There are no required inoculations for entry into Mexico. The risk of contracting Malaria in Cancun is low, but it increases in surrounding rural areas. Refer to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website for a regional breakdown. The CDC can help you determine, based on your itinerary, if you should have any vaccinations or take anti-malarial drugs.

The most common ailment to strike is usually nothing more than Montezumas Revenge (diarrhea), affectionately termed, turista (tourist) by locals. The bacteria in Mexicos food and water cause Montezumas Revenge, so preventing it means watching where and what you eat and drink. In Cancun, most major resorts and popular restaurants have water purification systems (ice is often made with this clean water as well). To be safe, ask if the water is purificada (purified), and request water sin hielo (without ice). If you are still uncertain, stick to agua en botella (bottled water). Avoid salads, fruit you can not peel, unpasteurized milk and milk products, as well as undercooked meat, fish and shellfish. Resist the temptation to overload on tequila and quesadillas your first night in Cancun ease into heavy spices and grease. Wash your hands frequently, as even money can be a source of germs.

The Caribbean sun is characteristically potent, and Cancuns rays are no exception. Take the standard precautions against sunburns: wear a hat, use 30SPF sunscreen with both UVA and UVB protection, and spend long stints in the shade. Should you still end up burned, you can sooth the pain with aloe lotions, coconut oil, cool tea, vinegar, or Solarcaine. Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water, take lukewarm showers and stay under an umbrella. Keep in mind that, even in shaded areas, you are still catching the suns rays.

Although malaria is rare in Cancun, mosquito bites can still be nasty, especially in the humid months. In the evenings, wear long pants and spray exposed skin with bug repellent. If you are dining at an open-air restaurant, ask the waiter for an incense candle to put by your feet mosquitoes in Cancun will nibble at your legs. If you are bitten, applying limejuice to bites will reduce the itch, clean the wound, and act as a repellent.

According to the U.S. State Department travel advisory, Cancuns undertow is strongest from the Hyatt Regency south to the Sol y Mar resort. Do not underestimate the strength of the current it can, and has, relentlessly pulled swimmers away from the beach, and lifeguard supervision is minimal. Nortes (storms), can sweep in and abruptly blacken the sky, changing beach conditions without warning. Check the flags staked at the waters edge for the sea status black or red indicates that the ocean is unsafe.

Although you can find most supplies in Cancuns farmacias (pharmacies), a savvy traveler will toss the following into a suitcase before departure: Band-Aids, insect repellent with DEET, antibiotic ointment, hydrogen peroxide, sunscreen, anti-diuretic, painkillers, and an after-sun lotion.