What's happening in Mexico?

[Jteam]

Over here we're getting lots of scary news reports about the drug crime and murders in Mexico... is it being blown out of proportion? What about Cabo?

[Susanandmo]

It think that we should be fine traveling to Mexico. Check out this site from the US Dept of State MIG: Mexico Travel Alert

[moss]

Just don't take any unnecessary risks as you would not do back home. It's pretty safe down here, you will be fine and I hope you enjoy your stay!

 

Cheers,

[Jacilynda]

Like said before alot of the crime isn't w/ tourists or in tourist saturated areas. The crime has been escalating the last year or so due to drugs and the Cartels. Just be as careful as you would traveling anywhere else.

[Erika J]

I heard a news report today saying that a lot of the increase in violence was mostly in the border towns.

[binzer]

Most of the crime in Mexico definitely does not affect tourists, but things like tourist kidnappings are also on the rise, so just be smart. Be especially careful when grabbing a taxi, make sure you're never alone, and if you're female try to keep a male with you. Make sure you don't advertise your wealth either.

 

In your resort area you probably won't have to worry at all, but research where you're going and be very cautious of going out at night. I sailed along the coast of Mexico for several months, and our shipping agents were always warning us not to even go near certain areas of town once night hit. Personally I would be inclined to just stick to the hotel at night.

 

Overall, it's good to keep things in perspective. The crime rate is also rising in the US for the first time in years, and you're not moving away are you? With the current global economic crisis that's happening I'm sure crime is rising in a lot of places, and you just have to be more cautious, even in your home country (go insure your rings ladies!).

[ashey063009]

Do not be worried, the only time that tourists have any issues is if they put themselves in irresponsible situations that involve illegal activity.

 

The toursit heavy regions-- Cabo, PV, Cancun, Mayan, etc.-- are generally quite safe. Be careful with your belongings both at the resort (the provide in room safes for a reason, use them) and when in the city / town. Don't carry massive amounts of cash, and don't flash your money around. As long as you aren't putting yourself into compromising situations, you will be perfectly safe the entire time.

 

Mexico is very, very similar to Canada and the US. I lived down there for two months this summer, and travelled all around the country. Aside from the weather and cultural norms, the crime is very much the same. If you participate in quesitonable circumstances, or make yourself available to criminals, you will be targetted. If you are aware and concious at all time, you should be fine. (This is coming from a girl who has been alone on a subway in the middle of Mexico City after midnight)

 

If you are concerned, check the travel advisories. However, I can definitely state WITH MASSIVE CONFIDENCE that Mexico is very, very similar to anywhere else. Just be careful, and you'll be fine.

[ACDCDCAC]

the news story i just read said there is no recommendation to NOT travel to these areas, just to avoid the drug and prostitution areas in mexico. duhr. we should all probably avoid these areas everywhere we go. and they are probably worse where i live in seattle than in cabo or wherever

[Jteam]

Thanks ladies... We're so far away down here in the southern hemisphere that it's hard to know how serious to take some of the news stories.

 

I'm sure being sensible is def the best approach.

[hsims1]

Thanks ladies for the info. I too figured that the resort areas are safe, my mom keeps bringing this up, I should forward her this thread. BC I keep telling her that this is not in the resort areas.