We would like to share this personal experience from our friend Anthony, a passionate writer who loves to travel. As a world-traveler, he now considers the Riviera Maya as one of this favorite destinations. Being very close to the Mexican culture and the city, Anthony would like to share how great his experience in Mexico has been. If you would like to read more about Anthony, please visit his website You, Me and the Dock.
We hope you enjoy this article!
There is no Safer Place than the Riviera Maya!
My name is Anthony and I am a freelance writer, photographer, and practicing videographer. I create and publish travel articles for a travel site. I also write for several international real estate companies as well. Many of my assignments have sent me to Latin America. My last project took me to the world-renown vacation and resort destination of Playa del Carmen. Playa – a name given to it by the locals, is a vital part of Mexico’s fabulous Riviera Maya. Its boundaries extend from the quaint fishing village of Puerto Morelos south to Tulum and its historic Mayan ruins. The Riviera Maya’s most favorable communities reside along the Caribbean Sea where turquoise water gently caresses miles of white-sandy beaches. The Riviera Maya serves up just about anything a sun-loving beachgoer and adventurous sightseer could ever want and more!
My purpose in writing this brief synopsis – blog article, is to rectify some of the controversial publicity circling around Mexico’s tourism Industry. Many of the North American media sources have specifically targeted both Playa del Carmen and Tulum with negative coverage. As a travel writer, I have visited numerous vacation destinations. And I am here to tell you that Mexico ranks very high on my list of the safest places to visit. Many places that are widely popular as being a ‘Paradise destination’ or ‘perfect place to retire’, hold many untold stories.
Tulum – Our latest adventure in a quaint and low-key community
Our most recent trip lasted 10 months in the vibrant town of Playa del Carmen in the gated community of Playacar. Before this assignment, we had stayed in several resorts and hotels in Playa along with spending time in Tulum and Puerto Aventuras as well. Let’s begin with Tulum and our latest adventure in this quaint and very low-key community. Tulum offers culture, history and a wide variety of entertainment. It is also gaining a reputation for being a place to go when wanting to escape the typical tourist destination. When I did my assignment in Tulum, there seemed to be more of a relaxed and laidback feeling. People visiting Tulum wanted to enjoy more of the true ambiance of Mexico versus an ‘Always on the Go’ journey or touristic experience.
We rented a condo somewhat away from the main drag, right in the midst of a lush tropical jungle. The manager met us promptly at the unit and showed us around the property. She also ran through some pertinent information regarding our condo. As a seasoned traveler and having spent weeks and months in various accommodations abroad, I make it a habit to do my own once-over. I inspected places where there was plumbing, electrical wiring, and/or other incoming utilities. I checked all the windows and door locks, as well as the sliding glass doors for security. As a safety measure, I highly recommend performing these simple safety checks anywhere you stay. This means not only in the Riviera Maya but also nationally or internationally.
Avoid any stomach problem when visiting a foreign country
When I started to travel out of the states, I closely monitored what I ate and drank. With the exception of Panama, I have never directly consumed water straight from the faucet – this should be a well-known fact. Even when the resorts claim they have their own water purification system, I still drank bottled water or served myself from a purified water dispenser. If these two habits aren’t practiced, this alone will cause stomach problems when visiting a foreign country.
Another reason people experience digestive complications is that their systems aren’t adjusted to the change in diet. I can’t tell you how many times people told me they got food poisoning when traveling outside their country. When your stomach is used to certain foods cooked a certain way and then you suddenly introduce it to a totally different cuisine, it will most likely upset your intestinal path. Then add a few party drinks and ‘Wham’, you think you have a case of food poisoning. Sometimes yes… most of the time no…
If you are traveling to a place where you will be consuming unfamiliar foods, especially spicy and/or local dishes, I would recommend to take some type of antacid tablets like Zantac or Prilosec – make sure you consult your doctor beforehand. It is very easy to kick up your heels and do a little partying or celebrating. However, be sure you understand your limitations and/or tolerance level. Normally alcoholic beverages in foreign countries can be slightly stronger than in the US. This too will create problems with your already unstable digestive system. At least for the first few days of your trip, consider moderation not only with food but your adult beverages as well. Your body will eventually adapt and/or adjust, but it could take a few days.
Always do some research about past events in certain local establishments
My wife and I have frequented many bar and grills during our lengthy stays in and around the Riviera Maya area. We have never once experienced or spoke with anyone who has had a problem with tainted drinks. We established ourselves at several watering holes where we were one of very few Americans who frequented the local establishment. Also, we met and have had several casual conversations with patrons regarding topics from past to current issues and events. Never once had a problem with drinks that had been laced or tampered with. This is not to say it couldn’t happen, but we also used common sense. We practice this anywhere we go nationally or internationally.
I would like to briefly address an issue in which mainstream media reported on referencing – ‘American tourists being drugged in Mexico’. I don’t want to discredit their source(s) or profess that isolated cases like “slipping someone a Mickey†couldn’t happen. However, I would like to introduce some interesting facts that could cause several extreme symptoms that mimic a ‘drugged’ feeling. There are many first or even second time vacationers who don’t normally partake in ‘adult celebration’ back at home like they do when away. When visiting a foreign country and feeling relaxed and carefree, things can get somewhat wild. Alcohol can and will work in mysterious ways, especially with the intense heat and sun exposure.
As an individual who enjoys going out and having a few cocktails on a regular basis, I have witnessed on many occasions people who overindulge. They inadvertently revert back to their past “Spring Break†mannerisms. They usually end up very intoxicated and either become really obnoxious with wild and out of control behavior and/or end up passing out. This happens more times than you would imagine. Someone should always be there to help this person make it home safely.
Here are some very important points and ideas that will assure a safe time no matter where you are in the world
- Moderate your consumption or at least allow time in between adult beverages.
- When going out to a new establishment that serves alcoholic beverages, take a moment to know your surroundings. Try to stay in an area where other tourists and vacationers alike are present.
- Designate one person in your group to be a moderate or non-drinker – rotate responsibility each time.
- Don’t accept drinks from someone you don’t know or just met.
- Always do an inspection of your accommodations. If something doesn’t look, smell or feel right, report or question it immediately.
- If you start to experience any unexpected health issues like headaches, nausea or breathing problems, leave your accommodations immediately and report it.
Using common sense when traveling should be a serious action that is noted in your traveling itinerary. Before starting your fun-filled vacation, come to terms with your limitations. Think about the consequences of any unusual actions that you might consider doing. There is no substitute for taking precautions no matter where you go. The above safety measures should be practiced even when staying at well-known resorts and hotel. Even though my wife and I are seasoned travelers, I always practice my own suggestions. Don’t be afraid to have fun, just do it smartly!
If you have any question regarding real estate in the Riviera Maya, please let us know! Our professional agents will be happy to help you find your dream house. Remember, at Top Mexico Real Estate… We make it happen!