I've lived in Cozumel for the last year and a half and it's completely safe. I'm 25 and a woman and I have no worries about walking alone or going wherever, or any other of your normal fears. Enjoy!

Hello Everyone! We have been reading your comments, and we would like to comment on some on the points that you all mentioned. First of all let me introduce my self, My name is Darren, orginally from the UK, now very settled and happy in the Riviera Maya, and have been for more than 7 years. I personally love Cozumel and find it very relaxing, with Mayan Ruins, stunning beaches and if you love diving or snorkellin them you will be in paradise.

Please do not worry about the crime that happens, like anywhere in the world each country has its its problems. However the Mexican Caribbean is very safe and a perfect choice to spend your upcoming vacation.

Please check out our recent visit to Mayan Musuem in Cozumel: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.264828233619870.40542.167696939999667&type=3

and also see our website for more info on cozumel: http://mayanexplore.com/nature-attractions/islands

Please let me know if you would like to know anything else

Have a great day! Warm regards from Playa del Carmen

Thanks for your reassurances, I appreciate it.

Since you both live there maybe you can help me decide between 2 hotels--Fiesta Americana or Cozumeleno. I can get Fiesta American free with frequeny flyer points. I've been looking at it on line and it looks OK. Cozumeleno would not be free but it's not very expensive so I might save my FF points for another trip. Both have good and bad reviews on tripadvisor. I might post a separate thread about this but I would love to hear from the locals.

BTW, a priority of mine is snorkelling just off the hotel beach.

Hi P_M, Lucky you! Way to go winning a trip!!!

I've never been to Cozumel or even the Caribbean side, but I go to Puerto Vallarta every year (20+ trips to date, also La Paz and Cabo). As a matter of fact I'll be there again 2 weeks from now. Yeah!!

Things are OK in the resort towns in Mexico, the trouble in the country is internal and policital (drug cartels) it has not, thankfully, much effected any of the tourist destinations.

My sister was in Cozumel recently on a cruiseship stop (she's not an experienced traveler). But I'd researched just a bit so she had maps and some tips for what to do. They went downtown on their own and had a great time.

Go! Enjoy!!

Hi suze,

I never seem to win prizes of any value and this was quite a shock. I was jumping around and shouting like a fool but it was worth it. I can't imagine a better prize than something travel-related.

(OK, maybe a winning lotto ticket would be better but plane tix aren't exactly chopped liver)

We went to PV about 20 years ago and we loved it. I would enjoy going back but we are so much closer to the Caribbean side it works a little better for us. Tomorrow I will be firming up the details and booking our tickets. All vacations are good, but free ones are the best.

Are you kidding? A free plane ticket is fantastic!!

As I said I only know the Pacific side, but the Caribbean is supposed to be great too. I hear good things about Isla Mujeres, Playa del Carmen, Akumal, Cozumel and would love to get over that way some time.

Puerto Vallarta has changed and grown a lot since you last saw it (I've been going almost annually since the early 90's) but is still authentic and charming. I love it there.

Rest assured, travel is fine in the tourist areas to date. Unless you're planning to run for political office or try to break into the drug business (lol) you will be OK.

www.locogringo.com is a good general website for that area.