Mexico is a popular tourist destination, renowned for its sprawling, white beaches and friendly natives. However, if you are a woman, the country can be a little more dangerous than you might expect. This is especially true if you are a female travelling alone or off the beaten path. You should be able to stay perfectly safe as long as you follow certain steps.

Mexican men are notoriously macho and aggressive. While this isn't usually a problem for couples or men, for the single woman it can be downright annoying or even dangerous. The best way to avoid problems is to keep your eyes averted. Women from North America are accustomed to making eye contact, but in a country such as Mexico, it isn't advisable. A simply glance at a man can be taken as a come-on, especially if you are obviously a foreigner, so it is best to keep your eyes on other things.

However, this doesn't mean you should let your guard down. Know who is around you at all times. Some tourists enjoy listening to their Mp3s as they wander the market or a new town, but this is not a good idea. If you have earphones on, you won't be able to hear things like footsteps behind you and the music can be distracting. In a new or unfamiliar place, you really need to be on your toes, particularly if it is a town that is not frequented often by tourists.

Needless to say, striking up a conversation with a stranger isn't a great idea either. While you can certainly talk to people while in Mexico, choose your companions carefully. A bartender or store clerk, for example, is not likely to leave his job and follow you back to your hotel, whereas a stranger in the park might very well do so.

Choosing your hotel carefully is a must, if you are on your own or with another woman. Look for a place that has someone at the desk 24-7 and check the doors of the rooms. They should be sturdy and have a deadbolt in addition to the regular lock. You will also want to find a room that has bars on the windows if it is on the ground floor. This may seem overkill, but it will give you peace of mind as much as it will protect you.

Avoid dressing in a manner that will attract men. If you like belly-baring tank tops and mini skirts, be prepared to be harassed. It is far better to wear a long skirt or jeans and a t-shirt. You might find that blonde hair also incites a lot of comments. Many women choose to wear a head scarf to cover their hair and lessen the catcalls.

If you are grabbed or touched inappropriately (this is likely to happen in crowded areas such as a market or the bus), it is usually best to simply move on. Turning on the molester won't solve anything and may even cause the man to become violent. However, if something more serious happens, such as an attempted rape, go immediately to the authorities, usually the police. Some areas have a special tourist police force, trained to handle these things. They will also be able to speak English, something that the regular police force may not be able to do.

To avoid other problems, like pickpockets and bag snatchers, keep your bags in front of you and close to your body. You should carry the majority of your money in a hidden place, such as a money belt, neck pouch or your shoe. Only the amount you intend to spend should be in your pocket and then it should be kept in your front pocket. Important papers such as passports and credit cards are best left in the hotel safe. Even if you are told to carry your passport with you at all times, this is a bad idea. Take along a photocopy instead and if you are stopped and told to produce your passport, you can always request that the authorities accompany you to your hotel to retrieve it.

Mexico is a beautiful place, well worth visiting, but you do need to take precautions. In order to have a safe and enjoyable stay, it's a good idea to be prepared and to be careful. The tips above are a good start, but keep your eyes open and be prepared for the unexpected.

~SUNDOG~
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