Travelling to Mexico on your own isn’t such a far-fetched idea

Travelling alone to Mexico

“Are you going on your own? Are you mad??” When I announced that I was going on a solo trip this year, my family and friends started to worry. But when I told them it was to Mexico, all the alarm bells started ringing. Yet it’s ironic. It’s only those who’ve never visited Mexico who think that travelling solo to the land of the Aztecs is a bad idea.

The locals and backpackers I met during my trip weren’t surprised in the slightest. Why? Because they know what the rest of the world doesn’t: that Mexico is a wonderful destination for a first solo trip. Yes, even as a woman.

By the age of 29, I’d already been backpacking a few times, but even so, I had to pluck up the courage to decide to go completely on my own. Today I can say I’m really happy with the decision I made. I’ve been here for almost two months now and it’s already become my favourite destination. Whether you’re looking for stunning beaches, an ancient culture, incredible food (even vegan!) or wild parties, Mexico is the place for you. I hope this post answers all your queries and questions about travelling solo to Mexico, though if I’ve left anything out, please feel free to leave a comment below.

Is Mexico a safe place?

For my friends and family, the number one concern seemed to be that Mexico isn’t a safe place to travel to, let alone to go to on your own. You’ve probably been told something similar if you were planning to come here, but I’m going to try to put those ideas out of your mind: in my case, I felt completely safe throughout the whole trip and didn’t have a single problem. As in any country, some areas are safer than others and you need to use your common sense. If I was going to visit a new area, I’d check with my travelling companions or ask at the hostel reception if there were any particular neighbourhoods I should avoid. It never occurred to me to get completely drunk or wander around on my own in the middle of the night. Nor did I get on any form of transport that seemed unsafe to me (you can read more on this below). Basically, if you take the basic precautions, there’s no need to get paranoid just because you’re a woman, let alone because you’re travelling alone in Mexico.

The safest places in Mexico

The country’s reputation for drug cartels and violence isn’t entirely unfounded. But what many people don’t realise is that these are very isolated incidents that only occur in specific areas, particularly in the north of the country, so the rest of Mexico (that is, the vast majority) is a very safe destination for those travelling alone. The tricky part, in this case, would be deciding which places in Mexico you simply can’t miss, because there are LOADS of truly beautiful spots. To help you out a bit, I’ve put together a list of some of the highlights from my trip, as well as others that are overrated and which you can safely skip. But there’s one thing I want you to remember: Mexico is so much more than just Cancún and its beaches. Even if that’s what you’re after – sun and sand – there are countless places that are far more authentic and less touristy.

Tulum

You’ve probably seen photo after photo of Tulum on Instagram. And it’s easy to see why people go there. Its beaches are incredible and the town has places to do yoga, quiet cafés and the best beach bars – as well as being one of the safest places in Mexico. I was there for two weeks and would definitely have stayed longer. Make sure you set aside a few days to explore the many cenotes on the Yucatán Peninsula. These underground pools where you can swim are absolutely amazing and were one of my favourite parts of the trip.

Mexico City

I had no idea I’d enjoy Mexico City so much. I’d planned to spend four days there but ended up staying for two weeks. My favourite neighbourhoods are Roma Norte, La Condesa and Polanco – all brimming with shops, restaurants, parks and really cool cafés, as well as streets lined with rows of trees. San Ángel, Zona Rosa, Coyoacán and Juárez are also great areas to visit if you’ve got a bit more time.

Sayulita

I absolutelylovedSayulita. It’s the cutest little hippie beach town I’ve ever seen. It’s full of travellers, but not to the same extent as tourist hotspots like Cancún. Pop by here if you fancy some spectacular smoothies, trying affordable street food, surfing and soaking up the laid-back atmosphere that will sweep you away.

Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is a really cool little island just north of Cancún. It’s ideal for getting away from the tourist madness of Cancún and Playa del Carmen (in my opinion, two places you can give a miss altogether!). It’s not quite a hidden paradise, but the beaches are beautiful and the island has a very peaceful atmosphere. And if you’re looking for a genuine island paradise with even fewer tourists, head to Isla Holbox.

San Miguel de Allende

This lovely town is four hours from Mexico City and, although it’s full of foreigners, it has managed to retain its Mexican character. I couldn’t stop taking photos of everything; the buildings and views of the town are stunning. Without a doubt, San Miguel de Allende is a great choice on the list of the safest places to visit in Mexico.

Puerto Escondido

This surfing town and the surrounding beaches are perfect for relaxing. You won’t find the white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean here, but in Puerto Escondido you’ll discover a less touristy and more welcoming atmosphere, perfect for combining time on the beach with authentic Mexican food.

