Posted on 07/21/2020 

~Published by Melissa Lisell~

I don’t know about you, but I have been to Cancun and Riviera Maya in Mexico more times that I can count. I love hopping on a short 2 1/2 hour non-stop flight from DFW in the morning, knowing I will enjoy lunch and a margarita, with a view of the water!

In fact, I will be doing exactly this NEXT week.

This trip will be both business and pleasure. After 5 months at home, I need a change of scenery and a few days away. I also want to experience the new safety protocols myself before sending future clients to the wonderful resorts I recommend.

So far, my travel advisor friends are reporting back that they feel safer on the resorts than they do visiting their local grocery store. Check back in two weeks to read about my experience!

Safe Traveling to Cancun and Riviera Maya

Now, let’s talk about a common misconception that traveling to Riviera Maya is unsafe. While other parts of Mexico are certainly dangerous, Riviera Maya and the neighboring town of Cancun aren’t nearly as bad as the media makes them out to be. To put it simply, Riviera Maya is a tourist spot, which means the locals are eager for your business and are pretty serious about keeping some of the dangerous elements of Mexico out. Riviera Maya is a breathtaking place that is just begging to be explored.

That said, there are some things you should know to make the most out of a Riviera Maya vacation.

Watch Out for the Heat

While Riviera Maya offers absolutely stunning natural landscapes, the whole region can become overwhelmingly hot and humid from June on through till October. The summer months may be peak vacation time, but they can also put the unprepared tourist at risk for heatstroke. Make sure you are drinking plenty of water between your margaritas, tequila or Coronas! On the subject of heat and summer, mosquitos are out in full swing. So, if you’re planning to visit Riviera Maya during summer, pack some bug repellent.

*Pro-Tip: If you forget to pack bug repellent, ask the hotel/resort concierge if they have any. Many will keep a bottle or two for guest use. Even restaurants with outdoor seating will normally have some for guests that are “too sweet” and attract mosquitos.

Rules on Food and Water

The subject of food and water is a hot-button issue for first-time travelers to Riviera Maya. For one, you shouldn’t drink the tap water in Mexico, as in some instances it will make you sick. Instead, you should also ask for bottled water while in restaurants, since they’ll likely serve unfiltered tap water by default. Street food is a potential danger as well, as there is no telling whether or not a street vendor properly prepared the meal or adequately cleaned their cooking space. In these instances, it helps to know that the restaurants at the resorts we recommend go through rigorous training and adhere to all safety/sanitation protocols. Water at most of the hotels and resorts are filtered so you do not need to worry about the ice they use for drinks.

*Pro Tip: If housekeeping leaves bottles of water next to the bathrooms sink, I take that as a hint to brush my teeth and rinse with bottled water instead of tap water.

Feel Safe to Explore

While it helps to use a resort as a home base during your trip, we want you to experience all Riviera Maya has to offer. You should take excursions off the resort property to get a genuine taste of Mexico. Riviera Maya is not the dangerous, crime-ridden place the news reports it to be. If you take a chance and explore the Riviera Maya, you’ll quickly discover all the raw natural beauty this fantastic place has to offer.

*Pro Tip: Ask your preferred Lisell Travel advisor about the great excursions in this area!

Interested in Learning More About Visiting Cancun and Riviera Maya?

Make sure you follow us on Instagram and Facebook to get an insider look into Melissa’s travels. Then, check back in two weeks for a full recap on the COVID-19 safety protocols put in place by the resorts to ensure you enjoy a safe and wonderful vacation!