Are Mexican Vacations Safe for Travelers?

It may remain a popular tourist destination, but recent events have led many to ask whether or not it is safe to vacation in Mexico.

As one would expect from a country so vast and diverse, the answer depends much upon time, place, and circumstance. But there are key points that can drastically increase the chances of an enjoyable and safe Mexican vacation.

To stay safe on vacation in Mexico, it is extremely important to consider one's location. A road trip with no itinerary and little preparation is strongly discouraged, particularly in the border area, due to recent spates of drug-related crime, car-jacking, and even kidnapping.

Similarly certain cities are presently suffering from unusual levels of violent activity: in mid-2010 US consulate staff have had family members evacuated from Monterrey due to a recent shooting in front of an American-owned school, for instance, and Ciudad Juarez is also considered to be highly dangerous.

In general, parts of Mexico that may not be safe for travel are concentrated around the US border, particularly in the states of Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon and the northern sector of Tamaulipas.

Yet for a safe vacation in Mexico there remain plenty of options. Resort areas, including some near the US border, are generally safe, notwithstanding the risk of petty crime that comes with virtually every tourist destination.

If one sticks to the beaten tourist track, alerts family members of their itinerary, and ensures that they have a functioning cellular telephone with coverage in their destination, the likelihood of a problem arising is small.

Usual travel advice applies in such destinations: avoid dressing conspicuously, do not wear large amounts of jewelry, keep cash pocketed, and do not linger in quiet areas, especially after dark. Mexican vacations can be safe for travelers who simply do not attract attention.

That said, there is, especially in areas with large drug-trafficking organizations, the occasional risk of being caught as a bystander in a troublesome situation. The Mexican authorities place a high degree of importance on ensuring that Mexican tourism is safe, however, and in general will do their best to assist.

A problem is that the police force is not sufficiently equipped to deal with all situations: if in any doubt whatsoever you must contact your embassy or consulate without any delay, particularly if you feel you are in any imminent danger.

Despite the risks, millions of people each year have a Mexico vacation and stay safe. They do so by researching their destination beforehand, not making themselves a petty crime target, and staying informed of any violent developments in their area.