5 Reasons That Prove Mexico is Safer for Tourists Than You Think
I’ve had a great experience in Mexico EVERY SINGLE TIME I’VE VISITED (this winter will be #4).
But without fail, I’ll get questions like, “Isn’t Mexico super dangerous for tourists?”
or, “I’ve heard the cartel has taken over Cancun and the murder rate is skyrocketing.”
The best though, (sarcasm, of course), is when people inform me that they’d NEVER take their family or their partner to such a dangerous place.
The nerve of me, right?
I absolutely ENCOURAGE you all to do what feels right and safe for you and yours, and I don’t want to be disrespectful of your boundaries.
What I do want is for you to consider that, maybe, what you think Mexico is like might not be what Mexico is actually like.
The Mexico that the U.S. media paints is full of drug wars, criminals, and people just waiting to kidnap tourists and cause problems.
When in fact, Mexico is full of history going back thousands of years, culture that has impacted the world, and famous singers, artists, athletes, and musicians.
EVERY PLACE in the world has crime, and danger, and violence. Visiting the beautiful, tourism driven beaches of Mexico is nowhere near the gamble that the U.S. media makes it out to be.
Humans in general are TERRIBLE at actual risk assessment comparison, right?
Like the old ‘driving vs flying’ safety comparison….
Statistically, we’re WAY more likely to be injured or killed in a car wreck than in a plane accident, but people still are more afraid of flying than driving.
When it comes to gun violence in the U.S., you’d think more people would be sprinting to spend a week in Mexico.
Mexico is way safer for tourists than you think. Here are 5 reasons why –
The very sad truth about the murder and crime rates in Mexico is that they are overwhelmingly affecting locals that live in poor areas, and are somehow (whether they want to be or not) involved in the illegal drug trade. As a tourist arriving for a week and staying in a beach front resort, this isn’t something that will really be affecting you.
Most murder and crime are results of interactions or dealings with crime syndicates and cartels. If you’re not planning to hang out with this crowd or seek them out in a dark alley, you don’t really have to worry about the being murdered by the cartel so much.
Security at all inclusive resorts in tourist areas like Cancun, Playa Mujeres, Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta, Akumal, Los Cabos, Playa Maroma, and on and on and on (it’s a long list) is VERY strict. When your transfer driver pulls up to your resort, there is a closed gate and an attendant that has your name on a list. You’re not getting in if everything isn’t square. In addition, properties have security features such as well hidden barbed wire, flood lights, and beach patrols at night to prevent anyone that shouldn’t be on the property from getting onto the property. Some resorts have their guests wear wristbands so it’s easy to identify a security breach. They all have some type of security camera system, too.
EVERYONE, from the tourism board officials to the resort management to the cleaning crew, has a VESTED and VITAL interest in making sure you’re safe – and making sure that you FEEL safe. Nobody wants anyone to get hurt, sure. But consider this: if the Mexican tourism industry halts, innumerable people lose their jobs. Resorts are closing and laying people off. Tour companies cease to operate. Families lose extremely necessary income (did you know Mexico doesn’t have a social safety net? If you lose your job or get hurt and can’t work, hope you have a good savings). This entire industry is prioritizing your safety, not just for you, but for the entire economy.
Did you know that many large American cities (for example, Detroit, St. Louis, Baltimore, Chicago and New Orleans) actually have higher murder rates than many cities in Mexico? Bet that hasn’t stopped you from connecting in ORD or enjoying Mardi Gras.
I absolutely understand that a different culture, different language, and different geographic region can cause some stress and nervousness.
The most important thing for you to do is to decide what’s best for you based on your comfort level and situation, and to always keep an open mind to ideas and facts that may be different that your current understanding.
Check out these practical methods I use, and recommend for my travelers, to prioritize safety while traveling ANYWHERE in the world, including within the U.S.
Plus, you can always ask me about my trips to Mexico and how I prioritize safety for myself and my travelers.
Wondering what happens after you decide to work with me on your next adventure? Read this!
See you in Mexico!