10. Leave your flashy jewelry at home
Cancun is a beautiful destination, and you’ll want to look your best when you’re going out, but it's also important to keep in mind that, like anywhere, there may be pickpockets around. A simple way to reduce your risk of being targeted is to leave your flashy jewelry at home. Wearing expensive or eye-catching jewelry can draw unwanted attention and make you more vulnerable to potential risks, and it’s risky even just leaving it in your hotel room. A family friend of mine had her $10,000 engagement ring stolen out of her hotel room while they were in Cancun for their wedding!
Instead, opt to wear jewelry that’s simple and understated. Think about swapping your wedding ring for a simple gold band for the duration of your trip— even consider leaving flashy costume jewelry behind since thieves might not be able to tell the difference. This way, you won't attract unwanted attention.
11. Get a local sim card
This might seem like a no-brainer, but staying connected is essential for your safety while traveling to Cancun. The last thing you want is to find yourself lost, alone, and with no data to navigate your way back to your hotel. Plus, if you do find yourself in a sticky situation while you’re in Cancun, you’ll be able to call for help.
Even if your phone carrier offers international roaming, I’d still suggest getting a local TelCel SIM card because sometimes international plans can be unreliable, plus it’s typically more affordable than using an international roaming plan. You can go into any OXXO convenience store and buy one for $15.
12. Don’t carry your passport
While you will need to bring your passport with you when you're traveling to Mexico, it's not always necessary to carry it with you everywhere you go once you’re in the country. When you're out and about in Cancun, it's a good idea to leave your passport in a secure location, like in your hotel room’s safe.
Instead, carry a photocopy of your passport or another form of identification, such as a driver's license. This way, if you happen to lose your purse, get pickpocketed, or any other number of unexpected situations happen, you can rest assured that, at the very least, your passport is safe and sound back in your room.
13. Trust your gut
You know that feeling you get when something just seems a little off? When you’re traveling, especially as a female solo traveler, it's important to trust those instincts and listen to your gut. If a situation feels uncomfortable or unsafe, don't hesitate to remove yourself from it. Whether it's declining an invitation from a stranger or avoiding a poorly lit alleyway, it's always better to err on the side of caution. Even if it means that you have to take an extra couple of minutes to get to your destination or leave a fun party. Your safety should always be the number one priority— so if your gut is telling you something not right, listen to it.