I was looking at Florida for a solo vacation, but I loved Mexico the times I've been also, but would you even consider it for a woman traveling alone? I'm mid 30's, so not a naive college or high school kid, but I couldn't exactly kick butt if accosted either. What do you think? If I did it I would be in Playa del Carmen most likely.

I've been to Mexico many times with my husband, but my first 2 trips were on my own before we got married. Those trips were to Puerto Vallarta back in the early 80's and I had a great time. I think it's an easy trip to make on your own. Go for it!

There is no need to think you will be accosted or need to "kick butt" anymore in Playa Del Carmen than any resort area in Florida,

Playa is very safe. The hotel and resort zone is a small and well defined, and patrolled by special tourist police. The main street (actually a tourist walkway) is well lit and constantly filled with people. The beach clubs are also safe places to spend the day without fear of harrasement or theft.

The resorts outside of town tend to be gated and exclusive adding to their security.

As in any resort arera you will find petty theft and crime. As with any city you need to use common sense (don't flash money or jewlery, don't go to unfamiliar or dark streets, don't get so drunk you don't no where you are, don't use drugs). However we have lived and worked in Playa for over three years and have not experienced any crime or difficulty other than the theft of a back pack left on a deserted beach (we were dumb!).

We have had many single woman of all ages (from early 20's to 81!) stay at our hotel and have never heard a complaint about crime or safety. Go to Playa and have a great time.

Tony and Cheri
Luna Blue Hotel and Garden
Playa Del Carmen, Mexico

Mexico and PDC in particular is a great solo destination for women. I've done it myself as have lost of women I know.

Well that should have been LOTS of women but it's not a bad place to get lost in either!

Yes I've been to Mexico ~20 times. To Puerto Vallarta mostly, but also La Paz on the Baja. At least a dozen times I went alone. I have never been, or even heard of another female who was "accosted".

Since you've been before, why do you think it might be somehow dangerous to go alone?

If I can ever drag myself away from PV, Playa del Carmen is high on my list to try out.

Well I am male but a 65 YO heart bypass survivor, prostate cancer, diabetic with glaucoma who often goes to Mexico alone. In 22 years of travel never had a problem.

I also think Isla Mujeres is a great solo destination. Compact, easy to meet people. Some nice hotels right in the center of things, so there's no risk going home alone at night.

I went to Tulum solo for part of the time in January and it was just fine - only needed to use a little common sense!

Same as folks above- I go to Oaxaca alone all the time for work. Although I am male, I frequently run across female travelers who are having a great time traveling in Mexico alone.

Thanks, everyone. My husband and I had an unnerving experience with a tax driver in Cozumel several years ago, and even though we've been twice since then, I guess it was in the back of my mind. I appreciate the feedback!

If you're nervous, go to Puerto Vallarta. People are very friendly and welcoming there. It's quite a different atmosphere from the Caribbean side.

Aquaria, As someone who usually travels solo, but has only gone to Mexico with others, I think it would be fine. It depends on your plans. Relaxing on the beach of an all-inclusive would be great. Booking some day trips with the hotel or a reputable company would work well too.

I find snorkeling can be a problem when I go alone because you should have a buddy. If that's on your itinerary, maybe join a group departure for snorkeling.

When are you going? If July-August, head to Holbox and swim/snorkel with the whale sharks. It's easy to do alone, as you would join others on a boat, unless you chartered your own boat. I went with scuba divers (you are not allowed to scuba, just snorkel) who have scubaed all over the world. They thought the whale sharks were a peak marine-life experience. Me too!

Let me know if you want more Holbox info.

Have fun.