How To Be Safe While Traveling In Mexico
If you have heard anything about Mexico lately
, it is understandable for you to be hesitant about traveling to this currently unstable country. With disease, drug wars, murders, and kidnapping at an all time high, vacationing there may seem completely insane.However, there are still ways that you can travel to Mexico and experience its beauty and affordability while staying safe, and avoiding risks. Here are some ways that you can protect yourself, and still be able to relax in a unique paradise that is rich with culture and history.
Keep in mind that several million tourists visit Mexico every year, including students, families, tour groups, singles, retirees and honeymooners. Of these millions of annual visitors only the tiniest fraction has problems during their stay.
Mexico is definitely different, however. A certain amount of nervousness is natural, but once you get used to that difference, you'll relax and be able to laugh off your old fears.
If you have heard stories about seeing military personal on the beaches, do not fear. It isn't a war or a revolution-it is Mexico's way of telling tourists to relax!
Military patrols on beaches are part of Mexico's Immediate Action Program for Tourism Promotion. This ambitious plan includes measures to improve Mexico's safety, to spruce up the country's image and to expand tourism facilities and services.
Eighteen-year-old marines toting machine guns on public beaches and army units posted on major tourist highways are part of this reassurance program, as are increased numbers of uniformed cops and "Green Angel" highway patrols. More than a thousand Green Angel trucks offer tourists everything from on the spot car repairs and gasoline to medical assistance and directions.
Tourists lead a charmed life in Mexico. In fact, statistics show that you are more likely to be the victim of violent crime while in the United States than in Mexico.
If you find cold comfort in statistics, consider what has been heard expressed by hundreds of Mexico travelers, from backpackers and budget vagabonds to stockbrokers, secretaries, college professors, retirees, students, and snowbirds escaping northern winters. Among those who spend more than a couple of weeks in Mexico or who make repeat visits, the consensus is virtually unanimous: Mexico actually feels safer than the US.
Although Mexico is safe, it is by no means perfectly safe. Some tourists are the victims of crimes, committed both by Mexicans and other tourists.
Others have problems that are best described as "self-inflicted." Of these, drinking, drugging, and reckless driving top the list.
When it comes to trouble, tequila takes a far higher toll than the busiest bandito. Consider it a testimony to Mexico's safety that so few tourists infected with "fiesta fever'' actually land in hot water.
Solo and first-time travelers are especially vulnerable to strained nerves. The normal stresses and minor anxieties associated with travel are often heightened by not being able to talk things out with a friend or family member.
Bottling up our fears and frustrations can lead to a malady they call "traveler's paranoia." Symptoms include a morbid fascination with airline timetables and uncontrollable fantasies of being stranded in the middle of Mexico City without your traveler's checks.
Women traveling alone may be the object of unwanted attention from men, however. Follow the example of Mexican women, and sit with other women on buses and trains.
Don't respond to men's comments and overtures, and look for other women or tourist companions for trips to ruins, beaches, and other out-of-the-way places. Always use cabs late at night rather than walking.
Unfortunately, men often assume that women on lonely streets and deserted beaches are searching for companionship. Carry a key chain whistle or pepper spray, and if you're bothered by someone, give your whistle a mighty blast.
Mexican cops use whistles to signal each other and to scare off troublemakers. Until you feel comfortable in Mexico, don't be embarrassed to pamper yourself a little.
Travelers on a tight budget should be especially careful not to subject themselves to more of Mexico than they can comfortably handle. As a rule of thumb, the cheaper a hotel room is, the sketchier it will be.
As you can see, Mexico does include certain risks, as does traveling to any foreign country. However, by following these simple rules and using your common sense, you can be safe, and have fun in the process.
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