Travel Tips

I’ve traveled Mexico safely — These are 7 destinations you’ll love in 2025

Mexico has long carried a reputation for being dangerous, but my solo travels told a different story. From colorful Mérida to laid-back Isla Mujeres, I found seven beautiful and safe places to travel in Mexico.

Mexico had been on my bucket list for decades. Yet year after year, I postponed the trip, worrying about safety, especially as a solo female traveler.

This year, I told myself, “No more excuses; it’s finally time to explore this part of the world.”

So I did my research, booked my flight, and landed in Mexico City filled with both excitement and apprehension.

But within just a few days, my fears melted away. I realized there were many safe places to travel in Mexico, and most were among the most breathtaking destinations I’ve ever seen.

Here are seven safe places in Mexico where you’ll feel at ease in 2025, based on my real experiences.

In this article

Playa del Carmen

Being a popular tourist destination and with a large expat community, I felt incredibly safe walking the streets of Playa del Carmen. In recent years, Playa del Carmen has become one of the most popular Mexican cities for digital nomads too.

I saw many families walking along the powdery white sands of Playacar Beach, solo female digital nomads working in the city’s charming cafés, and groups of easygoing backpackers heading out on snorkeling trips.

What’s more, English is widely spoken here, which gave me further peace of mind, knowing I could easily ask for help if needed. Plus, while the coastal town is certainly lively, it doesn’t have a seedy nighttime vibe, like in some other Mexican cities.

Akumal

On the drive from Playa del Carmen to Akumal, the density of resorts slowly thins and the lush jungle edges close in. When I arrived, I felt calm immediately. There were fewer crowds, local fishermen tending nets, and turquoise waters gently lapping at the shore.

I spent tranquil mornings snorkeling with sea turtles in Akumal Bay, and evenings strolling quiet beachfront paths under soft lamplight. Here, I rarely encountered touts or aggressive vendors, and locals were friendly but unobtrusive.

For me, Akumal became a peaceful alternative to busier spots. It was somewhere I could soak in nature and safety in equal measure.

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta immediately won me over with its charming cobblestone streets and palm-tree-lined coastline. I felt completely at ease as I wandered through the ‘Zona Romántica,’ checking out the vibrant galleries and boho-style boutique shops.

Thanks to the friendly locals and the strong expat community in this town, I felt totally safe exploring on my own here, even after dark. So it was no surprise to me when I later learned that crime rates here are lower than in many US cities like Miami and Las Vegas.

Merida (Yucatán)

Before my trip, I’d heard that Mérida was a cultural hub, so I was keen to experience this vibrant living museum for myself. And I was NOT disappointed.

Every plaza I walked into, I was greeted with Mayan-style street performances. I’d find the nearest coffee shop and sit and watch the goings-on of the city while listening to the music and laughter around me.

Another thing I loved about Mérida was that it’s ranked one of the top safe places to travel in Mexico (and the safest city). The vibe I felt confirmed this, and I was able to explore the colonial streets, ornate churches, and bustling markets without a care in the world.

San Miguel de Allende

The few days I spent in San Miguel de Allende were full of culture. The city is like an artist’s dream, thanks to its colorful buildings, elegant colonial architecture, and cute cobblestone streets.

The city had a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Both locals and visitors spent many hours drinking coffee and eating fresh pastries in the numerous cafés that fill San Miguel’s sun-dappled plazas.

The evenings in San Miguel were both magical and safe. I spent many of them sipping cocktails at the rooftop bars, enjoying the panoramic views of the ancient city

Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres might be just off the coast of crazy Cancun, but the vibe could not be any different.

This small island is truly a safe and peaceful paradise, perfect for lazy beach days or adrenaline-filled diving trips in the vibrant coral reef.

The moment I stepped off the ferry, I felt a sense of relaxation. Although it’s only 13 kilometers (8 miles) from the mainland, it felt a world away from the crowds and crime. I even went cycling through the local villages – something I wouldn’t dare to do in most places!

Los Cabos

Being so far from many of the other Mexico safe places, I considered skipping Los Cabos, worrying that it might be a bit “off the beaten path.”

However, I was completely wrong, because it turned out to be not only one of the safest places, but also one of the most memorable parts of my trip to Mexico.

Los Cabos is a well-developed, highly touristic area, with visible police presence in the main tourist zones. This meant I could spend my days snorkeling in the aqua-blue waters and my evenings sampling fresh seafood at the beachfront restaurants without any worry.

For more of Mexico’s most popular tourist destinations (and what to do there), check out our Mexico travel guide.

Tips for safe travel in Mexico from a seasoned traveler

While these 7 destinations may be safe places to travel in Mexico, you still need to be cautious. After a few months of exploring Mexico, I learned a few tricks that made my solo travel feel much safer and smoother.

I stuck to well-lit tourist areas and avoided wandering too far alone at night.
I used ride-hailing apps instead of flagging down random taxis when traveling around Mexico’s towns and cities to avoid scams or overcharging.
Learning a few essential Spanish words and phrases made me feel a lot safer and also made my interactions with locals feel warmer and more genuine.
I bought a Holafly eSIM online before my trip, which meant I had a reliable internet connection from the moment I landed. This was a game-changer, as if I wasn’t sure where I was going, I could discreetly check Google Maps for directions.
I avoided using my phone while walking and kept it hidden in my bag in crowded areas. I would only check it once I had stopped and found somewhere safe to do so.

Explore Mexico Safely and Seamlessly with a Holafly eSIM

Thanks to Holafly, I never had to hunt down WiFi or worry about getting lost in an unfamiliar city.

Partnering with Mexico’s most reliable local networks, Holafly keeps you online everywhere, from the bustling streets in Mérida to the remote beaches in Los Cabos.

Mexico is waiting. Don’t let the headlines stop you from discovering it for yourself.

→ Shop Holafly’s eSIM for Mexico here.

For more travel safety tips and destination guides, follow Holafly on Google Discover.