Mexico has elevated the news a lot lately, sometimes very much of it good. We've all found out about the drug war being waged on the Mexican border and the countless number of murders, deaths and collateral damage suffered because of this. We've also heard stories about the H1N1 virus, the actual way it reportedly started in Mexico, and also the many mistruths regarding it being widespread and virulent throughout the country. - traveling to mexico
I have a family trip planned to Cancun in thirty-two days. While I'm naturally concerned for that safety and well-being of my children members and myself, I'm not concerned about my upcoming vacation - a much needed getaway - within the very least. Hopefully the information presented below may help dispel lots of the untruths, rumors and public opinion about visiting Mexico and ease the fears of others planning the holiday for this very beautiful and safe country.
Violence in Mexico
The U.S. State Department has issued a travel alert for citizens traveling to certain parts of Mexico. It's true that violence stemming from your drug war between Mexican cartels holding tight to territories that have been under their control for decades and the Mexican army, police and U.S. police and military involved in the conflict has escalated and should cause concern. These areas, including Tijuana, Chihuahua City, Monterrey and Ciudad Juarez, have been deemed unsafe and really should be avoided by travelers. Just recently, a kidnapping involving a U.S. Citizen happened in Tijuana. Thankfully, the lady held captive for ransom may be rescued and possesses since returned home unharmed.
It should be noted that a lot of from the violence over these areas has been primarily targeted at cartel and gang members, police and public officials. As was shown inside the recent case concerning the kidnapped vacationer in Tijuana, this statistic must do little to alleviate anyone's fear about planing a trip to these areas. Nor should it. However, I've pointed out that many of those arguing against visit Mexico altogether due to the drug war have said little, contrary, about the spillover in to the U.S. I can't hear these individuals saying to prevent Hillcrest, for instance. Canada and other countries issue advisories about planing a trip to the usa on a regular basis. The identical individuals the U.S. advising friends and family to prevent travel to Mexico could be appalled to understand that areas inside the U.S. they themselves go to or call home might be on another country's list of places in order to avoid. Violence and crime exists everywhere, even in our own backyards.
Crime in Mexico
Largely invulnerable to the violence in the north, the holiday destinations of Cancun, the Riviera Maya and Puerto Vallarta, in order to name just a few, continue to see hardly any crime. Statistically-speaking, the principal tourist spots in Mexico have always been considered safe holiday destinations. Most of the criminality during these areas consist primarily of petty crimes, for example theft, and other crimes that, with preparation and a dose of good sense, can be simply avoided.
The simplest rule to consider while traveling to Mexico, or any foreign country for that matter, would be to stay alert and grow conscious of your surroundings. Crimes against women should be a particular concern, as numerous from the violent crimes that exist in Mexico involve rape. Whether you are a guy or perhaps a woman, you ought not stray out alone in Mexico, especially during the night. A moonlit walk about the beach, even though it sounds romantic, should be avoided. Stay on resort property or visit well-lit public venues with others inside your party, if at all possible. Place belongings in your hotel safe. Avoid using out-of-the-way ATM's, especially during the night. To put it differently, exercise sound judgment, comprehend the local laws, and review of your destination and activities whenever possible and you'll return home safely with fond memories of your vacation. - traveling to mexico
Corruption in Mexico
Long would be the tales of corrupt policemen in Mexico who plant drugs on unsuspecting tourists or pull on them in rental cars searching for la mordita, a bribe, in return for permitting them to go. Unfortunately, police corruption remains a problem in Mexico, especially in the north and urban centers. Below are great tips in order to avoid falling victim to police seeking to line their pockets with tourist dollars:
* Avoid renting a car, when possible. It's widely suspected that police target travelers in car rentals, particularly those to the airport. Instead, depend on mass transit, cabs or transfer services to get you in places you must be. It can be dangerous driving in Mexico, especially during the night, and this might save more than just police trouble.
* If you are stopped while driving, make sure you record everything. Require a notepad and pen with you. Remain calm and polite. Request the officer's name and why you've been pulled over. Make note of badge numbers, license plate numbers and descriptions.
* Keep the head! You will feel intimidated and scared. Should you panic, you may make a move to make the situation worse.
* If you find that the authorities are trying to find a bribe, ask to become come to the police station. A corrupt officer may wish to avoid the trouble of taking you in and could let you go.
* If you want the help of law enforcement, request La turista policia. Tourist information stated to be friendlier and much more helpful than traffic and metropolitan police.
H1n1 virus in Mexico
The H1N1 flu is declining in Mexico. Though widely-noted as an influenza hotspot this past spring if the H1n1 virus outbreak first commenced, the H1N1 flu is widespread and is now all around the world. You run the identical risk of contracting H1N1 in your own home when you do in Mexico, but below are great tips that might help your family cure it:
* Stay away from densely-populated, crowded areas. This really is easier said than done considering you will be spending some time inside the airport and also on an airplane with recirculated air, however it is a great tip nonetheless.
* Wash your hands regularly. Have a small bottle of hand sanitizer together with you whenever you travel.
* In the event the vaccine comes in your area, grab yourself as well as your children vaccinated. Confer with your doctor and your pediatrician before you decide to travel.
* Consider taking immune-system boosters, like vitamin C. Again, speak to your doctor.