Need travel advice please

[James]

A friend of mine is getting married in Cancún, Mexico next year and I've been invited. I've never flown anywhere further than Europe - Cyprus, Spain and the Canary islands, I was wondering if anyone had been to that area and what to watch out for, such as scams, and generally keeping yourself safe. I know the media loves to go crazy about kidnappings and crime, but it sounds a bit ridiculous for a popular tourism area. Any advice is welcome.

[Leon]

The only place I've visited was Cozumel, but it's separated from the mainland. This generally gives a guide of crime reports and such. How long are you there as well? Did they book you in a hotel or by yourself? Obviously don't wear flashy items, ask before you buy, don't bring a lot of cash on you etc.

 

https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings/mexico-travel-warning.html

 

Quintana Roo: Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya and Tulum are major cities/travel destinations in Quintana Roo - No advisory is in effect. Exercise caution when traveling south of Felipe Carrillo Puerto or east of Jose Maria Morelos as cellular and internet service are virtually non-existent.

 

LMAO

 

These people are a bit pushy and shoving "great" prices for tours and driving to locations.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g150807-s206/Cancun:Mexico:Health.And.Safety.html

 

If you're concerned about getting sick as well, I suggest going to a doctor and asking him/her to prevent diseases.

http://traveltips.usatoday.com/cancun-mexico-safe-vacation-2150.html

 

If you plan to do stuff outside of the wedding this could help by looking for nice places to view.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g150807-Cancun_Yucatan_Peninsula-Vacations.html

 

If a local grill becomes interested in you, its a trap! There are scums who will sucker you in, end up married, and get a free pass of citizenship to USA and else where. Oh and don't look up previous *cough* incidents *cough* with tourist. Don't need you paranoid ;D

[delirium]

Id say stay in the really touristy areas and you should be fine. Avoid drinking the tap water as well.

[Danno]

don't bring a lot of cash on you etc.

 

I actually do the opposite. I typically only use cash when traveling to the area because I do not trust using my cards (maybe I am just paranoid but still). I also agree with Delirium when he says avoid the tap water. Easy way to spend your "vacation" inside sick.

[James]

The only place I've visited was Cozumel, but it's separated from the mainland. This generally gives a guide of crime reports and such. How long are you there as well? Did they book you in a hotel or by yourself? Obviously don't wear flashy items, ask before you buy, don't bring a lot of cash on you etc.

 

https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings/mexico-travel-warning.html

 

 

 

LMAO

 

These people are a bit pushy and shoving "great" prices for tours and driving to locations.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g150807-s206/Cancun:Mexico:Health.And.Safety.html

 

If you're concerned about getting sick as well, I suggest going to a doctor and asking him/her to prevent diseases.

http://traveltips.usatoday.com/cancun-mexico-safe-vacation-2150.html

 

If you plan to do stuff outside of the wedding this could help by looking for nice places to view.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g150807-Cancun_Yucatan_Peninsula-Vacations.html

 

If a local grill becomes interested in you, its a trap! There are scums who will sucker you in, end up married, and get a free pass of citizenship to USA and else where. Oh and don't look up previous *cough* incidents *cough* with tourist. Don't need you paranoid ;D

 

Oh right, forgot to say it's for two weeks at a 5 star hotel, all inclusive, probably sharing a room as well. For numbers, I'd say at least 10-20 that I know of right now, plus their families.

 

I wouldn't even consider drinking tap water, definitely taking bottled. @Leon don't make me paranoid about corrupt police officers demanding bribes. D:

[roux]

Get a good travelling backpack, use a locket to lock your zippers, it may be rare, but some might plant drugs and suddenly a police officer will arrest you for having drugs. Stay near touristic areas, don't lose your time with rose sellers and people stopping you on the road. Use common sense, and you should come back alive

[Paralyzed]

Just ask the people that work at the hotel what areas to avoid.

[Zaraki]

I have been to Cancun, and it's a very nice area. But unsupervised trips are a big no-no

[Moo Moo Viking]

A friend of mine is getting married in Cancún, Mexico next year and I've been invited. I've never flown anywhere further than Europe - Cyprus, Spain and the Canary islands, I was wondering if anyone had been to that area and what to watch out for, such as scams, and generally keeping yourself safe. I know the media loves to go crazy about kidnappings and crime, but it sounds a bit ridiculous for a popular tourism area. Any advice is welcome.

 

Just remember to buy the XXXL seats on the plane

[MyHobos]

I actually do the opposite. I typically only use cash when traveling to the area because I do not trust using my cards (maybe I am just paranoid but still). I also agree with Delirium when he says avoid the tap water. Easy way to spend your "vacation" inside sick.

 

Depends on what floats your boat, what your policy with the bank is on unauthorized widthdrawals, and other things. If you're more comfortable using cash, always make sure you try to split it as much as possible as opposed to keeping it all in one place. For example, some people might keep all their cash on them in their backpack for convinence and whatnot but its usually best to split it into small amounts and only bring what you need (provided your hotel room or wherever else you're storing the rest of your valuables and money is secure). If your policies with the bank is favorable and they've been understanding in the past with unauthorized widthdrawals, by all means, use a card if you like but try to keep an eye on your account balance just in case.

Also the luggage and bag locks that lock the zippers are nice but keep in mind that they're merely deterrents and if someone wants the stuff inside, they can just break the zipper seam easily. Keep an on your belongings, yourself, and your surroundings and remember to have fun