Of all the places I travel, none of my stories of wandering get as many concerned looks as when I tell of Cancun. One day I boarded the wrong collectivo (mini-bus) and found myself in Supermanzana 515 - about as far from the tourist zone as you can get and still be in Cancun. Now, I do not blend in when I visit Mexico. I am 6’4” and blond. I don’t speak Spanish. I told this story to my brother, and he thought I was crazy. Yet, from my point of view I got a very cheap tour of a huge city, met some friendly people, and saw some places I would never otherwise have seen.

Of course, Mexico does have its share of crime, and there are definitely places in Cancun where you don’t want to be walking around at night. The thing is - that is true of most places. Think of the big city nearest to you - can you honestly say that there are no areas you would avoid, late at night, on foot? If so, you live in a very blessed place indeed.

For most of us though, we do need to use caution from time to time, and this is the case in Cancun. That doesn’t mean that it is some sort of death-trap that only a fool would navigate. I have many friends who choose to live in Cancun, several from Canada and rural areas of the US. Yes, people from small towns and safe places make their way in Cancun.

So if you do choose to wander, what will you find? Several good things.

Food

The less touristy parts of Cancun have most of the really good, inexpensive food. In one neighborhood where your more nervous travelers would never venture, local friends took us to Las Comadres, a local restaurant with exceptional food, at prices no touristy place could match. It was delicious! We went back repeatedly. Even though the staff speak little English, they made it work, and we had several excellent meals.

Deals

Business works the same everywhere - vendors will sell their goods for the maximum price they think people will pay. So vendors catering to tourists will price their goods accordingly. If you want the real deals, go where the locals shop. Not Market 28 - it is a tourist trap; only go there if you are looking for souvenirs. Market 23 is better for most things. But even better - the tianguis. They move around, you have to know which ones are open on which days, but they are home to great deals, cheap food, and friendly vendors. If you want to feel like a local, and not just a tourist, visit a tianguis.

People

The best thing about wandering is the chance to meet people. Ordinary, local, people. If you haven’t traveled extensively, this can be a little uncomfortable at first, especially if you are in an area the news tells us is dangerous. But here is the thing - the people you meet are just like you. They have the same worries and anxieties as you, only maybe more so. If you are in a poor country, that local next to you on a park bench, or in line at a quesadilla stand, is more like you than different. They are trying to give their families a good life, or get through school, or get and keep a job after school. If you speak the same language, take a chance and say hi. You may find out the best thing about traveling (and wandering) has nothing to do with hotels, beaches or shopping.