Solo Travel Mexico
Confidence Builders for Solo Travel in Mexico
FAQ When it comes to solo travel in Mexico, How can I feel more safe, prepared, and excited, not hesitant or fearful?
Lesson Learned: My Sunglasses were lost in the sea.
Travel Tip: Focus on your superpower, terms, travel, and power.
FAQ Response: Answer: How can I feel more safe, prepared, and excited, not hesitant or fearful when I travel?
First, consider the proactive safety measures you can start taking now, like research, planning, and being aware of your surroundings in Mexico or wherever you travel, as you would at home, but even more aware.
Choosing safe neighborhoods and accommodations. Use Google Maps ahead of time to see streets and even buildings.
Consider your transportation options (private cars, reputable taxis, ride-sharing apps) and navigate them safely.
If you are going to rent a car, what insurance will you be getting?
This is obvious but bears repeating …..Avoid walking alone at night and sticking to well-lit, populated areas.
Keeping valuables secure and being discreet.
Trust your instincts and know when to remove yourself from a situation.
Learning basic phrases for communication and safety in the language of the country you travel in.
Emergency contacts and how to access them.
Preparation for Mexico:
My first visit to Mexico was with my high school trip, so I was not alone. But that started a cultural understanding and love of the language. That airline trip was from Chicago to Houston to Mexico City, Taxco, and the Pyramids, which should be on your list if you are heading there.
https://wikitravel.org/en/Taxco
https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/414/
I crossed into Tijuana, Mexico, on foot in college, and then moved to San Diego after working in the Hispanic Marketing industry for several years. Then, I traveled to Mexico often, from border cities like Nogales, and helped US companies reach Hispanic audiences on radio and television.
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/mexico/central-pacific-coast/zihuatanejo
https://travel.usnews.com/Mazatlan_Mexico/
I’ve taken three cruises to Mexico, visiting many excellent coastal destinations such as Cabo San Lucas, Xtapa, Zwataneo, and Mazatlan. I’ve been to Puerto Vallarta solo by plane twice and will visit again soon.
https://visitpuertovallarta.com/
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/mexico/central-pacific-coast/zihuatanejo
I’ve stayed at resorts in Baja California, taken weekend trips along the coast, camped on the beach, visited Tecate, and explored the maquiladoras of the area. I’ve been here for business meetings and holidays for more than 50 years and counting.
I’ve volunteered to help at the Door of Faith Orphanage and encourage you to visit this, too. You can visit www.dofo.org online for more information.
Here are some thoughts on solo travel to Mexico that you can use as you plan.
"Preparation is your superpower. The more you know, the more confident you'll feel."
Authenticity is essential, so try not only to see touristy spots. If you can engage with sign language or with your (even limited language) with locals, they will appreciate it. You will also build your confidence.
Once there, you can take a cooking class and learn more about Mexican cuisine. You can visit the local markets and interact with vendors. I like the Saturday market in Puerto Vallarta's downtown area. You can attend the churches and pray. You can visit a gallery, museum, or festival. You may find an artisan and talk to them about their art.
Speaking the language will help you. Duolingo is one of the best apps for learning another language. Practice here. You already know some words, right? Hola, Gracias, De Nada, Por Favor, Cuarto de bano, right? Duolingo will help build your confidence and your vocabulary.
How can you get around without getting lost?
Download maps before you leave to familiarize yourself with the streets you use. Find restaurants that have food you enjoy. Plan activities you can meet if you have limits on your physical abilities.
You can build a community of women like you who have already been to Mexico and are willing to help you before, during, and after their trips. You could even hold a meetup for women like you. You won’t be alone.
Travel Failure and Lesson Learned: My Sunglasses were lost in the sea!
My failure in Mexico? I wore sunglasses into the ocean that I thought was calm and peaceful. The glasses were lost in one minute and never seen again. Not a good plan. Don’t wear your sunglasses into the ocean unless they are floaters.
Today’s Travel Advice- Focus on your superpower: Your terms, your travel, your power.
Life experiences count. You have them. You can use them wisely when planning your travel. Be aware of pickpockets. Don’t go to places you should not be.
Stay away from trouble, and you’ll be ok. Use your intuition. It will serve you. That’s your superpower.
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