The past several weeks questions have arisen about travel to Mexico because of a blanket statement by the US State Department which determined travel to Mexico is dangerous. The statement really is not as honest as it should be. Travel to Mexico does not need to be frightening. Thousands of visitors to Mexico return safe and sound with great vacation memories.Yes, there are areas in Mexico which may be less than safe for both tourist and Mexican citizens alike. That being said, there are areas in the US, probably in your own city, in which are not only dangerous to tourists but residents too. The US State Department statement is a blanketed statement, which points out areas where most vacation travelers are not visiting. Those areas are border towns such as Tijuana, Nogales, Ciudad Juarez and Chihuahua. Unless you are traveling over the border for the day, the travel warning has not great impact. The popular areas such as Acapulco, Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos and others are just as safe today as they were last year. However, safety when you travel is also your responsibility. I was interviewed a few days ago for a Travel Industry magazine about my thoughts on safety. My most ardent advise is not to flaunt cash or jewelry, no matter where you travel. It is just not a smart thing to do, even when you are not traveling. When you travel, you don't want to attract attention to yourself and set yourself up as a target to be pick pocketed or robbed. Recently a couple who traveled told me the young lady's wallet and camera were missing from her purse. She told me she wasn't paying attention and left her purse open while on a city bus. Though she was saddened, she was more upset with herself for not being vigilant, citing she lives in Detroit and would not think about leaving her purse open there either. When you travel, no matter where..Mexico, Europe or even close to home, take advantage of the in room safe deposit box in your hotel. It is there for a reason. Keep your money, passport and other valuables in the box when you do not need them. When you do go out, take only the money you need with you. If you are going to the beach, be sensible. When you go out to the water, have someone else in your party keep an eye on your camera or wallet if you take it out of the room. Also, if you go out for the day, separate your money into 2 different front pockets, or ladies, some in your wallet and some in your pocket. This will prevent others from seeing how much money you have. Additionally if you do fall prey to a pick pocket, you will still have some of your money. Stay along the beaten path of the area you choose to visit. Don't go into neighborhoods where you may not be welcomed. That is true for anywhere you travel, even in you own home area. If you are an adventure seeker and want to see the "real" city, ask your hotel front desk or concierge what areas are safe and of local interest. Most of the time, these staff members are from the area and are most familiar.
Finally, don't leave your common sense at home. Be sure to pack it with you. When I read about tourists in a foreign country falling victim to danger, it is most because they left their common sense behind. Take advantage of some of the tips and you will have happy memories to bring home with you.
Take a look at the link below for some great Mexico travel offers:
Mexico Specials
Adrienne Sasson, DS, CSS, Magic of Mexico Specialist
Rubinsohn Travel - Virtuoso
The Pavilion
261 Old York Road - Suite 205
Jenkintown, PA 19046
Office: 215-886-5200, ext. 65
Tollfree: 1-800-501-8519, ext. 65
http://www.atravelspecialist.com/
Blog: http://atravelspecialist.blogspot.com/
adrienne@rubinsohntravel.com
