Tim Leffel's Cheapest Destinations

Safety in Mexico, Part 2

A few weeks ago I ranted about the inability of most newscasters to see the difference between say, Ciudad Juarez and and Los Cabos in this travel safety reputations article.

On March 30 Budget Travel Online pointed out this disconnect between what the media is saying and what Mexican visitors are saying: the elusive truth about safety. What’s really interesting is the follow-up of 230 comments from readers that were already posted as of today. That’s a lot of people piping in to relate their experience and thoughts. Most fall into three camps, either “I’ve been there (or live there) and it’s fine” or “I’ve never been there and I’m scared of those strange foreigners in that unknown place,” or the ones who, like the media, have trouble understanding that what’s going on in one part of a country has nothing to do with the rest of the country. (Also known as the SARS Syndrome, the Bird Flu Syndrome, or the City Hotel Bombing Syndrome.)

Plus there were a few who obviously don’t get out much as they were freaked out to see policemen with rifles instead of pistols in a holster, or to see the truckloads of riot police in protective gear that are called out whenever there is any kind of demonstration—to stand around and make sure things don’t get ugly. In most Latin American countries, there are a lot of demonstrations. That’s a sign of a government that allows healthy debate and true opposition, as opposed to what goes on in Cuba, Burma, Iran, North Korea, and now Venezuela. Very seldom do they turn ugly, but the cops are there in case. (There were just hundreds of riot police on the streets of London too last week, but they just weren’t as well-equipped.)

Here are a few of the choice comments:

Anyone who depends on the mainstream media, especially CNN, for important information will be sadly lacking. I have spent six months a year in Mexico for 15 years. If you are interested in purchasing drugs, hiring a prostitute, hanging out in parks after midnight, getting stumbling drunk, or just looking for trouble, you will find it. Otherwise, Mexico is far safer than Los Angeles, Detroit, or Chicago…and I wouldn’t even think of walking alone after nine o’clock in those cities.

We just returned from a month stay in Puerto Vallarta, where we have visited at least once a year for the past 15 years. The only thing that has changed in all those years is growth in the number of hotels, condos, etc. We feel safe walking or taking buses everywhere, something I can’t do in my own home city.

The time in Mexico was at the top of the most relaxed, trouble-free, and pleasant weeks we have spent anywhere. Mexico is a big country and its people friendly and helpful.

I am 64,my husband 70. We traveled 7000 miles in Mexico last year,from Sonora to the border with Guatemala,visited 25 states. We fell so much in love with Mexico that we now have a vacation home here in San Carlos, Sonora, 250 miles from Arizona border. We have never felt unsafe in Mexico, never seen any crime. Sure it exists like anywhere else but mostly among the drug trade. The news media makes it sound like there are bodies all over the road.

But hey, I’m spending quite a bit of time in Mexico this summer and am kind of glad to hear it’s not as crowded in the places where I’ll be with my family. I’ll drink a Don Julio toast to those who won’t be arriving by the tour bus load.

Related posts:

1. The Real Travel Story for Mexico
2. Where NOT to Go in Mexico
3. A Buck or Less in Mexico City
4. 4 Reasons to Visit Mexico Now
5. Mexico City – Nicer Than You Think