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First time traveler! Please help!

Traveling alone in Mexico this summer to work in various orphanages and learn more about the country...advice please?

13 years ago, February 14th 2011 No: 1 Msg: #129012 Delete Edit

Abbi14
Abigail Greene

N Posts: 3

Hey all,

I am 21 and female, thinking about traveling ALONE in Mexico this summer for about 2 months. I know a fair amount of Spanish, but have never had the opportunity to travel very much at all. My main question is: Do you think it is safe enough for me to do so? What cities should a stay away from? What is the best way to get into Mexico from the US? etc., etc....

Alot of people think I am crazy and my parents are extremely opposed to the idea but I would really love to go and I feel confident that I am smart enough to stay safe.

Any suggestions or advice would be awesome! Thanks y'all! Reply to this

13 years ago, February 14th 2011 No: 2 Msg: #129021 Delete Edit

deleted_49612
deleted_49612

D Posts: 24.6K

Hello Abigail 😊

I think it is reasonably safe enough for you to go there. I was in Mexico, Central and South America around 5 times by myself.

I would get a copy of a book such as the Lonely Planet and be sure to read all safety precautions, especially the ones that specifically apply to women.

A golden rule is that most of the very bad things that happen, dont happen in broad daylight with lots of people around, unless you are in a country at war. So, do your walking around during the day, and keep towards where there are crowds of women and families.

... I feel confident that I am smart enough to stay safe.

Accidents happen to smart people too, but reassure your parents, by showing them examples of girls who have travelled in Mexico and came back safely(there are lots of them on travel sites. Maybe your parents can email them), and let them know that you are reading all the safety instructions and that you will email them most days, depending on internet availability to show you are still OK.

Mel

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13 years ago, February 15th 2011 No: 3 Msg: #129149 Delete Edit

AnnaAdventuring
Anna Louise

B Posts: 179

Hi.

I was in Mexico for 6 months last year. I was teaching English and living in one town but I travelled a lot at weekends and did a long trip over the Easter hols. I never had any problems.
I did a long trip circling from Cancun up to Palenque and back and found it very easy. Mexico has a fantastic bus service and it is a very easy way to travel. Go for the first class buses (like ADO) if you're going to be travelling long distances as they are much more comfortable, and especially if you are travelling alone at night they are safer. These buses are secure and comfortable, have toilets on board, luggage storage so even travelling with a suitcase is easy, and usually give you a free drink and sandwich (hope you like ham and cheese!)
I travelled solo to Mexico City and Teotihuacan and had a great time. I chose not to arrive alone at 5am and took a later bus but once there it was fine and I just used the local metro to get around.
I never once felt uncomfortable in Mexico. People were friendly and always willing to give directions or help out. If you stay in hostels they often arrange day trips for harder to reach places.
I'm afraid I don't know anything about orphanges though I would recommend that you find and email them and arrange to work there prior to setting out.
This is my blog of places I travelled to - AnnaAdventuring's Mexico blog - maybe it will give you some ideas on places to visit; and feel free to message me if you have questions about transport or tickets or anything else.
I did my first trip abroad at age 19 and have travelled alone in lots of places. To keep your parents happy, give them contact details of any places you know you'll be for any long period of time. Try to take a mobile that works if you can and whenever you find internet access just update your facebook status or something so everyone knows where you are and that you're ok. I don't know what your exact plans are but leaving a rough itinerary at home helps as at least your family know where you are day to day.
Remember that often it's harder being the one left at home not knowing exactly what's going on and not being able to help if anything does go wrong! Reassure your parents and the more you can tell them about your plans before going the better it'll be for them.
Other than that - just go for it! Mexico is a beautiful country and I would have been happy to stay there much longer. Enjoy it whatever you end up doing. Good luck! 😊

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13 years ago, February 16th 2011 No: 4 Msg: #129181 Delete Edit

cabochick
Andrea

B Posts: 289

Hola Abigail. I can understand why you would have concerns, with all the particular media and incidents that have been plaguing Mexico for a past few years especially. If you can rise above what you have heard, investigate and research your plans throughly, and still want to go and see for yourself....then yes, you should travel to Mexico.

I spent most of my 20's and 30's in Mexico by myself. I have taught English, worked in orphanages, community centres, and also enjoyed backpacking throughout. The people of Mexico are fantastic! Hard working, loving, and family oriented. I've made so many great friends over the years.

It's hard to pin point certain towns to avoid completely. Right now, most Consulates are recommending no travel to towns nearest the USA border...Cuidad Juarez would be an example. That doesn't mean violence and crime doesn't happen elsewhere. Resorts towns on the beaches can be as dangerous as say a small village or University town inland.

If you practice personal safety and common sense, you will be a lot safer than say someone who is reckless and not paying attention. As for random violence, it is just that, and can happen to anyone anytime anywhere. I keep it simple. I do not put myself in situations that up my chances for problems.

Also, don't forget you ARE in a different country - with different laws, rules and customs! I see many people behaving really badly and then when the consequences aren't the same as back home, they freak out. Other things like corruption or gender equality can cause conflict, especially if you are still expecting things to be like back home. Finally, Mexico is not exactly 3rd world, but it's still very poor. Your ambulance on the way to rushing you to the hospital may run out of gas. The ATM might run out of money and keep your card. You may have to give the police chief a bottle of brandy to get proper papers stamped. That's just the way it is.

It takes great courage to travel to another country by yourself, so good for you. Many of us that have gone before you, lived to tell wonderful stories about it. I wish you all the best! Reply to this

13 years ago, February 17th 2011 No: 5 Msg: #129273 Delete Edit

D MJ Binkley
Dave and Merry Jo Binkley

B Posts: 10.9K

Mexico does get some bad press because of the drug cartels but overall this is a very safe country. Boarder towns are iffy.

Use the common sense you would use any place you travel to. Stay out of the seedy sections of town if you can. Don't wander around at night in unfamiliar places. Keep your pass port with you at all times.

Have a great trip and post a blog so we can see how you are doing. Reply to this

13 years ago, February 23rd 2011 No: 6 Msg: #129740 Delete Edit

bob4wdadventures
bob enture

N Posts: 1

Abigail,

I am currently helping with an orphans house in Baja California Sur - PM me and I'll give you details

I believe Baja Cal is safe. I would recommend -as for any developing country- to avoid staying the 150 km around a border point. Just go through the border and drive a couple of hours.

If you arrive from San Diego, and are driving, Tecate is a good choice.

Plse check the buses from the US. Those who run in Baja Cal (from Tijuana to far south Los Cabos) are very comfortable.

Your choice to help kids will bring you huge satisfaction.
Good luck.

<snip>

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13 years ago, March 2nd 2011 No: 7 Msg: #130233 Delete Edit

lexiemill
lexie

N Posts: 32

As a female you should be quite aware of which areas you should visit and which to avoid. You should follow simple basic safety principles and believe me you will not be in any trouble. Never go to isolated and less touristy places alone and in off hours. Stay in hostels. This way you can easily find a good company for you and you also get chance to learn from the experiences of other solo travelers.

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