Comments on: Mexico Travel Warning

By: Nancy C

Nancy C — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 21:11:52 +0000

Many Americans seem to be confusing Mexico with some other country – it is not an extension of the USA. Mexico IS a foreign country, with its own language, laws and customs – many of which are very, very different than what you are used to at home. I live in NYC, and there is gang violence, corruption and crime here, but I don’t spend my time locked in the house, afraid to go out. Use your common sense! I would no more visit Tiajuana than I would walk around in Bed-Stuy.
My husband and I just returned from a week in Patzcuaro, Michoacan, and we had no problems whatsoever. We flew into Mexico City, took buses and taxis, went out at night – I even went to the supermarket by myself (gasp!) It was no more or less safe than my own neighborhood – provided you take basic safety precautions common to any urban area in the world.
Yes, if you come from a tiny US town in the middle of nowhere with zero crime, Mexico is a big scary place. Grow up. The entire world is a scary place, and bad things happen to people everywhere – because bad people who have no problem committing crimes exist everywhere. Sorry for the rant, but I get really tired of people whining about safety, when what they really want is for other people to make things safe for them so they can walk around oblivious. Do some research, respect local customs and don’t forget to pack your common sense.

By: Sharon

Sharon — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 14:36:47 +0000

I am going to the Riu Caribe in Cancun on 07/06/2009 with my eighteen year old daughter. Are there any special concerns for females traveling alone. Also onsidering taking a zipline tour and catamaran tour. Any recommendations and is this safe to consider.

By: tisha

tisha — Wed, 06 May 2009 01:04:47 +0000

I have reservations for the excellence riviera maya in june. With the swine flu and the drug war going on will I be safe? Did I choose a good area to travel, or should I postpone to a later date?

By: julie

julie — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 00:30:58 +0000

How about southern Baja? Cabo Pulmo, specifically? Is there a strong possibility of being pulled over by the police for no apparent reason in that area (on the road from San Jose del Cabo to Cabo Pulmo?)

By: Paul

Paul — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 17:03:43 +0000

All of you worried about your safety in the resort areas of Mexico, perhaps you should stay in the USA and spend your week in Downtown Miami, or Houston, or Los Angeles. I am sure those places would be MUCH safer.

By: greg

greg — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 00:25:24 +0000

i am planning to go to Cozumel and then Playa Del Carmen April 17th to the 27th. AT both destinations, my group is staying at All Inclusive Resorts, but we do enjoy taking cabs to the cinotes or going to 5th st in Playa Del Carmen. We all went this same time last year, and felt completely safe. Should I reconsider taking this trip now, and post pone it? Any suggestions or statements would be appreciated.

By: MudslideMama

MudslideMama — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:59:51 +0000

Nilda,

Where you’re planning to go, Cancun, is AMAZING. It’s safe and beautiful – really gorgeous – and the Mayan ruins are fascinating. Also, Cancun and other major tourism destinations are huge sources of legitimate, legal income for Mexico, and the government knows this. They wouldn’t jeopardize this economic boost. The Mexican Riviera, Cancun, the Yucatan are all far removed from that dreadful drug war seen in the border states and areas like Tijuana and Ciudad Juarez.

That being said, if you’re nervous about your safety, it will ruin your vacation whether your fears are realistic or not. If you think you can’t get past your concerns, it might be better for your own ability to relax on vacation to travel elsewhere.

Good luck with your decision-making. I hope you have a good time, wherever you decide to go.

By: Nilda

Nilda — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 21:13:26 +0000

My boyfriend and I are going to Aqua Hotel in Cancun May 18th 2009. I am a little scared because even though I am sure the issues are agains both the drug cartels and the police the bullets have no real target. I called the hotel and the airline they told us that there is no real danger to tourist but I am sure they dont want to lose the money especially with the economy getting worse. I have not cancelled but I am thinking about it every day. I have a son and would not trade my life in cold NYC for a 5 night stay in Cancun. Should I re-schedule for a later time?

By: Kissandra

Kissandra — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 05:54:05 +0000

We’ll be taking my 5 year old son to Tulum this May.(9-24) It’s his first trip and our 3rd. And I can’t wait.
OK, but honestly…We saw a shooting there last year. Seriously!! It happened right in front of our car. I freaked out. I was sick for hours after. It looked like police and some other guys. We were just driving down the road and saw flashes of light coming from a hotel/huts. As we got closer we stopped, rolled down the window and seconds later this crowd of men and guns were running in the street – right in front of us. Our car lights were the only light around. After screaming at my husband, he finally put the car in reverse when a man with a long gun (pointed down)broke away from the crowd and walked towards us. But I still love it there. Crazy, I know. But it’s paradise. We get a hut right on the beach for a few days and spend the rest of our trip in an all inclusive hotel. I’m nervous but I’m packing my bags!!

By: Luis

Luis — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 18:07:40 +0000

@ Wayner: Stop feeding your addiction to fear.

@ Dave B: I would recommend Akumal about 30 minutes South of Playa de Carmen. Think Cancun thirty years ago. look it up at http://www.locogringo.com. Rent a condo on the beach in Akumal, eat out every night (or buy local and cook at your condo) I recommend the Buena Vida Restaurant, rent a car to travel to Tulum, Playa de Carmen, and Xcaret.

Forget the all-inclusive route…

Saludos,

Luis