Is It Safe To Travel To Mexico?
A lot of people thinking of traveling to Mexico are still asking the question, “Is it safe to travel to Mexico? I just moved to Mexico three months ago. Of course, just like anywhere in the world, some areas are safer than others. But I actually feel safer in Mexico than I did in the US. Police cars are constantly patrolling the streets, and my neighbors watch out for me and always know when I’m home. If I’m not home, they usually know where I am, since they always ask where I’m going when I leave my house. I think the media has unfairly portrayed Mexico as a dangerous place. To give an entire country a bad reputation because of a few unsafe areas is very unfair.
Since the media has portrayed Mexico in such a bad light, many cities in Mexico are doing a lot to upgrade their security and infrastructure. The US State Department has information about which areas of Mexico are best avoided. However, they don’t do a good job of updating the website on a regular basis, so some areas which may have had problems in the past are now safe to visit. Don’t make the mistake of avoiding this beautiful country because of a few areas which have had problems with security. Millions of tourists visit Mexico each year and have no issues with safety or security. For the most part, safety in the main tourist areas has not been a problem for people. In fact, the standing joke is that the biggest danger for most tourists is a hangover.
Mexico Is My Home
I am so glad to call Mexico my home. I have embraced the slower pace of life, the happiness of the people, and the brilliant colors and flavors that enliven my days. Being here, I feel more engaged with life, both the beauty and the rawness of it, and wonder how I lasted so long in the United States.
So, if you are wondering, “Is it safe to travel to Mexico?”, the answer is yes. In fact, I dare to say, you will be doing yourself a disservice if you avoid it. Just go easy on the mezcal!
Have you traveled to Mexico? How was your experience? Let us know in the comments below!
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Mexico has places that are unsafe for tourists as does San Francisco or local American hiking trails.
The advisories for Mexico suggest hiking in a group with a local person in Mexico’s National Parks. Their Eco tourism is getting developed and very tempting.
Ask the hotel personnel in cities about places where it isn’t wise to be in the evening. Be wary in public craft fair markets and in food markets. Don’t drive at night. Hitting an animal is like hitting a grandchild.
Follow the advise of wearing a money belt on public transportation. The pick pockets are well trained.
Watch yourself on escalators. A team will have someone at the top to block your exit and as you are scrambling to get off, their mate is behind you checking inside your back pack or purse.
Read the People’s Guide to Mexico. Check the page with hand signals. Some we use to to indicate A OK mean a— hole in Mexico. There are others to check out.
Couldn’t agree with you more, I’m so happy Mexico is my home as well.
So many people questioned the move before I came down, “omg it’s so dangerous” to which I always responded – since I come from Chicago – “You do realize we live in THE MURDER CAPITAL of THE UNITED STATES don’t you?” … Danger is everywhere, just be smart when coming down to Mexico and look up the Cartel violence, and always stay the hell away from Juarez.
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I know, so many people question the safety of Mexico who have never been themselves. I feel so lucky to live here!
You’re right. Everywhere you go there are safe places and unsafe places. Mexico is not any different. This is a very informative. I’m glad you love it there! Thank you for sharing!
Mary @ Green Global Travel recently posted…Holding On and Letting Go: A New Year’s Lesson in Acceptance
It’s so true. Yes, moving here was one of the best things I’ve ever done!!
Yes, it is relative. China is also considered a dangerous place by media. However, I am born here and it is as safe as other western countries.
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Yes, people forget that there are people who actually live in the places they are traveling to and who remain safe everyday!
I have been traveling to Mexico for 15 years & never had any kind of a safety issue. I think the border towns should be avoided but I stay in very Tourist kind of towns & ask for information about travel..lot’s more violence in the US right now I think, but don’t miss out on this beautiful Country!
Since Mexico is where I live, I completely agree with you, Carol! It’s amazing how things get blown out of proportion.