Tips for Women Travelers

Mexicans, in general -- and men, in particular -- are nosy about single travelers, especially women. If a taxi driver or anyone else with whom you don't want to become friendly asks about your marital status, family, and so forth, my advice is to make up a set of answers (regardless of the truth): "I'm married, traveling with friends, and I have three children." Saying you are single and traveling alone may send the wrong message. U.S. television -- widely viewed now in Mexico -- has given many Mexican men the image of American single women as being sexually promiscuous. In Mexico City, consider riding the women's-only bus.