Many hotels and rental property owners keep spaces vacant for a number of days after a guest checks out for extra protection. For starters, experts are strongly advising against any unnecessary travel during this time, particularly given the outbreaks in various hotspots throughout the U.S. “I still do not think that people should be traveling and should really try to stay home,” said Krutika Kuppalli, an infectious diseases physician and vice chair of the IDSA Global Health Committee. 2. For that reason, international travelers often experience preferential treatment because locals assume they have more money and are more willing to spend it, while fellow nationals are more likely to be passed over. “If you have recently recovered from a COVID infection and are immune (at least temporarily), you will evaluate things differently than if you are older and have a number of high-risk conditions.”. By taking the appropriate precautions, you can swim in the crystal clear ocean water, explore the ancient Mayan ruins, and dance the night away at one of Cancun's famous nightclubs. While Cancun is overall a safe destination for female travelers, the city is known for its wild parties and nightlife that always require extra precautions. It may not live up to the gay nightlife scene in Puerto Vallarta, but Cancun is still a very gay-friendly city. Now, you’re stuck deciding between one of Cancun’s best resorts (check out our Top 5 spring break suggestions) or one of the many amazing Airbnb … I have lived in Playa del Carmen for 19 years and while I’ve seen an increase in the narco activity here, almost all the violence is inter-cartel and doesn’t affect the tourists. Posted October 16, 2018 by After Dark Events & Entertainment. My Quick Top 5 Best Airbnbs Cancun makes choosing your dream stay a breeze. Stay safe. It's often refreshing to leave the bubble of the Zona Hotelera and solo travelers aren't limited to those confines. Doubt if your going to get ocean front air bnb in a Cancun. I would also be careful in communal locations inside where the ventilation is not good. This would be my third trip to Cancun. This is right on the water where the major attraction is 14 miles of white sandy beach studded with sea-view hotels. Still, you can’t deny that there are more humans around ― from staff to visitors to fellow guests. Cancun is known for its huge resorts, but get a touch of a local experience by staying in an Airbnb in Cancun, read why I recommend it! Many taxi drivers don't use the meter and will overcharge unwitting tourists, so confirm how much you're expected to pay. Belong anywhere with Airbnb. Rent from people in Playa del Carmen, Mexico from $25 CAD/night. If you're out and someone is making you uncomfortable—including another tourist—alert a staff member. The area is super safe, new and upscale. For LGBTQ+ travelers, there's little to worry about in Cancun. and if your thing is to walk, everything is very close. Cancun has become known as a place of debauchery. Women traveling alone or in a group should only accept drinks from trusted sources and always keep the glass in their hand. Find unique places to stay with local hosts in 191 countries. “Public health at a hotel is regulated by the health department, and cleaning will likely be more detailed, especially in chains with multiple locations,” said Brian Labus, a professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas’ School of Public Health. I feel safe walking around town even at night. Author has 584 answers and 260.5K answer views. “All standard precautions for COVID-19 must be followed rigorously,” said Khubchandani. Airbnb Cancun Travel & Safety tips. My condo is modern, safe super comfortable, well equipped and brand new. From $11 / night. It is super located, 5 min from the local beach and 10 min from the city center. Tips For Finding The Best Airbnb In Cancun. “If not, make the management aware and have them fix any shortfalls. Someone who only hears about Mexico through the news would think the entire country was filled with kidnappings and drug cartels, but that simply isn't true. We stayed in an AIrBnB on the top of Cancun's "7", just a block off the avenue, near El Embarcadero. Where to Stay in Cancun. The local economy depends heavily on tourism and the government strives to protect that image by keeping the tourist zone heavily patrolled by police and the national guard. The main tourist routes pass in the corner! Customers need to read reviews and ratings before renting an Airbnb property. If you travel out of Zona Hotelera into downtown Cancun, only do so during the day and avoid wearing high-value items or flashy accessories. Not to mention the property is located nearby an empty, unkept grassy lot with tall trees (easy to climb). Experiences? Part of HuffPost Travel. But this discrimination doesn't just apply to people born and raised in Mexico; Latino travelers from other countries—including the U.S.—may experience the same snub due to the same assumptions. Cancun has been called Mexico’s answer to Las Vegas, which I think is a pretty apt comparison. Reuters. “A hotel will have more guests and you may come in contact with more of them.”