Don't Be Afraid Of Going To Mexico

You hear stories about all parts of the world, people trying to scare you against going there… and Mexico is one of those places.

I listened but I went anyway. I always travel with common sense and have a well-tuned intuition. I never had a problem with my safety whilst in Mexico. Instead, I had lots of fun exploring and adventuring through parts of western Mexico.

Of course, keep your bag and personal belongings safe, don’t flash your money or wear expensive jewellery. Keep your phone close. I always try to be with someone rather than walk alone on the streets at night. Things you would do in all countries.

I flew into Cancun then caught the coach to Playa del Carmen to start my five-week tour through Central America.

Playa del Carmen has the beach, a long pedestrian shopping strip with countless tourist shops all selling the same thing, alongside plenty of dining options at restaurants and bars. You have the ladies braiding hair and the men trying to sell you the best day tour to Chichen Itza. It is a pretty happening place with something always going on way into the night. Don’t expect much to be happening early morning.

So spend time in the water, stroll along the white sand beach or catch the ferry over to go reef diving at the popular, Cozumel.

From Playa del Carmen you can do a day tour up to Yucatan. We visited a crocodile farm, saw the pink salt lakes, swam in Cenote Ik Kil and saw the flamingoes. A big day of travel but worth it for things you can’t do or see anywhere else in the world.

Cenotes are freshwater pools in Mexico that you can swim or snorkel in. Beautiful clear, fresh, cool water. I knew nothing about them before I left for Mexico but I highly recommend you check one, or more out while you are there. There are covered, uncovered and partly covered ones. Though many come with an entry fee. You usually have to take a shower before going in to get rid of any sunscreen, deodorant or creams so to keep the water as clean as possible.

Cenote Cristalino, near Cancun is a great one to visit or one of the popular cenotes near Tulum is Cenote Dos Ojos as it is spectacular but be prepared for a three-kilometre walk each way after being dropped from the local bus.

From Playa del Carmen we travelled south to Tulum. It is bigger than Playa yet quieter. You can rent a bike to get around the town. Go explore Maya ruins and archaeological sites or travel to Akumal Bay for a change of scenery, a public beach where snorkelling is free.

From here we took the bus to Chichen Itza in Yucatan. Another good drive that takes the day. I suggest you go early to beat all the crowds. A famous destination for its Mayan ruins of a city. It is also one of the Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a huge area and you can spend a bit of time here. You can’t touch any of the ruins or get too close. If you are interested in learning more, you can take a walking tour with a guide but you need focus, energy and attention for that, usually something I don’t have much of on tours. It is easy enough to walk around and explore yourself. Do a little google before going and your set.

You can also find pyramids at Teotihuacan, which you are able to climb, unlike Chichen Itza. Yo will find it 40km east of Mexico City.

While travelling through Mexico you will find there is a little English however the locals do appreciate it if you attempt some Spanish, so put in a bit of language practice before going.

I am sure you will find lots of cool things to see and do in Mexico, so don’t let another person's opinion ruin your trip. If I listened to others I would not have been to half the places I have been, instead staying put safely at home. Who wants to live a life in comfort. The best life is one when you push yourself out of your comfort zone!

Have you been to Mexico before? Did you feel safe enough? Or maybe you can recommend places to go in Mexico. We would love it if you joined the conversation and left a comment below.