Is It Safe To Travel To Cancun?

It is always a safety concern to go on holidays to famous tourist attractions and that includes Cancun in Mexico. Despite the fact that Cancun is one of the most beautiful coastal resorts in the world with the magnificent beaches, ancient ruins, and lively nightlife, it also has its share of crime which tourists should beware of. Nonetheless, if one takes adequate measures and applies simple logic, the Cancun vacation can be as safe as it is enjoyable and fulfilling.

Crime in Cancun
Like most large tourism hot spots, Cancun experiences all the way from the petty theft and vice including robbery, assault, and even in rare occasions, homicide. Over 90 percent of the crimes take place in the Hotel Zone of Cancun, the area that hosts most of the large resorts and tourist attractions. Theft is very rampant and more so, the theft of items that are left behind on the beach when swimming in the water. There have been cases of armed robberies involving the use of violence but these are relatively few and those that occur are usually at night and the victims are usually lone individuals. This is also important the female travellers for instance, they should avoid going to places they are not familiar with or taking registered taxis alone when they are under the influence of alcohol.

Despite these warnings, the most frequently reported incidents in Cancun are non-violent robbery crimes rather than aggressive crimes against people. However, the tourists who will be careful with their moves will not be attacked because most of the criminals go for the weak individuals. So long as you vacation wisely in Cancun, your stay here should be not more perilous than in other big Tourism hot spots in the world.

Staying Safe in Cancun
However, it is clear that the city has issues with crime, and the guests can take many measures to have an exciting but safe time in Cancun. Here are some key tips

• Select credible hotels and tours – While selecting which hotels or resorts you want to book and the local tour agencies and transportation services you may want to hire, be sure to choose those that are safe and free from scams. This is preferred when the recommendations come from other guests who have visited the facility in the past.
• Do not take money, jewelries or expensive items with you – You can take sunscreen lotion, hat, water, a towel and swimming trunks but leave your wallet, phone, camera or any other valuable item at home. Lockers for personal belongings are also available in some of the resorts to secure the valuables left while going for swimming or sun bathing.
• Travel in crowds – do not venture out alone in the region’s quiet zones or dark alleys especially at night. Stay in crowds and well-lit areas especially for famous sites, and avoid walking alone if possible. Avoid unmarked taxis and take only registered taxis.
• Do not consume a lot of alcohol- It is fun to take drinks while on the vacation; however, taking too much contributes to increased cases of theft and assault. Drink responsibly.
• Book your excursions in advance – If you plan to travel to other areas on your own while in Cancun, get more information on those areas in terms of travel advisories or security issues before heading there. Some areas have been affected by localized gang violence.
•  Buy travel insurance - It is always wise to obtain travel insurance as it can prove to be very useful in case of any complications as it offers medical or other assistance for instance, changing of flight or accommodation at the last minute. Ensure that any policy has sufficient coverage for emergency medical transportation.

As with any place, there is no place that is 100% crime free but Cancun is not a particularly dangerous place for tourists if they are cautious enough. Many use the area safely to enjoy the beauty of nature and the richness of local culture with millions of tourists yearly. To avoid possible dangers and have a great time, apply common sense, be watchful, travel to safe places, and do not flaunt valuable items to decrease the chances of becoming a victim of a crime. But with a little care and a good dose of reason, Cancun still ranks very high as an extraordinary Caribbean holiday resort.

In summary, the key is not to show off, not to walk or wander alone or in the night, not to drink to excess thus losing one’s better judgment, to use registered means of transport, to buy travel insurance, to stick to populated tourist areas and hotels, and to be alert. If these tips are followed, fun is ensured and Cancun can be enjoyed to the fullest safely. As with any tourist destination, the threat of crime can never be completely eradicated, however, the threat in Cancun is very low when compared to other countries all over the world. Do not let your safety concerns prevent you from embracing the beauty of natural sites, archaeological landmarks, beaches, and the enchanting island culture of Cancun. Stay safe and have fun on your trip!

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