. Airbnbs in Cancun. The ticket cost me $6 USD. “If you are touching the elevator buttons, make sure to use hand sanitizer after doing so, or use something like a pen or pencil to choose your floor. There are two main areas in Cancun where you can stay. “Home rentals do not have this same level of oversight. “You need to use these same standards, that you require for your guests, while you reside in your newly cleaned and safe hotel room or home rental,” he said. They range in prices and distance from the beach, but overall are generally one of your best bets for finding a place to stay that’s not a giant luxury resort. Save money on your trip by finding the biggest discounts for top-rated Airbnb rentals in Cancún. JSonline. I gladly took that switch. Cancun depends on foreign tourists from countries where wages are often many times higher than salaries in Mexico. If someone is advertising free tours or water sports packages, it's likely a timeshare salesperson who is trying to hook you into a meeting. Uber does exist in Cancun, but Uber drivers often work "under the radar" due to an ongoing feud with taxi drivers that has at times turned violent. Still, Airbnb has taken steps to adopt COVID-19 compliant cleanliness standards and urging individual property owners to work toward those standards. Anybody have any recommendations? If you prefer having your own kitchen and more privacy over big resort amenities then you may want to consider renting an Airbnb. The flight was smooth and we actually arrived in Cancun about 20 minutes early. Choose reputable companies for water sports such as parasailing or jet skiing and be skeptical if one company is significantly cheaper than others. You just won’t find this in a home rental.”, “Lodging is just one piece of the puzzle, so if you are concerned about protecting yourself from COVID, you need to look at your entire agenda and consider your individual health status.”. Cancun is a sought after destination by students during the spring break period and it experiences high tourist numbers during that time. Cancun, Mexico | © Angeles and Ale / Airbnb Spectacular view of Cancún This centrally located penthouse suite is perfect for guests looking for a less restrictive experience than one would expect at a packed resort. Another thing to check is how much time the hotel room or rental property stands empty in between guests. The Cancun Oasis is west of Casa Tiacuache, and north of the Traveler’s Room, and Cancun Eco-Apartment. If you arrive at a hotel or Airbnb and something doesn’t look like it’s been cleaned and sanitized, Berliner advised alerting management or the homeowner so that they are aware and can address it. While some regions of Mexico are not considered safe to visit, the country as a whole is popular with tourists and Cancun is one of the safest parts you can go to. The neighbourhood is probably the reason why I bought the condo. Some people worry about their personal safety when they book a trip to Cancun – and that’s to be expected. June 27, 2018. 1 It would be safer to stay in a hotel/resort, however. We have written an article on why you should consider an Airbnb rental in Cancun along with some of our top picks. These are the 8 best Santa Fe homes on Airbnb. Save. The hosts needed to have some sort of barbwire or similar device lining the top perimeter of these walls, as well as some sort of security system. Below, health experts offer their advice for determining if a hotel or Airbnb is the best way to go during the pandemic ― and explain how to mitigate the risks involved in either choice. “Stay at a distance from others, wash your hands more often, carry a sanitizer, use sanitizers available around hotel and property, don’t touch your face much, wear a mask, don’t take support of surface, don’t touch many objects, e.g., on check-in counter, etc.”. “As we are all human, we know breakdowns can occur ― whether it be in a hotel corporate operation with large numbers of employees or in an Airbnb/home rental environment with owners having different backgrounds and levels of maintenance skills,” Berliner said. Honestly, I can’t do this beach justice, it … While the perception is that Mexico is a dangerous place to visit, it's a huge country with vastly different regions, and the cartel violence that makes headlines in newspapers is concentrated far away from the hotels and beaches of Cancun. Suzanne Barbezat is a freelance writer specializing in Mexican travel, culture, and food. Belong anywhere with Airbnb. You can walk to many restaurants, cafes, bars, clubs and many shops that are just around the corner. It offers white sand, bright blue water, and lovely weather. May 15, 2020. Even though 2019 set a record for violence against LGBTQ+ individuals in Mexico—especially trans women and gay men—that statistic is across the entire country and Cancun is relatively safe.. It is also the best area to stay in Cancun for nightlife. El Centro is Cancun’s lively and vibrant downtown. It also helps illustrate the two areas to stay in Cancun. Hotels have attempted to mitigate these risks with measures like virtual check-in, elevator capacity limits and spaced out lines. “They cannot force people to stay at a distance in elevators, around the lobby, near the check-in counter, etc.”