5 Things to Know When Going to Mexico

Mexico is a beautiful country, yet it’s also known for its dangers. When Ana first suggested going to Mexico for a short winter getaway last year, I nearly balked at the idea. All I knew about the country was what I’d read about online or the Hollywood stereotypes. But with her help finding Isla Mujeres, I swallowed down that initial fear and learned all there was to know.

And I’m here to share that wisdom. I’m here to answer your burning questions, such as:

• Is it safe?

• Isn't it cheap?

• What are the restaurants like?

• Should I bring cash with me?

• What are the airports like?

There are Some Safe Places in Mexico

While Mexico is an unsafe country, some areas are safe to explore and enjoy, especially for a female solo traveler. Places like Tulum Beach. Now, notice I didn’t say Tulum itself.

Tulum-proper isn't entirely safe unless you’re staying in the more excellent resorts along the highway or at a luxury hotel in Tulum Beach. I was there waiting to be picked up for an excursion at their local grocery store, and I kept looking over my shoulder, clutching my backpack tight.

Now, places like Isla Mujeres are 99% percent. That one percent is dedicated to pickpockets and vendors who will scam you for something costly and call it cheap. However, I keep returning to Isla Mujeres because it feels like coming home. It feels safe.

It's Not Always Cheap

I went during an expensive time this past year, and many factors were going into that—including weddings, music festivals, local holidays, seasonal changes, etc. So, in my experience, the best time to go to Mexico is early January. Plus, you can trade the holiday blues for Caribbean Blue as a bonus.

Not Every Restaurant is Cheap - Especially in Tulum

Mexico can be cheap at times. But what I wish I knew was how expensive the restaurants in Tulum would be. Most of the time, I ate at more affordable places, occasionally splurging on nice dinners at the hotel where I was staying and one of the restaurants the concierge recommended. Those places were worth every penny. That portion I will cover later.

Tip – research the top cheap places to eat in the area where you’re staying. Some places may look questionable or like a hole-in-the-wall, but they will always surprise you. I found some of my favorite restaurants through research like that. Or even ask the concierge. Locals know best, after all.

Cash is King

As a rule of thumb, whenever I prepare to travel anywhere, I always get the local currency with a mixture of US dollar bills just in case I run out of local cash. Not all places in Mexico take credit cards, or they might encounter technical issues with their card readers. I had a couple of instances where this was a problem, but it was eventually resolved.

Also, tip bellhops, servers, or tour guides for their services. They work hard to ensure we’re having the best time and share their incomparable knowledge of wherever you’re going—be it the jungle or Chichén Itzá. 

Cancún Airport is CHAOTIC

I cannot stress this one enough. It’s one of the reasons why I dread going home. There’s almost always no place to sit, and it is highly crowded. So, if you arrive early, you’re either sharing a table with strangers or wandering around.

Not to mention the best part… they don’t announce the gates until the eleventh hour. And they don’t report it over a PA system; you have to be close enough to the TV screens mounted on the pillars to keep a close eye on the gate announcement. And when I say the eleventh hour, I mean they don’t announce it until the plane has either arrived at the gate or it’s time to board. And you have to book it to the gate when the assignment is finally released.

As for getting to the airport, there’s no happy medium. You’re there early, puttering around, doing your own thing, or cutting it too close.

Another fun thing to mention about this airport is that it’s a petri dish. I will be brutally honest when I say that I came back to the States sick with a 24-hour stomach bug that decided to hop a ride with me from the very unclean surfaces of Cancún Airport. I wore a mask while there, but it still got me.

All in all, Mexico has a lot to offer, and can be a life-changing experience. It was where I got my confidence for solo travel. And more recently, it reinvigorated me to work on my social media presence and my blog. Stay tuned for more Mexico-related posts!