I swore (emphatically) that I would never, ever set foot in Mexico again.
Last year while in Mexico I was pulled over by their state police and they took all my money.
Technically I guess it wasn't at gunpoint because they weren't actually pointing their war guns at me, but these were super scary motherfuckers who weren't going to take no for an answer. Suffice to say there were several of them posturing away with their guns and doing their best to be as intimidating as possible.
Frankly it really was pretty scary, to say the least.
The sad thing is that I have always believed that when going to Mexico, because everything is so inexpensive you need to bring cash to give to the vendors on the beach. I saw it as a vacation tax. So I had about $100 in small denominations so that we could buy stupid plastic sunglasses and beads and whatever junk the vendors would be selling. Because this is how they feed their families. And really, it is only pure luck that I was born into a better socio-economic space than they were, and it could just as easily have been me in their place.
So anyway, fleeced of my cash, they got nothing. And they told me it happens every single day.
The US Border Guard on the way back home went ballistic at me, gave me some horror stories about what happens there every single day, and told me to go on the various government websites warning tourists not to go there.
Basically I am completely cured of any desire whatsoever to go to about 99% of the tourist spots in Mexico.
But there is always that remaining 1%...
Oyster.com sent the following post to my inbox recently. If I were to plan a trip to Mexico again, it would have to be to one of the following four places.
(this post does contain affiliate links)
Last year while in Mexico I was pulled over by their state police and they took all my money.
Technically I guess it wasn't at gunpoint because they weren't actually pointing their war guns at me, but these were super scary motherfuckers who weren't going to take no for an answer. Suffice to say there were several of them posturing away with their guns and doing their best to be as intimidating as possible.
Frankly it really was pretty scary, to say the least.
The sad thing is that I have always believed that when going to Mexico, because everything is so inexpensive you need to bring cash to give to the vendors on the beach. I saw it as a vacation tax. So I had about $100 in small denominations so that we could buy stupid plastic sunglasses and beads and whatever junk the vendors would be selling. Because this is how they feed their families. And really, it is only pure luck that I was born into a better socio-economic space than they were, and it could just as easily have been me in their place.
So anyway, fleeced of my cash, they got nothing. And they told me it happens every single day.
The US Border Guard on the way back home went ballistic at me, gave me some horror stories about what happens there every single day, and told me to go on the various government websites warning tourists not to go there.
Basically I am completely cured of any desire whatsoever to go to about 99% of the tourist spots in Mexico.
But there is always that remaining 1%...
 |
| image via www.toursofcancun.org |
Oyster.com sent the following post to my inbox recently. If I were to plan a trip to Mexico again, it would have to be to one of the following four places.
(this post does contain affiliate links)
The Four Safest Destinations In Mexico
via Oyster.com
Mexico has been getting a bad rap. Yes, some areas are dangerous. But more than a few cities are not only beautiful vacation spots, but perfectly safe as well. Mexico has plenty going for it for U.S. tourists, from easy flights to bargain prices to cultural standouts.
First off, it's important to know the difference between the two different travel advisories the U.S. State Department issues: travel alerts and travel warnings. A travel alert is a short-term caution, signaling events that should be over fairly quickly: tumultuous elections, labor strikes or protests, and viruses, among other things. Travel warnings are more long-term, signaling overall red flags for entire countries. While Mexico is currently under a travel warning, the State Department acknowledges that the tourist resort cities below are generally safe for U.S. citizens.
And in case you were wondering…the U.S. State Department shares everything it knows about where is safe to travel -- and where isn’t -- on its website. The press representative we spoke to assured us that staffers don’t have any insider knowledge they hold back; that’s what the “No Double Standard” policy ensures.
Of course, whenever you are traveling internationally (or in the U.S., for that matter), certain common-sense precautions are necessary: Keep cash and electronics out of sight, stick to areas tourists frequent, and don't go out alone at night.
Here are four tourist destinations in Mexico where you can generally feel safe.
Cancun
Why It’s Safe: Besides petty thefts, which virtually every tourist destination deals with, overall crime -- like homicides -- is almost non-existent, at 1.83 murders per 100,000 citizens.
Why It's Great: Great snorkeling, 20 miles of beautiful beaches, and pretty sunsets are all draws. The nightlife is also appealing to 20-somethings, though in recent years Cancun has shed its spring break rep for a more family-friendly vibe.
The U.S State Department Says: Currently, there is no travel advisory for Cancun. Of course, because it’s a very hot tourist spot, the general rules to staying safe apply: don't wear expensive jewelry or conspicuous designer accessories, and never walk by yourself late at night.
Hotel Pick:
Mexico City
Why It’s Safe: Mexico City has one of the best police-officer-to-citizen ratios in the world, with one officer for every 100 residents. The murder rate -- 8.4 for every 100,000 citizens -- is also lower than some cities in the U.S., such as Atlanta’s 14.8.
Why It's Great: The Mexico City metro, the second largest train system in North America (who knew?) makes it inexpensive and easy to get around the entire area. Zocalo, a vast square deemed to be the heart of Mexico City, is surrounded by cathedrals. The street food, including tacos and tortas, is as cheap as it gets, and so, so good.
The U.S State Department Says: Currently, there is no travel advisory on Mexico City.
Hotel Pick:
Playa Del Carmen
Why It’s Safe: Playa Del Carmen is located in Quintana Roo, a state that is known for its lack of crime and prevalence of high-end tourist resorts with excellent security. Just like in Cancun, visitors to Playa should practice standard tourist precautions, but can be basically free of the fear of major crime.
Why It's Great: Playa del Carmen has great nightlife, arguably the best shopping in the Riviera Maya, and wonderful restaurants, but it has kept the essence of Mexico, as well as a laid-back ambience, in a region where mega-resorts and mass-tourism are the norm.
"We love Playa," shares Gaetana Holtje of Richmond, VA, who's vacationed there twice with her husband, Bill. "It has a quaint, walkable-town feeling that we didn't have when we visited Cancun. We don't feel nervous about safety at all. Bill worries more about my shopping when we go," she laughs.
The U.S State Department Says: There is currently no travel advisory for Playa Del Carmen.
Hotel Pick:
Fairmont Mayakoba
Cabo San Lucas
4.5
Why It’s Safe: You have the options of flying into Cabo San Lucas International Airport or arriving by cruise ship. Most of us would be unlikely to try driving there, but in case the thought does cross your mind, don't. Carjacking can happen, especially at night. But otherwise, you can relax in this favorite tropical hideaway of tourists and Hollywood glitterati alike.
Why It's Great: At the southern tip of Mexico's Baja Peninsula, Cabo San Lucas -- a beach town on the stretch of coastline collectively known as Los Cabos (The Capes) -- has long been a popular vacation spot for sun-worshipping party seekers. (Hence, the nickname Cabo San Loco.)
The U.S State Department Says: There is currently no travel advisory for Cabo San Lucas. Stick to toll roads if you absolutely must drive and only do so during daylight hours.
Hotel Pick:
For more travel articles and hotel recommendations check out Oyster.com
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