. The most common complaints of discrimination in Cancun come from the local residents themselves, as well as national travelers from other parts of Mexico. If you need transportation, ask your hotel to call you a taxi so you can be sure it's from a legitimate company and ask for the price before getting in the car. This is easy for us because we have working cell phones here. Along with the hotels and bustling night scene, it is a relaxed and sophisticated place filled with local culture. Many believe that major hotel chains have an advantage due to greater accountability, regulations and published policies. Q: Is it safe to rent a car in Cancun in 2021? Touristic areas of downtown, such as Las Palapas and around Avenida Tulum, are generally safe to visit (but keep your wallet safely tucked in your front pocket). Mexico sees deadliest year for LGBT+ people in five years. Most Romantic Cancun Mexico Airbnb – Villa Sicilia – Contemporary Palapa Lagoon View; Best Airbnb in Cancun Mexico for Families – Casa Flores MX Here’s. “I would be particularly careful when in elevators and would make sure to wear a mask,” advised Kuppalli. Jillian Dara is a freelance travel writer and fact checker. You can still take a $2 bus to the party zone. If you've traveled around Mexico or you speak Spanish, navigating around the city is much easier. But here are a … This lowers the number of people likely to be in the lobby or elevator around the same time as you. The kitchen has a stove, oven, coffee machine, toaster, blender, and juicer, all of which guests are welcome to make use of. The Best Airbnb Deals in Cancún, Mexico. What coronavirus questions are on your mind right now. I would also have hand sanitizer with you so you can make sure to constantly clean your hands and have masks to protect yourself when in public spaces.”. Home to most of Cancun’s residents, this part of the city is where you’ll find delicious authentic restaurants, charming local shops, and a variety of interesting sights. Cancun is safer than most of America’s biggest cities and if you are not worried about traveling within the U.S. especially with the current racial tensions you should be asking if Cancun is safe. “Avoid travel as much as possible,” advised Jagdish Khubchandani, a professor of health science at Ball State University. You won't have to worry about anything! You sound like Oasis may be good if your looking for a young party place or Flamingo for a more mellow experience. Support journalism without a paywall — and keep it free for everyone — by, An essential daily guide to achieving the good life, Lost your job due to coronavirus? The lady sitting in my seat told me she had moved to sit by her husband and asked if I’d be okay taking her aisle seat. Touristic areas of downtown, such as Las Palapas and around Avenida Tulum, are generally safe to visit (but keep your wallet safely tucked in your front pocket). You’ve already booked your Cancun flights and we’re sure you’ve got your VIP Party Packages reserved with After Dark, right? "Mexico sees deadliest year for LGBT+ people in five years." Horror stories in the past have raised some legitimate safety concerns about how safe Airbnb is, though many stays are trouble free. The past couple of decades have elevated it into the same stratosphere as spring break mainstays like Panama City Beach and Key West, but marketing it as merely a place for rowdy high school and college kids is doing the city a grave … For this reason, it's especially important for solo travelers to avoid leaving the Zona Hotelera after dark. Also interested in resorts for less than $200usd/night. About 3 miles away! Generally, yes. This has led to a common question: Is it safer to stay at a hotel or rental property like an Airbnb in the coronavirus era? Belong anywhere with Airbnb. “Hotels can be riskier due to larger number of people moving around,” said Khubchandani. If eating at restaurants in hotels, I would try to eat outside rather than inside.”, “I recommend that you take your own disinfecting wipes with you and regardless of where you stay that you clean down high touch surfaces when you get to where you are staying.”, “For the actual individual traveler, we need to ensure that the place we stay, whether a hotel or Airbnb/home rental, feels and looks clean,” Berliner noted. Since … Whether you’re looking for houses for rent in Cancun Hotel Zone or private apartments, Airbnb has everything you need. The fact that you are traveling doesn’t exempt you from taking the same protective steps you take at home. The best place to stay in Cancun. If you head to downtown Cancun, just stay near the main thoroughfare of Avenida Tulum and avoid the outskirts of the city. There are some great, stylish options that offer great value for money. If you will be participating in large group gatherings where social distancing rules are rarely followed, the risk from your lodging is not the main concern.”