withdrawing pesos from an ATM typically gives you a better exchange rate than currency exchange booths. But keep in mind, standalone ATMs in touristy areas can have high fees and are sometimes tampered with.

I lost my credit card in an ATM. It simply refused to come out and the bank was closed for the weekend. Thankfully that was not the only card I came with. Stick to ATMs inside banks away from touristy areas for safer transactions.

7. Public Transportation and Collectivos Save You Money

Instead of always taking taxis, I used collectivos (shared vans) between Playa del Carmen and Tulum. They’re super cheap, and even though they can get crowded, they’re a great way to save money. In Cancun, the local buses were also an affordable way to get around instead of paying for taxis.

8. Tipping Is Expected Almost Everywhere

After leaving the U.S., I didn’t realize how common tipping was in Mexico. At restaurants, I tipped 8-15% for good service. Sometimes, I tipped less, depending on how much cash I had on hand. I also tipped hotel staff and even some restroom attendants. It’s a small amount, but it’s important to remember when budgeting for your trip.

9. Street Food Is Safe (If You Know Where to Go!)

I was hesitant about eating street food at first, but quickly learned that the busiest stalls with locals were the safest bets. I tried carne asada tacos, al pastor at El Fogón and so much gelato. Some of the best tamales I had were from a roadside stand, and fresh juices too. Just look for places where food is being cooked fresh in front of you!

10. Be Careful with Tap Water

Mexico’s tap water isn’t safe to drink from, the last time I checked, even in high-end resorts. Always opt for bottled or filtered water, and avoid ice in drinks unless you’re sure it’s made from purified water. Brushing your teeth with bottled water is also recommended to avoid stomach issues.

Embassy Safety Alerts

Before traveling, check your country’s embassy website for safety updates and travel advisories for Mexico. If you’re sticking around for a bit, you might want to give your embassy a heads-up. It could really come in handy if something goes wrong.

And be sure to save their contact info, just in case!

Steal My Itinerary

Accommodation Cost: The average hotel price in Cancun for a couple is M$ 2,609 ($142). The average price per person for accommodation in Cancun is M$ 1,304. For two people sharing a typical hotel room, the average price for a hotel room in Cancun is M$ 2,609.

Estimated Cost: You should spend around M$ 1,975 ($108) per day on your vacation in Cancun. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average, M$ 381 ($21) on meals for one day and M$ 237 ($13) on local transportation.

First Day

• Morning: Start your day by visiting the Mayan ruins of El Meco, which are just 10 minutes from Cancun’s hotel zone. Although this site is not as well-known as Chichen Itza, it’s still pretty impressive and has a fascinating history.
• Afternoon: Head to the Playa Delfines beach. It is one of the most beautiful and relaxing beaches in Cancun.
• Evening: Have dinner at La Parrilla, which serves delicious traditional Mexican cuisine.

Second Day

• Morning: Take a day trip to Isla Mujeres, a small island off the coast of Cancun. You can catch a ferry from the hotel zone to the island. Once there, you can rent a golf cart. Use it to explore the island. Visit sites such as the Turtle Farm, Garrafon Natural Reef Park, and Punta Sur.
• Afternoon: Return to Cancun in the afternoon. Go shopping at La Isla Shopping Village. It features more than 150 stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
• Evening: Have dinner at Puerto Madero, a waterfront restaurant that offers excellent seafood and steak dishes.

Third-Day

• Morning: Visit the Cancun Interactive Aquarium. You can see various marine life up close. This includes sharks, rays, and sea turtles. You can also participate in interactive activities such as swimming with dolphins or snorkeling.
• Afternoon: Take a break from the sun and heat. Visit the Museo Maya de Cancun. It offers a fascinating look at the ancient Maya civilization.
• Evening: Head to the lively nightlife district of Coco Bongo, which offers a high-energy atmosphere, acrobatic performances, and great music.

Fourth Day

• Morning: Take a day trip to Tulum, about 2 hours south of Cancun. There, you can visit the famous Tulum Ruins, which offer stunning views of the ocean.
• Afternoon: After visiting the ruins, head to one of the nearby beaches. You can visit Playa Paraisoor Playa Ruinas. Relax and soak up the sun there.
• Evening: Return to Cancun in the evening. Have dinner at Hacienda Sisal. It is a beautiful restaurant that serves traditional Yucatan cuisine.

Check out more itineraries here and plan for your next trip! 

Do you prefer a more detailed guide for your solo or group trip? Choose your location and submit an itinerary request.

Extra Mexico Tips

1. Transportation Between Destinations

Navigating the Riviera Maya is straightforward:

• ADO Buses: These first-class buses connect major destinations like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. They’re comfortable, punctual, and affordable.
• Collectivos: Shared vans known as collectivos are a budget-friendly option for shorter distances. They operate frequently between Playa del Carmen and Tulum.

2. Exploring Isla Mujeres

This island paradise offers unique experiences:

• Areia Beach Club: A trendy spot for young travelers, with snorkeling excursions, themed parties, and live music. It’s an excellent place to meet fellow travelers and enjoy the island’s atmosphere.

3. Safety Considerations

While the Riviera Maya is generally safe, it’s essential to stay informed:

• Stay Updated: Before traveling, check the latest advisories and news. For instance, reports have highlighted safety concerns in certain areas, underscoring the importance of vigilance. (source: New York Post)
• Exercise Caution: Stick to well-populated areas, especially at night, and avoid displaying valuables.

4. Best Time to Visit

Timing can significantly impact your experience:

• Optimal Months: November to March guarantees pleasant weather, while April to June and late October to Thanksgiving have exceptional value with fewer crowds and more affordable rates. (source: cntraveler.com)

5. Engaging in Local Activities

Immerse yourself in the local culture and natural beauty:

• Cenote Exploration: The Yucatán Peninsula is filled with cenotes—perfect for swimming and diving.
• Local Cuisine: Explore beyond tourist areas to savor authentic Mexican dishes. In Playa del Carmen, checking out eateries beyond Fifth Avenue can lead to amazing food and hidden gems.

If you follow these travel tips, you’re definitely going to have an awesome time in Mexico! I wish I had picked up these tips sooner, but now that you know them, your trip is going to be way more fun and exciting. Safe travels!