Increased crime & violence in Mexico
#1
Posted 09 March 2009 - 08:54 PM
What are your thoughts/comments on this? Would you plan to go to Cozumel this summer (if you could)?
Thanks,
Margaret
#2
Posted 09 March 2009 - 09:28 PM
My husband and I were thinking about going to Cozumel this summer, mostly because it is an inexpensive trip, good diving, and could make it a weekend getaway, as we live near Houston. My Dad called me up last week, asking us not to go there because of the increased amount of gang and drug violence. And I should point out that my Dad has traveled all over the world, including places where he has had an armed military "guest" with his group for protection. So the fact he's asked this of us concerns me a bit. I've heard a lot about the areas along the US border, and I heard about some increase of violence in Cancun. Haven't heard that much about Cozumel.
What are your thoughts/comments on this? Would you plan to go to Cozumel this summer (if you could)?
Thanks,
Margaret
I would strongly suggest that you avoid Mexico. It's not pretty. Mexico has one foot in the failed state grave, and the other on a banana peel. It would be very unwise to operate under the assumption that the popular tourist areas will be 'safe'... the drug cartels don't give a damn about "tourism dollars." If y'all really want specifics, I'll post them.
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#3
Posted 09 March 2009 - 09:29 PM
There is always risk in international travel, and you'll always be your Dad's "little girl" and he worries about you. But, there is a HUGE difference between Cozumel and Juarez, trust me. I used to live in El Paso, just across the Rio Grande from Juarez. It's a major drug crossing into the US, and that's what has spurred a lot of the violence lately.
#4
Posted 09 March 2009 - 11:09 PM
I've been to Cozy several times and have never had an issue with crime, even on the back streets. Of course, one must always be careful, even in the USA.
My ¢¢.
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#5
Posted 10 March 2009 - 04:17 AM
Standing still in a locked room is safe, but you don't get a lot of diving in. If more people traveled and experienced different cultures and people world tensions might go down a bit.
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#6
Posted 10 March 2009 - 04:56 AM
Stay in public areas. Don't carry or flash lots of cash or pricey jewelry. Use common sense and you should be OK.
Standing still in a locked room is safe, but you don't get a lot of diving in. If more people traveled and experienced different cultures and people world tensions might go down a bit.
What he said!!
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#7
Posted 10 March 2009 - 05:47 AM
Edited by mantarraya, 10 March 2009 - 05:50 AM.
#8
Posted 10 March 2009 - 05:54 AM
#9
Posted 10 March 2009 - 08:12 AM
I'd go in a second.My husband and I were thinking about going to Cozumel this summer, mostly because it is an inexpensive trip, good diving, and could make it a weekend getaway, as we live near Houston. My Dad called me up last week, asking us not to go there because of the increased amount of gang and drug violence. And I should point out that my Dad has traveled all over the world, including places where he has had an armed military "guest" with his group for protection. So the fact he's asked this of us concerns me a bit. I've heard a lot about the areas along the US border, and I heard about some increase of violence in Cancun. Haven't heard that much about Cozumel.
What are your thoughts/comments on this? Would you plan to go to Cozumel this summer (if you could)?
Thanks,
Margaret
We went to Cozumel last month, and felt very comfortable at all hours even back in the non-tourist area of the city.
I noticed increased levels of security at the airport - both on arrival and departure. I also saw patrol craft and airplanes offshore - so I would not hesitate an instant.
HOWEVER, since you're concerned - I'm not only a divemaster, but have police/security experience*, so you should hire me to escort you.
* I have a collection of parking and traffic tickets, and several arrests, including three for public intoxication, two for disorderly conduct and two for indecent behavior... but NO convictions.
Jacques Yves Cousteau
#10
Posted 10 March 2009 - 09:34 AM
"For the diligent diver, closed circuit rebreathers are actually safer than open circuit scuba." Tom Mount
#11
Posted 10 March 2009 - 09:54 AM
Edited by georoc01, 10 March 2009 - 09:55 AM.
#12
Posted 10 March 2009 - 10:04 AM
Another tip...I NEVER use a credit card when I travel...only cash. You don't need lots of cash and having the amount you need is NOT dangerous. I have never been attacked, nor threatened nor relieved of anything I own while traveling to Mexico nor other parts of the country or the world. (My first job was in Mexico working for a Maquiladora or Twin Plant as they were called back then...)
So use the same prudence you'd ALWAYS use and do not be worried about traveling to Cozumel! kamala
p.s. have your husband and friends ask around...I'm sure they will get the same feedback!
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#13
Posted 10 March 2009 - 11:37 AM
Most of the kidnappers will try for easy targets in out of the way locations. The lessons there are to not get drunk enough to lose your faculties and stay out of the bad areas, particularly at night. Go places with a group and be aware of your surroundings.
The State Department should be able to provide you with some advice. Some of it may sound alarmist but remember that they have access to information that the general public does not.
#14
Posted 10 March 2009 - 02:02 PM
#15
Posted 10 March 2009 - 07:26 PM
I'm not at all concerned.... hopefully I won't be taken by surprise....
I agree with the prior post here that basically recommend... use common sense while there.
Safe travels!
"Those who love deeply never grow old; they may die of old age, but they die young." - Dorothy Canfield Fisher
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