Is it safe for grandparents to travel to Mexico?

[verstrepens]

I am looking into having my wedding at Las Caletas in February 2013 and everyone we would like there has agreed except my one set of grandparents. My one grandma is very close to me and it has been very difficult deciding to go with a destination wedding knowing she may not come. My grandparents have decided not to come because they are unsure about traveling to Mexico, they are both in fairly good health and the cost would not be an issue for them, has anyone else had a situation like this and how did you handle it? It might end up being a deal breaker for a Mexico wedding for me if my Grandma cannot be there. Any input is appreciated.

[JessiTaylor]

 

Mexico has got a horrendous reputation for violence,  its true, but this is concentrated in the border areas. For people who are in the resort areas the risk is negligible. The only real exceptions to this are if you plan to get involved in crime or buy drugs (but i'm assuming that probably wouldnt be the case for grandparents!)

 

I'm English and i live in Monterrey, which is arguably one of the most dangerous northern cities. If you were coming here i would tell you to think again. But Puerto Vallarta is an area than my Mexican fiance and i travel to (as do our friends) and feel safe. There have been 0 Canadian or American victims of the drug war over there,and US travel warnings are for completely different parts of the country. Take sensible precautions you would take anywhere in the world - don't wander off into dark allies with wads of cash. Otherwise i assure you, it will be fine

 

I love it there and i think its a great place for a wedding - im personally wavering between Puerto Vallarta and Cancun!

[TammyWright]

it's about as safe as san francisco...would they go to san francisco?  crime is everywhere but if you are smart about it (like do not go to the shady part of town...do not walk around flashing your money and a ton of jewelry...etc.)

 

[saraluvsmikey]

I am in the same boat, verstrepens! My mother's parents said they're not going, which upsets my mom the most. They say they don't want to go because *IF* something happened to their health, they'd be in Mexico. However, they drive across the country by themselves (CA --> southern ontario, or CA --> NC) once or twice a year. My grandma had an appendix scare last year somewhere in Aspen and it was NOT good, but that doesn't keep them from making the trek. So, at this point, I feel like the health excuse is just an excuse. They just NEVER want to leave the country... 

 

We have a strong feeling if my mom's whole family can make it (money is the issue there), they won't want to be left out and decide to come. My mom keeps saying, we're not asking them to come for a whole week! They can stay for 4 days and not miss out! So, at this point, we're hoping they'll pull through. Your situation sounds different in that you're very close to your grandma... It's probably your dream that she's able to attend! What have you decided?

 

I have heard a common theme among destination weddings... someone says "NO! I DON'T WANT TO GO!" and then they decide to go, and have the TIME of their life. I feel like my grandparents need to trust that Playa del Carmen is a good place, why would I want to get married somewhere scary?!

 

Sara

[HeatherK]

I completely understand how you girls are feeling. We've booked our wedding for Dec 29, 2012 at Las Caletas and some members of my family are voicing their opinions loud and clear. I also feel frustrated as I know that I am an intelligent person and would never ask my family to travel somewhere where I would know they were in danger.

The Mexico thing has been blown so out of control and it's making me so upset. Obviously there is a risk whenever you travel and being educated on the realities of the dangers is important. As was mentioned previously, I'm sure we'll all be fine as long as we're planning on hanging with members of the drug cartels or running into dark alleys with our wallets hanging out of our pockets.

At this point I've decided to be excited about those that will be joining us and for those that don't want to, they don't have to...but they can keep their comments to themselves

 

I am sure that you will have an absolutely wonderful time at your wedding no matter who is there (as long as you and fiance are there!). Everyone else should understand that it's an invitation....not an obligation (someone else wrote that on this site and I love it). 

[bride81]

i am having the same problems!  I am getting married May 2013 @ dreams Tulum.  I hate when people ask where I am getting married, and I answer Mexico and then......i get the look.  Mexico?  

My grandparents may not come, and they have NEVER had a passport their whole life.  This breaks my heart.  It hard to explain that we will be ok at the resort.  It didn't help that they just put out another warning to Americans/ALL visitors to not leave the hotel.  (Most likely, b/c spring break is around the corner)

[Realcdngirl]

We have been to Mexico twice in the past year and both times the locals have been fantastic!! Have Grandma learn a little spanish to get her to focus on something positive and show her the positive things about Mexico. She'll love it!

[tunaandocean]

My only concern with my grandparent is the health insurance and its options, not the safety.

I am researching insurances for my grandparent, because some doesn't allow to purchase for people over certain age. 

 

Mexico should work hard to improve their image. 

Although my guests are also concerning about the safety and say they wouldn't leave the resort for any excursions, 

I know once they get there, they will know that the tourists sites are safe.