Mexico Travel Safety
Mexico - Safe and Fun for the Whole Family
On March 14, the US State Department renewed the travel warning for Mexico. This year, they were more responsible than in years past in that they were more specific in identifying the areas of Mexico that are of concern.
The warning specifically indicates: Northern Mexican border cities of Tijuana, Nogales, Ciudad Juarez, Nuevo Laredo, Monterrey and Matamoros. Juarez is approximately 1400 miles from Cancun. In comparison, Dallas Texas is less than 600 miles away from Juarez. So, sitting here in my office in Plano, I am closer to the areas of concern than I would be if I were at a resort in Cancun or the Riviera Maya.
The resort areas in Mexico remain the safe destinations you have come to trust and enjoy. As I write this it is 6 days until my next trip to Mexico. I take the safety of my children’s mother (me) very seriously. I have absolutely no hesitation about visiting any of the resort areas in Mexico. The Walmart near my house, however, that makes me nervous.
Here are some statistics to bear this out:
In total crimes per capita per country, the USA ranks #8. Mexico, trails far behind at #39.
Even if you break out the rates for Murder, the USA still leads Mexico.
If I were able to find statistics that just isolate Quintana Roo (the state where Cancun, Cozumel and the Riviera Maya are located), or Jalisco, or Nayarit (the states where Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta are located), I’m betting the difference would even be more striking.
Just ask anyone who has traveled to the resort areas of Mexico. Here in our office we have people traveling to the various Mexican destinations on average at least once per month. Call our office and ask who has been there last and what they thought. Also, stay tuned to this space because I will continue to add articles links as I find them.
Here are articles that you will find helpful.
Demystifying Mexico Travel Warning
Mexico Spring Break Safety
Seattle Times article on Mexico Travel Safety
Mexico Travel Unfazed by Travel Warning
Away from the U.S. border, Mexico is peaceful and beautiful.
Traveling to Mexico is still safer than traveling to Washington DC.
How safe is travel to Mexico? – AOL Travel News
We asked our clients who have returned from Mexico within the last month to give us their comments on their safety during their trip. Here are the comments we’ve received so far.
From Leah W., (Returned March 28, 2010)
just got back from Cancun/Riviera Maya on March 28th. I love Mexico. I always get so excited to go and see that amazing blue water!
From Catherine B., (Returned March 28, 2010)
Once again I found Mexico and the people there to be lovely, friendly and as safe as ever. My activities included being out late at night “just us girls”. We never felt the slightest bit unsafe. We went on excursions far away from our hotels and never had a doubt for a moment. I’ve said it many times; I won’t go to the WalMart near my house after dark but I have no qualms about being out at night in any Mexican resort area. 
From Elizabeth U., (Returned March 6, 2010)
I’ve heard about the recent happenings in Mexico and definitely understand the concern! But we never once felt nervous about our security. The resort (The Royal in Playa del Carmen) was so respectful and welcoming… more so than many US hotels that I’ve stayed in. By the end of the week, many of the people knew it was our honeymoon and would greet us, grab us a drink, cheer for us haha! We left the resort a couple nights and shopped on 5th Avenue and we still felt safe… there are just SO MANY people (Americans, Canadians) and the people in the shops are only concerned about treating you nicely so you’ll buy something. Back to the resort, me and my husband are doing the math and trying to see how quickly we can get back there!!! It was just perfect: beautiful beach/water, beautiful pools, fun people, DELICIOUS meals… all around- the best vacation I’ve ever been on. We compared the food to 5 star restaurants in the US… definitely a good surprise! (I was concerned about the food and drinks but I shouldn’t have been because we ate better than ever)
Cathy,
As you know, you and your agents have been booking our trips to Mexico for
many years now. Other than rescheduling one trip due to the
possibility of the borders closing due to the Swine Flu, we have not had
any complications during our travels to Mexico. You simply board
the plane in Dallas, land in Cancun or whichever airport in Mexico, look
for the representative from Loomis or Fun Jet. They are very easy to find
and very friendly,
once you get your luggage, they are at the exit of the airport doors. They
will lead you to your transportation to the hotel. These buses and vans are
clearly marked by the company they represent. They drop you off at the
front door of your hotel. The resort towns KNOW travelers provide their
jobs and
we have never felt unsafe or been put in a compromising position. Of
course, you want to be smart about leaving the resort and going into town
at night.
A designated,nondrinking caretaker is suggested, and be smart as you would
if you were going to party in downtown Dallas. Don’t leave the club with anyone
you do not know!! Have Fun and Wear Sunscreen!!
Cindy & Thomas
Amen! Love this post.