Mexico has been in the news a lot launch, unfortunately not very much of it good. We all # # # all all heard about the drug war being waged on the Mexican border and the countless number of murderers, deaths and collateral damage suffered as a result We 've also heard stories about the H1N1 virus, how it reported reported originated in Mexico, and the many mistruths about it being widespread and virulent through the country.
I have a family trip planned to Cancun in thirty-two days. While I & # 39; m naturally concerned for the safety and well-being of my family members and myself, I & # 39; m not worried about my upcoming vacation - a much needed getaway - in the very least. Hopefully the information presented below will be 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.
Violence in Mexico
The US State Department has issued a travel alert for citizens traveling to certain parts of Mexico. It & # 39; s true that violence stemming from a drug war between Mexican cartels holding tight to territories that have under their control for decades and the Mexican army , police and US police and military involved in the conflict has escalated and should cause concern. Just recently, a kidnapping coinciding a US Citizen occurred in Tijuana. Thankfully, the woman held captive for ransom has been rescued and has since returned home unharmed.
As was shown in the recent case. Involving the kidnapped vacationer in Tijuana, this statistic should do little to alleviate anyone & # 39; s fear about traveling to these areas. I'm noticed that many of those arguing against travel to Mexico altogether because of the drug war have said, little anything, about the spillover into the US The same people in the US advising family and friends to avoid travel to Mexico might be appalled Violence and crime exists everywhere, even in our own backyards.
Crime in Mexico
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 are primarily of petty crimes, such as theft, and other crimes that, with preparation and a dose of common sense, can be easily avoided.
Crimes against women should be a special concern, as many of the violent crimes that occur in Mexico involve a A moonlit walk on the beach, though it sounds romantic, should be avoided. Stay on resort property or visit well-lit public Place valuables in your hotel safe. Avoid using out-of-the-way ATM & # 39; 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.
Corruption in Mexico
Long are the tales of corrupt policemen in Mexico who plant drugs on unsuspecting tourists or pull them over in rental cars looking for la mordita, 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:
Instead, rely on mass transit, cabs or transfer services to get you where you are I can not be dangerous driving in Mexico, especially at night, so this might save you more more just police trouble.
Take a notepad and pen with you. Remedy calm and polite. Ask for the officer & # 39; ve been dropped over. Jot down badge numbers, license plate numbers and descriptions.
You are going to feel intimidated and scared. If you panic, you may be something to make the situation worse.
A corrupt officer may wish to avoid the trouble of taking you in and could let go.
* If you need the help of the police, ask for La turista policia. Tourist police are reported to be friendlier and more than than traffic and metropolitan police.
Swine Flu in Mexico
The H1N1 flu is on the decline in Mexico. ___ ___ ___ 0 ___ ___ ___ __ 2 ___ ___ __ 1 ___ __ 1 ___ __ 1 ___ __ 1 ___ ___ 0 at home as you do in Mexico, but here are you and your family avoid it:
* Stay away away from densely-populated, crowded areas. This is easier said than after considering you 'll be spending some time in the airport and on a plane with recirculated air, but it' s a good tip nonetheless.
* Wash your hands regularly. Take a small bottle of hand sanitizer with you when you travel.
* If the vaccine is available in your area, get yourself and your children vaccinated. Talk to your doctor and your pediatrician before you travel.
* Consider taking immune-system boosters, like vitamin C. Again, talk to your doctor.
Conclusion
While it & # 39; s true you run the risk of being victim of crime or something more dangerous like terrorism or the swine when you travel away from home, you also run the risk of being hit by a moving bus when you walk out It is no more dangerous traveling to the most part of Mexico than it is to any major US city. It is absolutely safe to travel to Mexico with your family if you exercise common sense. Most crimes happened to unsuspecting travelers. Do not Believe me, not only will it serve you well to know these things, but the locals will appreciate you for it.
