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Security is often a topic that comes up in discussions about visiting the Mexican Caribbean, which is the region that is home to popular vacation destinations like Playa del Carmen and Cancun.
But both of these places, and most other popular Mexican Caribbean vacation destinations, are perfectly safe to visit.
In fact, the two hugely popular Mexican Caribbean hotspots of Cancun and Playa del Carmen, are now safer than ever for tourists, according to new reports.
Drop In Violent Crime
According to reports from federal authorities, there has been a significant drop in instances of violent crime in both Cancun and Playa del Carmen.
Particularly in the case of homicides, the number has dropped by nearly 60 percent in Cancun, and by over 35 percent in Playa del Carmen.
The numbers represent a comparison between 2018 and 2023.
@3days3noches We have never had a problem going off the resort in the Hotel Zone. We Usually leave before midnight and use regular precaution like we would at home. #zonahoteleracancunmexico #cancunmexico #travelreviews #travelchannel #travelvlog #traveltips2023 #3days3noches #cancunmexico2023 ♬ original sound – 3days3noches
Security In The Mexican Caribbean
Security is an issue that is constantly being addressed in the Mexican Caribbean, especially during busy tourism seasons.
It is not uncommon for officials to deploy military personnel in Cancun and Playa del Carmen during busy months during the winter and spring.
Typically, you’ll notice an increase in various types of authorities in busy tourist areas, like the Cancun Hotel Zone, 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen, and on the beaches in both destinations.
@3days3noches Cancun, Mexico – Is it Safe to go Off the Resort? https://youtu.be/bfBLhwU1r3s I think it depends on the individual but we’ve gone off the resort almost a dozen times and never had an issue. Just uploaded a new video on every experience we’ve had off the resort in Cancun, Mexico. #cancunmexico #traveltips #travelreviews #playadelcarmen #downtownplayadelcarmen #downtowncancun #3days3noches ♬ All The Way Up (feat. Infared) – Fat Joe & Remy Ma & French Montana
A Note About Travel Advisories
The U.S. State Department issues travel advisories for American citizens visiting other countries that may have security issues.
There have been advisories regarding travel in Mexico, but the state of Quintana Roo, which is home to Cancun and Playa del Carmen, does not fall under either of the two most serious categories.
The advisory for the state is to “exercise caution when traveling to,” rather than “do not travel to” or “reconsider travel to.”
Caution should be exercised no matter where you travel.
@chanceofdestiny ‼️‼️ An urgent new warning for spring breakers. The latest state department advisory covers much of Mexico, including popular tourist spots like Cancun and Cabo. A strict 'do not travel' alert has been posted to 6 additional states in Mexico because of an increased risk of kidnapping. This comes after four South Carolinians were abducted and two were killed, this month. #mexico #springbreak #traveladvisory #travelalert ♬ Spring – Aesthetic Sounds
Tourist Security In Cancun And Playa Del Carmen
Even the crime that does take place in the Mexican Caribbean very rarely affects tourists.
Due to the presence of security in the tourist areas of popular vacation destinations, criminals seem to avoid these areas altogether.
The main crimes that tourists should be cautious of are pickpocketing and being defrauded by fake salespeople.
Mexican Caribbean Tourism
The number of tourists that visit the Mexican Caribbean alone is proof of just how safe the destination is.
Millions of tourists visit vacation destinations in the region every year without incident.
And places like Cancun and Playa del Carmen are becoming more and more popular every year.
@discover_tulum Best 9 places in Mexico Caribbean side🇲🇽🥰 🎥 @mistertravel.k via IG #tulum #tulumsecrets #travel #mexico #bucketlisttravel #bucketlist #paradise #beachvibes #tulummexico #tulumvibes #traveltiktok #beach #bucketlistvacations ♬ Hrs and Hrs – Muni Long
Safety Tips For Visiting The Mexican Caribbean
It doesn’t matter what city or country you vacation in; there are certain safety precautions you should always consider taking.
Some of these safety measures are particularly important if you are a solo traveler.
Some practical tips for staying safe will help you put your safety into your own hands.
- Always be aware of your surroundings.
- Try to minimize expensive accessories.
- Don’t go to unknown areas.
- Don’t wander around alone at night.
- Be careful around people you don’t know.
- Keep important documents in a safe place.
@wildheartsandhalos If you know me, you know I LOVE Mexico 🇲🇽🫶 But realistically, it’s not always the safest place to travel, so here are some of my top tips for staying safe. ‼️ Make sure you always check the travel advisory for each state in Mexico and the recent news ‼️ Mexico is a beautiful place to explore, but not every area is safe, so do your research! Save for your next trip! Let me know if this was helpful. Here are some of the safest cities I’ve been to: 🔆 Merida, Yucatán 🔅 San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato 🔆 Sayulita, Nayarit 🔅 San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas 🔆 Tulum, Yucatán Stay safe and enjoy! 🤗 #mexicosafetytips #mexicosafety #mexicotipsandtricks #mexicosafetystandards #travelmexico #visitmexico #mexicomagico #mexicotravel #mexicolove #mexicoexplore #mexicossafestcity #womentravelers #womentraveltheworld #womenwhotraveltogether #womentravelsafety #safetytipsforwomen ♬ Waffle House – Jonas Brothers
Safest Mexican Caribbean Destinations To Visit
All of the vacation destinations in the Mexican Caribbean are relatively safe to visit, but some are even safer due to security measures.
Some of the safest Mexican Caribbean vacation destinations are Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Isla Mujeres, and Cozumel.
If you visit any of these cities, not only are you almost guaranteed to be safe, but it’s a pretty good guarantee that you’ll have an amazing vacation too.
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