Will I feel lonely in Mexico?

One of my main concerns when organising this trip was whether or not I’d meet people (travelling alone doesn’t mean I want to be on my own all the time!), but my fears vanished the moment I set foot in my first hostel. There are so many travellers, both foreigners and friendly, open-minded locals, that it’s incredibly easy to meet wonderful people! As expected, I made new friends at my hostel, but I also met people in cafés, restaurants and on the beach… In the past, I’d been to other places where travellers all seemed to be 19 years old with no other plan than to get drunk, but in Mexico’s hostels you come across a huge mix of ages and backgrounds. I’ve met everyone from die-hard party animals to digital nomads, and people of all ages who were on holiday. So whatever you’re planning to do, you’re sure to find someone to do it with!

How to get around Mexico safely if you’re travelling alone

A common concern for women travelling alone in Mexico is how to get around safely. I’ve used all sorts of transport over the past two months, so here’s a quick guide to the safest options:

Planes

You can find some real bargains on domestic flights within Mexico and, in fact, in some cases my flights were even cheaper than taking the bus. Mexico is a huge country, so flying can also help you save loads of time (and less time travelling = more time on the beach!). The Mexican airlines Viva Aerobus and Volaris are two great options for travelling.

Buses

Another good option if you’re a woman and want to get around Mexico is the bus. Buses in Mexico are absolutely luxurious, with super-comfortable seats, plenty of legroom, air conditioning and even snacks. Prices are also very reasonable and services run frequently. ADO and ETN are the most popular bus companies.

Collectivos / Taxis / Uber

For short distances, colectivos (a sort of minibus) and taxis are good options. Taxis are much more expensive than colectivos, but they’re still cheaper than in the UK, Canada or the US. Check the fare with your taxi driver before setting off and ask the staff at your hostel in advance whether taxis in your area are safe. If you’re in Mexico City, Uber is the best way to get around. Avoid the metro at all costs: it’s incredibly crowded and Uber’s prices are so good that it’s simply not worth it.

 What to eat in Mexico: the good, the bad and what to avoid

An entire article could be devoted to this topic. The food in Mexico is simply incredible. My favourite street foods are verde juice and tacos pastor, and of all the dishes, my favourite is prawn tacos. Every region has its own specialities, but Oaxaca is a foodie’s paradise. If you want to go all out, Mexico City’s food scene is very vibrant and boasts a good handful of top-notch restaurants that are still much cheaper than their US equivalents. Personally, I preferred not to overcomplicate things in most cases and simply enjoyed the street food and the stalls overflowing with fruit that you find everywhere.

What if I get a bit of food poisoning?

The second most common fear after safety is usually: will I getfoodpoisoning? Unfortunately, in my experience… it can happen. It doesn’t have to be that way, but in my case I had an episode of food poisoning during my trip and met lots of people who’d been through the same thing. The good news? It usually clears up within a day. More good news? Nothing I ate from the street stalls ever made me ill (and I can assure you I ate a LOT of street food). In fact, I got sick from a breakfast I had at the airport, so go figure…

But… do you know what the biggest risk is when it comes to food in Mexico? The price. You might not find prices as low as, say, in South-East Asia; and some areas (such as Yucatán or Quintana Roo) may be more expensive than others, but generally speaking, your money goes a long way in Mexico! Also, in my opinion, the cheapest options are usually the best. I’ve enjoyed my 15-peso street tacos and my 20-peso green juices far more than the tacos I’ve eaten in a restaurant that cost me 200.

Visas and forms for entering Mexico

All visitors arriving in Mexico who do not require a visa will be given an immigration form as soon as they arrive in the country. Make sure you keep it safe!! I didn’t realise I had to keep it and ran into problems when I had to leave. Basically, if you lose it or throw it away, you’ll have to fill one in again when you leave. Filling it in again costs 500 pesos, but the problem is that they only accept cash, and if you don’t have any, it can turn into a real headache! So it’s best to avoid the problem and keep a close eye on your form.

Where to find cheap accommodation in Mexico if you’re travelling alone

Hostel Natura Cancún

You’ll find everything from accommodation with rooftop swimming pools to places with beach views where you can watch the sunset. Hostels are a great option for women travelling solo in Mexico. You’ll have all the amenities you need and you’ll also be able to easily meet other travellers to go on adventures together and swap travel tips. Take a look at all the hostels in Mexico.

About the author

Kate Horodyski writes about travel and different lifestyles from Halifax, Canada.

Have you travelled solo to Mexico? Are you thinking of doing so? Where do you think are the safest places in Mexico? Share your experiences and leave your comments here??