Mexico has been in the news a lot lately, on occasion very much of it good. We've all heard about the drug war being waged about the Mexican border as well as the countless number of murders, deaths and collateral damage suffered as a result. We've also heard stories in regards to the H1N1 virus, the actual way it reportedly originated from Mexico, as well as the many mistruths about it being widespread and virulent through the country. - mexico deals
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 loved ones members and myself, I'm not really concerned with my upcoming vacation - a significantly needed getaway - in the very least. Hopefully the information presented below will help dispel many of the untruths, rumors and public opinion about planing a trip to Mexico and ease the fears of others planning the trip for this very beautiful and safe country.
Violence in Mexico
The U.S. State Department has issued a travel alert for citizens traveling to song of Mexico. It's true that violence stemming from a drug war between Mexican cartels holding tight to territories that have been under their control for many years and also the Mexican army, police and U.S. police and military mixed up in 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 lately, a kidnapping involving a U.S. Citizen happened in Tijuana. Thankfully, the girl held captive for ransom has been rescued and possesses since returned home unharmed.
It ought to be noted that most from the violence over these areas continues to be primarily directed toward cartel and gang members, police and public officials. As was shown within the recent case concerning the kidnapped vacationer in Tijuana, this statistic ought to do little to help remedy anyone's fear about traveling to these areas. Nor should it. However, I've pointed out that a lot of arguing against go to Mexico altogether due to the drug war have said little, if something, concerning the spillover into the U.S. I can't hear these folks telling me to prevent Hillcrest, as an example. Canada as well as other countries issue advisories about traveling to the usa all the time. Exactly the same individuals the U.S. advising friends and family to prevent go to Mexico might be appalled to learn that areas within the U.S. they themselves go to or call home might be on another country's list of places to avoid. Violence and crime exists everywhere, even just in our own backyards.
Crime in Mexico
Largely unaffected by the violence within the north, the holiday destinations of Cancun, the Riviera Maya and Cabo san lucas, simply to name some, continue to see very little crime. Statistically-speaking, the principal tourist spots in Mexico have been considered safe travel destinations. The majority of the criminality over these areas consist primarily of petty crimes, such as theft, and other crimes that, with preparation plus a dose of common sense, can be simply avoided.
The simplest rule to keep in mind when traveling to Mexico, or any foreign country for instance, is to stay alert and grow conscious of your surroundings. Crimes against women ought to be a particular concern, as many with the violent crimes that appear in Mexico involve rape. If you are a person or even a woman, you shouldn't stray out alone in Mexico, especially during the night. A moonlit walk on the beach, even though it sounds romantic, ought to be avoided. Remain on resort property or visit well-lit public venues with others in your party, when possible. Place valuables in your hotel safe. Stay away from out-of-the-way ATM's, especially during the night. Put simply, exercise good sense, view the local laws, and take a look at destination and activities whenever you can and you will return home safely with fond memories of your vacation.
Corruption in Mexico
Long would be the tales of corrupt policemen in Mexico who plant drugs on unsuspecting tourists or pull them over in rental cars trying to find la mordita, a bribe, in exchange for permitting them to go. Unfortunately, police corruption remains an issue in Mexico, especially in the north and urban centers. Follow this advice to prevent falling victim to police seeking to line their pockets with tourist dollars:
* Avoid leasing a car, when possible. It's widely suspected that police target travelers in car rentals, specially those en route to edinburgh airport. Instead, rely on mass transit, cabs or transfer services to help you get in places you have to be. It may be dangerous driving in Mexico, especially at night, which means this might save not only police trouble. - places in mexico
* If you are pulled over while driving, make sure to record everything. Take a notepad and pen with you. Remain calm and polite. Require the officer's name and why you have been stopped. Jot down badge numbers, license plate numbers and descriptions.
* Keep your head! You are likely to feel intimidated and scared. If you panic, you might make a move to make the situation worse.
* If you think that the authorities are searching for a bribe, ask being come to the police station. A corrupt officer might wish to stay away from the trouble of taking you in and may enable you to go.
* If you want assistance from the police, require La turista policia. Tourist police remain stated to be friendlier and much more helpful than traffic and metropolitan police.
Swine Flu in Mexico
The H1N1 flu is decreasing in Mexico. Though widely-noted as an influenza hotspot the 2009 spring when the The swine flu virus outbreak first began, the H1N1 flu is widespread and is also now everywhere in the world. You have exactly the same likelihood of contracting H1N1 at home while you do in Mexico, but below are great tips that might help your household cure it:
* Avoid densely-populated, crowded areas. This really is easier in theory considering you will be spending some time within the airport and on a jet with recirculated air, but it's an excellent tip nonetheless.
* Wash the hands regularly. Have a small bottle of hand sanitizer with you whenever you travel.
* If the vaccine will come in your area, get yourself and your children vaccinated. Talk to your doctor as well as your pediatrician before you travel.
* Consider taking immune-system boosters, like vitamin C. Again, talk to your doctor.