Mexico has been in the news a lot lately, unfortunately not very well. We have all heard of the drug war being waged on the Mexican border and the countless number of murders, deaths and collateral damage suffered as a result. We have also heard stories about the H1N1 virus, how it supposedly originated in Mexico and the many falsehoods about it being widespread and virulent throughout the country.
I have a family trip planned to Cancun in thirty-two days. While I am naturally concerned about the safety and well-being of my family members and myself, I am not worried about my upcoming vacation, a much-needed getaway, in the slightest. We hope that the information presented below will help dispel many of the falsehoods, rumors and public opinions about traveling to Mexico and alleviate the fears of other people who plan their vacations in this beautiful and safe country.
violence in mexico
The US Department of State has issued a travel alert for citizens traveling to certain parts of Mexico. It is true that the violence stemming from a drug war between Mexican cartels clinging to territories that have been under their control for decades and the Mexican army, police and police and military involved in the conflict has intensified and should cause concern. These areas, including Tijuana, Chihuahua City, Monterrey, and Ciudad Juárez, have been deemed unsafe and should be avoided by travelers. Recently, a kidnapping involving a US citizen occurred in Tijuana. Fortunately, the woman held for ransom has been rescued and has since returned home unharmed.
It should be noted that most of the violence in these areas has been directed primarily at cartel and gang members, police officers, and public officials. As the recent case of the kidnapped tourist in Tijuana demonstrated, this statistic should not do much to ease the fear of traveling to these areas. Nor should it. However, I have noticed that many who oppose traveling to Mexico altogether due to the war on drugs have said little or nothing about contagion to the US. I don’t hear these people telling me to avoid San Diego, for example. . Canada and other countries issue advisories about traveling to the United States all the time. The same people in the US who advise family and friends to avoid traveling to Mexico might be horrified to learn that areas of the US they themselves travel to or call home may be on the list of places to avoid from another country. Violence and crime exist everywhere, even in our own backyards.
crime in mexico
Largely unaffected by the violence in the north, the tourist destinations of Cancún, the Riviera Maya, and Puerto Vallarta, just to name a few, continue to see very little crime. Statistically speaking, the main tourist spots in Mexico have always been considered safe destinations to travel. Most of the crime in these areas consists mainly of petty crimes, such as theft and other crimes that, with preparation and a dose of common sense, can be easily avoided.
The easiest rule to remember when traveling to Mexico, or any other country, is to stay alert and be aware of your surroundings. Crimes against women should be of particular concern, as many of the violent crimes that occur in Mexico involve rape. Whether you are a man or a woman, you should not wander alone in Mexico, especially at night. A walk on the beach in the moonlight should be avoided, even if it sounds romantic. Stay on resort property or visit well-lit public places with others in your party, if possible. Place valuables in your hotel safe. Avoid using ATMs out of the way, especially at night. Bottom line, exercise common sense, understand local laws, and research your destination and activities as much as possible and you’ll return home safe and sound with fond memories of your vacation.
corruption in mexico
Long are the stories of corrupt police officers in Mexico planting drugs on unsuspecting tourists or detaining them in rental cars in search of the mordita, a bribe, in exchange for letting them go. Unfortunately, police corruption is still a problem in Mexico City, especially in the north and metropolitan areas. Here are some tips to avoid falling victim to police looking to line their pockets with tourist dollars:
* Avoid renting a car, if possible. Police are widely suspected of targeting travelers in rental cars, especially those heading to the airport. Instead, rely on public transportation, taxis, or transfer services to get you where you need to be. It can be dangerous to drive in Mexico, especially at night, so this could save you more than trouble with the police.
* If you are stopped while driving, be sure to record everything. Take a notepad and pen with you. Stay calm and courteous. Ask for the officer’s name and why you were pulled over. Write down license plate numbers, license plate numbers, and descriptions.
*Don’t lose your mind! You will feel intimidated and scared. If you panic, you can do something to make the situation worse.
* If you think the police are looking for a bribe, ask to be taken to the police station. A corrupt officer may want to avoid the hassle of arresting you and may let you go.
* If you need the help of the police, ask for the tourist police. The tourist police are reported to be more friendly and helpful than the traffic and metropolitan police.
Swine flu in Mexico
The H1N1 flu is on the decline in Mexico. Although widely highlighted as an influenza hotspot last spring when the swine flu outbreak began, the H1N1 flu is widespread and is now everywhere in the world. You are at the same risk of contracting H1N1 at home as you are in Mexico, but here are some tips that can help you and your family avoid it:
* Stay away from densely populated and crowded areas. Easier said than done, considering you’ll be spending some time at the airport and on a recirculated air plane, but good advice nonetheless.
* Wash your hands regularly. Carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer with you when you travel.
* If the vaccine is available in your area, vaccinate yourself and your children. Talk to your doctor and pediatrician before you travel.
* Consider taking immune system boosters, such as vitamin C. Again, talk to your doctor.
conclusion
While it’s true that you run the risk of becoming a victim of crime or something more dangerous like terrorism or swine flu when traveling away from home, you also run the risk of being hit by a moving bus when you walk out the door of your your house. It is no more dangerous to travel to most of Mexico than to any major city in the United States. It is absolutely safe to travel to Mexico with your family if you use common sense. Most crimes happen to unsuspecting travelers. Don’t be an unsuspecting traveler! Educate yourself. Learn about your travel destination; review language, customs, law, transit systems, and locations. Trust me, knowing these things will not only help you, but the locals will thank you for it.