. - Brian Labus, a professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas’ School of Public Health. If you're offered, it's best to say no. “I recommend that you take your own disinfecting wipes with you and regardless of where you stay that you clean down high-touch surfaces when you get to where you are staying,” Kuppalli said. No matter where you decide to stay, the biggest risk occurs when you leave your accommodations for meals or other activities. Mexico gets a bad rap, and yes, it has a higher crime rate than many other countries in the Americas. Basically, there are only two areas in Cancun that you can choose from: El Centro (or Downtown Cancun) and the Zona Hotelera. The neighborhood is very safe. U.S. Department of State. This private room is a 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom that can accommodate up to 2 individuals. Find unique places to stay with local hosts in 191 countries. 8 Mar 2021 - Rent from people in Cancún, Mexico from £14/night. - Krutika Kuppalli, an infectious diseases physician, Everyone deserves accurate information about COVID-19. “The greatest risk of infection comes from being in close contact with other people, especially if they are not wearing masks,” Labus noted. When in a necessary travel situation, taking the steps to make where you stay clean and safe will lead to peace of mind and markedly reduce the risk of becoming ill as a result of your trip and your hotel or Airbnb/home rental stay.”. Answer 1 of 2: Never done it. Carry only a small amount of cash when you're walking around, and make sure your wallet isn't in a vulnerable place like a purse or your back pocket. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, USA Today 10Best, Michelin Guide, Hemispheres, DuJour, and Jetsetter. Your exposure could put them in harm’s way as well. And being so catered towards tourists means that there are plenty of safe and accessible areas to stay in Cancun. One of the most extreme crimes that happens in Mexico is kidnapping, and a foreigner traveling alone may be a target. As with any decision about leaving home during the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s important to assess your personal health situation. The bars that cater to LGBTQ+ travelers are located outside of the Zona Hotelera in downtown Cancun, where being out at night while drinking isn't always safe. Major chains have also been very open about the steps they are taking to protect their guests, and you often find detailed plans on their websites. Airbnb offers a … Mar. “In regards to the number of people in and out of a building at a hotel, those are things you can try to mitigate by arriving and leaving at ‘off peak’ hours,” Kuppalli said. TripSavvy uses only high-quality, trusted sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Five months into the COVID-19 pandemic, people are very much testing the waters when it comes to travel. There are loads of accommodation options in Cancun, and the Hotel Zone in Cancun is particularly popular with travelers. Overall, this villa is not a safe tourist destination, and should be avoided at all costs. “Lodging is just one piece of the puzzle, so if you are concerned about protecting yourself from COVID, you need to look at your entire agenda and consider your individual health status,” said Labus. The 8 best Airbnb homes in Mexico City! Khubchandani added that you should shower regularly when entering the property from the outside and also give yourself a thorough cleaning after you return home. While RV rentals and short-distance road trips are on the rise, many travelers are also making longer journeys and staying overnight away from home. But, if you must make the trip, the answer to your lodging question depends on a number of factors and requires some personal research. Downtown – El Centro – Where to Stay in Cancun on a Budget. Cancun is quite a safe destination and most visitors enjoy their vacations without any unfortunate incidents, but it's important to maintain awareness of what's going on around you so that you can respond to any danger or untoward situation that may develop. By far the most popular is Zona Hotelera. The hotel zone, in particular, is built around the tourist industry, catering to those who are visiting the city. Read our, "Mexico resorts and tainted alcohol: assaults, blackouts.". For nightlife, there are plenty of options for bars and dance clubs within the Zona Hotelera to enjoy. really nice (but small) apartment with a private entrance, breakfast included in the owner's apartment, and access to the swimming pool (again, through the owner's apartment) that was just a few yards from the lagoon. For nightlife, there are plenty of options for bars and dance clubs within the Zona Hotelera to enjoy. As one of the most popular tourist destinations in North America, Cancun is flooded with Airbnbs of all different types. It doesn’t matter where you stay if you have multiple high-risk exposures as soon as you leave your room. When in a necessary travel situation, taking the steps to make where you stay clean and safe will lead to peace of mind and markedly reduce the risk of becoming ill as a result of your trip and your hotel or Airbnb/home rental stay.” If you're traveling alone to Cancun, the same basic safety tips apply as for all travelers including stay in the touristy areas, don't travel outside of the Zona Hotelera at night, and keep valuable items locked away safely in your hotel room.