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Despite being the safest travel destination in Mexico, Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean have shortcomings regarding personal safety.
That’s why officials recently launched a safety awareness campaign targeted at summer travelers, urging visitors to follow crucial tips as scams, especially online ones, continue to rise.
The new Verifica y Viaja (Verify & Travel) campaign is designed to prevent travelers from falling victim to certain types of scams that arise during the busy summer, such as those affecting online rentals.
With that in mind, here are 5 essential tips travelers should follow when visiting Cancun this summer.
Avoid These Vacation Rental Mistakes
While all-inclusives are king when it comes to Cancun’s ever-growing variety of accommodations, vacation rentals are quickly catching up, with over 30% of travelers choosing to stay in one.
Despite offering significant advantages such as more affordable long-term stays or convenient locations, booking a vacation rental is typically riskier than an all-inclusive one.
To avoid tech-savvy fraudsters, travelers are advised to book via legitimate apps and websites like Airbnb or even Booking.com, which come with more safety features than unofficial sources like social media.
Book Transportation In Advance
Cancun has made strides in improving the safety of taxi services.
But with the rise of new digital options like Uber and numerous local ride-hailing apps, travelers have more options than ever when booking their transportation in advance.
Travelers are advised against last-minute taxi rides, with overcharging, reckless driving, and unsafe vehicles posing a risk to visitors.
Another good tip is to benefit from transportation offered by many of Cancun’s all-inclusives; in many cases, properties offer complimentary transfers to ensure a hassle-free arrival and departure process.
Location Matters
Cancun is home to many accommodation options, from traditional all-inclusive mega-resorts and modest 3-star hotels to thousands of vacation rentals readily available on apps like Airbnb.
But despite the city’s record-shattering offerings, travelers should think twice before rushing to book their next getaway. Nowadays, even more remote and less tourist-friendly areas are known to offer accommodation options.
Before booking, check that your next accommodation is in a safe area, close to popular tourist attractions and public transit options. Otherwise, travelers risk issues like petty crime, costly transportation, and a general lack of things to do.
Verify These Things Before Booking Cancun Tours
While most travelers come to Cancun to experience the city’s top-rated all-inclusives, a growing number of visitors are opting to explore beyond the comfort & luxury of these massive properties.
Guided tours and excursions are some of travelers’ favorite pastimes in Cancun, allowing visitors to experience everything from azure cenotes to Mayan history & culture.
But before booking a tour – especially online – it’s crucial to verify the quality (and legitimacy) of the excursion firm.
Online reviews, including those on Tripadvisor and Viator, are a good starting point. Opt for established companies with mostly 4 or 5 star ratings.
When it comes to booking activities via a local travel agency, always make sure to opt for a licensed company through Mexico’s National Tourism Registry.
Be Aware Of Petty Crime When Out And About
It goes without saying that travelers should exercise greater caution when exploring Cancun’s popular attractions, as petty crimes—including pickpocketing and overcharging—remain prevalent.
That applies to everything from restaurants, which may add a hidden charge to the final bill, to street vendors selling fake goods.
Travelers should also be careful when enjoying Cancun’s nightlife.
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