Is traveling to Mexico safe?
Whether it's frequent visits to the bathroom, insects, water qualityorcrime, we've got you covered.Here are a few tips to keep you healthy and safe while visiting Playa Del Carmen, Mexico.
Safety
Mexico has a bad reputation for being a dangerous country, but just like any other city, there are areas to avoid. The Mayan Riviera is generally a safe area, with very little for the tourists to worry about.
Many people want know, is Playa del Carmen safe?
Yes it is safe, but be logical.
- Don’t wander around drunk (and/or alone) after dark.
- When out at night, watch your drink.
- Make sure you cannot be pick-pocketedeasily.
- You can talk to strangers, but trust your gut.
- Wear your seatbelt (even if the locals aren’t).
- Don’t do anything illegal.
- Don’t hang out with people who do illegal things.
Wouldn’t you follow these same guidelines at home?
Stomach Upsets
Some tourists do get stomach troubles, which can interrupt a vacation.
It is easy to blame the water, or food, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Vacationing in a tropical climateistypically a change in temperature, humidity, and exposure tosun you're used to.
You'll generally eat more (buffets!)and different types of food. Some visitors tend todrink a lot more alcohol. All of this combinedmay cause a stomach upset.
It may not bethe water or the food, but simplyjust your body reacting toall the changes.
Bring along your favorite medication for upset stomach or try anatural and very effective alternative calledactivated charcoal.
Sun
The sun in Playa del Carmen is very strong. Combined with the time spent in the water, this can be the perfect combination for sunburn and sunstroke.
Wear high factor sunscreen, reapply often, and try to stay in the shade during peak hours.
Certain tours actually require biodegradable sunscreen.This type of sunscreen uses minerals insteadchemicals.Chemicals damage the coral reef,pollute the water and your body. You can find biodegradable sunscreen at your local pharmacy, Amazon.com and it'salso readily available for sale atyour resort.
You may also want to consider sun-protective clothingin order to avoid sunburn. This type of clothing is extremely recommended, especially for children.
Water
All inclusive resorts as well as local restaurants will ALWAYSserve filtered water and ice and make their coffee, tea and soup from this water.Some of the bigger all inclusive resorts even have their own water filtration units.
Fruits and vegetables are generally washedwith tap water but with a product that contains an iodine based disinfectant.
You can use the tap water to brush your teeth, however, do not drink the tap water.
Drink water and lots of it.The myth that the water in Mexico makes people sick is outdated. There is a better chance of you getting sick from not drinking enough water and ending up with sunstroke and dehydration :-)
Flag System
On the beach you will notice flags, that worklike traffic lights.
Green means it is safe to swim. Yellow means proceed with caution. With a yellow flag, some water activities such as catamarans and kayaks will be suspended. Red light means no swimming and water sports will be canceled.
There are not always lifeguards on the beach even in the all inclusive resorts. The currents can be quite strong and can change quickly. Please stay safe and pay attention to the flags.
Insects
Playa del Carmen and the Mayan Riviera are a tropical climate and surrounded for the most part by lush vegetation and jungle. Insects come hand-in-hand.
Although many of the all inclusive resorts do spray for mosquitoes and fumigate on a regular basis for other insects, you may want to wear bug repellent especially at dawn and dusk.
Some resorts have a lot of tropical vegetation and you may be participating in excursions that take you into the jungle. Wear biodegradable bug repellent.
