Hello and welcome to week 3 of my summer long weekly posts about Mexico travel tips! If you missed the last two weeks, you can read about them here and here!

So many people have safety concerns when traveling to Mexico. I too had the same concerns. But, here’s the thing… safety should be a concern any time you travel to unknown places. At home, you know the areas to avoid and roads to drive that keep you “safe”. When in a foreign country, you don’t.

Mexico Travel: Beaches in Playa Del Carmen

I think the main rules apply when traveling. Stay in the tourist areas and don’t wander off. People often say if you go “off the beaten path” you can find better deals. Laine and I tried this once when on the hunt for some sterling silver jewelry. While we did get a better price on the necklace we purchased, I can’t say I would do that again.

At one time, you could get amazing deals on jewelry while in Mexico, though to be honest, the prices these days are pretty comparable to what you pay in the states so it’s really not worth the risk.

Mexico Beaches

When you book your vacation, book your round trip transports to and from the hotel with the travel company as they use reputable companies for this. I also get my taxis through the Hotel when we make a trip to town to shop. Trust me. Laine and I decided to “wing it” on our first trip to Mexico and that first taxi ride was a life and death experience. We laugh about it now, but it was NOT funny at the time.

I would say always travel in pairs. If you want to go into to town to shop (which I highly recommend), take a buddy. Playa Del Carmen and Cancun have some great stores and even when we book an all inclusive, we still love going into town to eat authentic cuisine. On that note… bring some Tums! Especially if you’re like me and can’t handle spicy food.

Sometimes there are vendors on the beach at your resort. They used to be everywhere but most of the resorts have come to realise that most travelers don’t want to be hassled while relaxing. The resorts usually allow them to set up once a week. I usually shop there as well. It’s fun to see all the handmade items.

Most of the prices on items both from vendors and in town are what I call “starting prices”. Some may see it as rude to haggle but it really is like a game. We hate to do it, but because they are used to the game, they now jack the prices up so high you kind of have to haggle to get a bargain.

I don’t wear my real jewelry while in Mexico. I don’t want to risk losing it or having it stolen. Take advantage of the wall safes provided in your rooms. Don’t carry huge amounts of cash but enough to tip.

The only other recommendation I want to give is about the airport. When you get to the exit of the airport, there will be travel vendors lining the walls of the airport. They will make you think they are with your travel company and can help you. IGNORE THEM and continue to walk outside where your actual travel company will be waiting to help you load onto the proper transport. Trust me. Don’t fall for it.