Single female traveling alone. Spent a week in Cozumel in 2000 and felt perfectly safe there and on ferry trips to Playa. Are these areas just as safe? I'm getting conflicting reports. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

Hi Rebekah,<BR>I do not feel that PDC is nearly as safe as Cozumel, but with a little common sense, I'm sure you would be fine.<BR>I know Akumal is perfectly safe. No problems there. I believe Tulum is the same way - they are both pretty quiet...<BR>If you stay in PDC,<BR>1. Stay in the main area of town at night.<BR>2. Do NOT walk alone on the beach at night.<BR>3. Avoid bars alone. If you can't do that, keep your drink IN YOUR HAND at all times - even dancing.<BR>Due to cultural differences, sometimes an unaccompanied female - especially someone who is friendly and smiling - can be misunderstood as sending the wrong message.<BR>Just be really careful if you go to PDC alone - Cozumel, it ain't!

Another very safe place would be Isla Mujeres. Visit isla-mujeres.net<BR>It is a small island 10 miles from Cancun--real laid back with great beaches and inexpensive--at least compared to Cozumel.

Just got back from PDC on June 3rd and did not feel unsafe at all. As long as you stick to the more touristy areas you shouldn't feel too worried. However if you walk through playa expect everyone to beg you to come into their stores, that is common for everyone and you just say no thanks however many times you have to. I didnt go to Akumal but Tulum has a lot of people around and I am sure Akumal does as well. I felt safer in the yucatan than some citites in the U.S.

Hi Rebekah: I travel quite frequently alone, no problems in Coz or PDC (agree with Nancy that in Cozumel, I felt more secure)I think that was due to more crowds, but if you stay on the main streets in PDC, you'll be fine. As usual, use common sense and confidence. Enjoy, Monica