Mexico, in particular, has been Hollywood-ized as a dungeon for notorious cartels and illegal activities, and that’s similar to Cancun. In particular, this small city is in the southeast of Mexico and has been regarded as a cautionary spot for tourists.
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Most bloggers I know, in particular, have been to Cancun, many times and have felt fairly secure. Although they still advise to check government websites for cautions and other steps. So, let’s get into the unbiased picture of Cancun. And whether or not you should travel to it.
Why You Should Visit Cancun
Cancun, Mexico, stands out as a must-visit destination, attracting millions with its breathtaking beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural offerings. As a result, it has become a bustling hub for tourism, welcoming over ten million visitors annually.
To kick off your day, consider starting with morning yoga sessions or taking leisurely walks along Kukulkan Avenue. Alternatively, immerse yourself in the local culture by exploring Market 28, where you can indulge in traditional Yucatecan cuisine and Mexican handicrafts.
To delve deeper into Cancun’s history, visit the Maya Museum or catch a show at Teatro de Cancun. And be sure not to miss the chance to unwind on the renowned Playa Delfines beach, famous for its crystal-clear turquoise waters.
For those seeking adventure, there’s plenty to do, from paddleboarding and snorkeling to sailing in Cancun’s pristine waters. Additionally, shopping enthusiasts will find joy in exploring Puerto Cancun Marina Town Center or La Isla Shopping Village.
As the night falls, experience Cancun’s lively nightlife at clubs like Coco Bongo and Mandala. With something for everyone, Cancun welcomes visitors to explore its beauty and culture. Got that? Now let’s look at the silver lining. By that I mean the reasons why you shouldn’t visit Cancun.
Why You Should NOT Visit Cancun
While some individuals may not find Cancun appealing due to its commercialized atmosphere and crowded tourist spots, others may seek a quieter alternative. Additionally, some travelers may prefer destinations with a more authentic vibe.
For those looking for a tranquil and genuine experience, alternatives like Isla Mujeres offer a laid-back atmosphere and untouched beaches. Therefore, considering such destinations can provide a more fulfilling vacation experience.
Additionally, noise and traffic can be issues in certain parts of Mexico City, impacting the quality of life. For those looking to avoid the hustle and bustle of Cancun, quieter destinations offer a more relaxed vacation experience.
Crime Side Of Cancun
Despite being a popular tourist spot, Cancun faces a big problem with violence. Drug gangs fighting for control have led to more murders, doubling the rate in 2017 to over 205 killings.
Additionally, in the midst of this violence, it spills onto the streets, yet tourists often don’t perceive the imminent danger. However, warnings from the U.S. State Department underscore the existing risk. In particular, in August, Cancun witnessed a record 38 murders. Furthermore, corruption in law enforcement exacerbates the situation.
Residents of Cancun experience the effects firsthand. Consequently, they harbor concerns about their safety, particularly in light of reports of shootings and threats. Moreover, the situation is compounded by allegations of police officers colluding with criminals.
In particular, as officials try to deal with these issues, Cancun’s reputation as a paradise for tourists is overshadowed by its serious crime problem.
How Can Cancun Fix Tourism Problem
In particular, to address Cancún’s tourism problem, a shift towards sustainable tourism is imperative. Currently, many hotel employees are underpaid, earning as little as $4 per day, which is unacceptable.
Additionally, sustainable tourism would focus on fair wages for hospitality workers. Moreover, it would ensure the responsible use of natural resources, which are currently monopolized by hotels, leaving little for residents.
Despite this, the implementation of sustainable tourism practices has been successful in other destinations, such as the Seychelles and Belize, through taxes on foreign visitor arrivals and tourist air departures, respectively, used for environmental conservation.
Particularly, in Cancún, a three-fold approach is recommended. Firstly, rebranding the destination from a spring-break party spot to a cultural experience of Mayan traditions would attract a more diverse and respectful tourist demographic.
Secondly, taxing foreign-owned investments based on resource consumption and reinvesting the proceeds into local businesses and infrastructure is crucial.
Lastly, raising the living wages of tourism industry workers is essential to ensure they can afford to live in the place where they work.
Therefore, by focusing on sustainable development, Cancún can conserve natural resources for future generations and improve the living conditions of the local community, benefiting both the people of Cancún and the Mexican government in the long run.
Countries With Level 2 Warning
In particular, here are some countries with level 2 warning:
- Mexico
- Bahamas
- Egypt
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- United Kingdom
- Germany
- Brazil
- Argentina
- South Africa
- India
- Thailand
- Philippines
- Russia
Countries With Level 3 Warning
In particular, here are some countries with level 3 warnings:
- Afghanistan
- Central African Republic
- Iraq
- Iran
- Libya
- Mali
- North Korea
- Somalia
- South Sudan
- Syria
- Ukraine (Crimea region)
- Venezuela
- Yemen
Countries With Level 4 Warning
In particular, here are some countries with Level 4 warnings, don’t let the picturesque spots fool you:
- South Sudan
- Venezuela
- Burkina Faso
- Ukraine
- Libya
- Somalia
- Iraq
- Sudan
- Afghanistan
Countries That Are Secure Enough For Travelling
In particular, here are some countries that are secure enough for traveling:
- Japan
- Switzerland
- Australia
- Canada
- New Zealand
- Singapore
- Norway
- Denmark
- Iceland
- Finland
FAQs
Q.1. Is Cancun worth visiting?
Although Cancun has the most tropical and beautiful spots on the planet, seeing the level 2 travel advisory doesn’t make it a worthwhile risk.
Q.2. Is Cancun safe for female travelers?
Nope. In particular, Cancun is known for female harassment but that’s not a culture thing. Most Cancun citizens are polite to women but that doesn’t mean there is no mugging and teasing in the night times.
Q.3. Is Cancun safe to travel right now?
Cancun is currently under level 2 travel advisory by the U.S. Department of State. In particular, you might wanna cancel your trip to Quintana Roo, and go somewhere safe and sound like Fiji.
Wrap Up Time
In summary, Cancun has some of the most stunning beaches and tropical spots on the planet, but the level 2 travel advisory says, you need to be cautious. If you still wanna head to Mayan ruins like Chichen Itza and thrilling water activities like snorkeling and diving, I highly suggest packing with protection.