Safety in Mexico

Ok.  Let’s be honest. We all know people (lots of people) that get on their soap-boxes and scream from the top of their lungs about the perils, danger, and crime when vacationing and/or living in Mexico.  Am I right?  


Ok.  So let’s talk about another honesty. Most of those people 
(if not all of them), have NEVER EVER been to Mexico!  All, and I do mean ALL of their information comes from some news article they may have read or heard about, or from some other person they know (that has never been to Mexico), talking about crime in Mexico.
 
So here is the TRUTH…there is crime EVERYWHERE in the

world!!! Even in your own country, state, city, community and neighborhood.  Trust me, I’m from the United States and there is plenty of crime there.  Some areas are worse than others (larger cities), but there is crime.  

But even with all the news reports about crime in the United States, people from all around the world still come to the United States for vacation, and sometimes to live. 

In fact, there was a recent warning informing citizens who had plans to travel to the United States, to be extra cautious due to increased crime.
 
So, knowing that there is crime everywhere, has it ever stopped you from going somewhere you really wanted to go, or doing something you really wanted to do? The answer (in most cases, if not all), is a resounding NO.
 

Now depending on the information you received, it may make you pause a minute or two, or make you rethink your itinerary, but if we are being perfectly honest, it would not stop you from traveling and enjoying your hard earned vacation. After all, you have worked hard to save for this well deserved time off.  So you’re certainly not going to let some news story stop you from going and enjoying yourself!
 
You’ve been looking at webcams of places you want to go and imagining yourself with your toes in the hot sand, on a beautiful beach, and secretly (maybe not so secretly. I know people that never use sunscreen and don’t care) hoping to get a little bit of sunburn, so when you go back home, your family, friends and coworkers will be jealous.
 
You’ve been reading trip reports and looking at pictures, all the while counting the days until you leave.  And, you’ve managed to pack only your essentials into a carry-on.  After all, the only thing you really want to do is enjoy the warm sun on your face, eat, drink and truly be merry.  You don’t need a lot of luggage to do that.

But I digress.  Let’s get back to what this post is about…safety in

Mexico. Whether you are traveling to Mexico or any other part of the world, for that matter, or enjoying a stay-cation right in your own hometown, always use common sense. 

The same precautions you use at home are the same precautions you would use on vacation.

•    Don’t flash money around

•    Don’t wear expensive jewelry

•    Be aware of your surroundings

•    Don’t get inebriated - you only set yourself up to be a target.  Trust me, people are watching you 

•    Leave that designer bag at home (it won’t do well on the beach anyway)
 
I could go on and on about precautions, but come on people; you already know the deal.  Be cautious and be careful, but ultimately, go and enjoy yourself. 
 
Here is an excellent article about ways to keep safe while traveling.
 
Additional resources:
 

• The United States Department of State

• United States Embassy and Consulate in Mexico

• Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

• Trip Advisor

This video really sums it up!

Enjoy, and I’ll see you soon…in Mexico!