{"id":39942,"date":"2016-08-22T07:05:35","date_gmt":"2016-08-22T11:05:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.escapeartist.com\/?p=39942"},"modified":"2020-10-02T03:30:50","modified_gmt":"2020-10-02T08:30:50","slug":"dont-be-afraid-to-travel-to-mexico","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.escapeartist.com\/blog\/dont-be-afraid-to-travel-to-mexico\/","title":{"rendered":"Don’t Be Afraid To Travel To Mexico"},"content":{"rendered":"

Don’t Be Afraid To Travel To Mexico<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Mexico has been in the news a lot lately, unfortunately not very much of it good. We’ve all heard about the drug war being waged on the Mexican border and the countless number of murders, deaths, and collateral damage suffered as a result. We’ve also heard stories about the H1N1 virus, how it reportedly originated in Mexico and the many mistruths about it being widespread and virulent throughout the country.<\/p>\n

I have a family trip planned for Cancun in thirty-two days. While I’m naturally concerned about the safety and well-being of my family members and myself, I’m not worried about my upcoming vacation – a much-needed getaway – at the very least. Hopefully, the information presented below will help dispel many of the untruths, rumors, and public opinion about traveling to Mexico and ease the fears of others planning their vacation to this very beautiful and safe country.<\/p>\n

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Violence In Mexico<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The U.S. State Department has issued a travel alert for citizens traveling to certain parts of Mexico. It’s true that violence stemming from a drug war between Mexican cartels holding tight to territories that have been under their control for decades and the Mexican army, police, and U.S. police and military involved in the conflict has escalated and should cause concern. These areas, including Tijuana, Chihuahua City, Monterrey, and Ciudad Juarez, have been deemed unsafe and should be avoided by travelers. Just recently, a kidnapping involving a U.S. Citizen occurred in Tijuana. Thankfully, the woman held captive for ransom has been rescued and has since returned home unharmed.<\/p>\n

It should be noted that most of the violence in these areas has been primarily directed toward cartel and gang members, police, and public officials. As was shown in the recent case involving the kidnapped vacationer in Tijuana, this statistic should do little to alleviate anyone’s fear of traveling to these areas. Nor should it. However, I’ve noticed that many of those arguing against travel to Mexico altogether because of the drug war have said little, if anything, about the spillover into the U.S. I don’t hear these people telling me to avoid San Diego, for instance. Canada and other countries issue advisories about traveling to the United States all the time. The same people in the U.S. advising family and friends to avoid travel to Mexico might be appalled to learn that areas in the U.S. they themselves travel to or call home may be on another country’s list of places to avoid. Violence and crime exist everywhere, even in our own backyards.<\/p>\n

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Crime In Mexico<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Largely unaffected by the violence in the north, the tourist destinations of Cancun, the Riviera Maya, and Puerto Vallarta, just to name a few, continue to see very little crime. Statistically-speaking, the principal tourist spots in Mexico have always been considered safe travel destinations. Most of the criminality in these areas consist primarily of petty crimes, such as theft, and other crimes that, with preparation and a dose of common sense, can be easily avoided.<\/p>\n

The easiest rule to remember when traveling to Mexico, or any foreign country for that matter, is to stay alert and remain aware of your surroundings. Crimes against women should be a special concern, as many of the violent crimes that occur in Mexico involve rape. Whether you are a man or a woman, you should not stray out alone in Mexico, especially at night. A moonlit walk on the beach, though it sounds romantic, should be avoided. 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 out-of-the-way ATM’s, especially at night. Put simply, exercise common sense, understand the local laws, and research your destination and activities as much as possible and you’ll return home safely with fond memories of your vacation.<\/p>\n

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Corruption In Mexico<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Long are the tales of corrupt policemen in Mexico who plant drugs on unsuspecting tourists or pull them over in rental cars looking for mordida – a bribe, in exchange for letting them go. Unfortunately, police corruption remains a problem in Mexico, 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:<\/p>\n