Visit Mexico? You Betcha!...

A couple we know recently had some friends visit from Texas. Their friends were absolutely terrified to come to Mexico because of all the negative media that gets lambasted all over the news. What surprised us the most was once they actually got over their fear and visited our beautiful tourist driven city of Playa del Carmen, they refused to travel outside the area to visit

other tourist areas like Cozumel, Tulum, Cancun, and Puerto Morales.

You wouldn't believe how much they missed seeing! The media has focused so much on the drug cartel's violence in specific parts of Mexico that foreigners actually encompass a country the size of Portugal, Spain, France, Switzerland, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Czech Republic, and Austria all combined as if its a tiny little island. When have you ever heard someone say, "There was a shooting in Spain so we shouldn't go to Italy?" Really?                                                    

I have visited Mexico many times over the years and have never had a bad experience. Well, unless you count the time my husband stole the last taco off my plate when I happened to look away. He says I said I was done...I never said that! Never! So back to the point. The Mexico I know is rich with culture, history, flavor, and personality. How would you like it if someone participating in illegal activity thousands of miles away from you was affecting how people viewed you and your ability to put bread (or in this case tortillas) on the table for your family?

So here are some facts for you to ponder:

• In 2011, The UN rated St Louis, Missouri the 3rd most dangerous city in the world...the WORLD, people!
• Last year, there were 64 drug related deaths in the Quintana Roo province in an area that has well over 6 million visitors per year
• New Orleans had over 8 million visitors last year and had almost triple the homicide rate than the Mexican national rate
• According to the FBI crime statistics in 2010, 4.8 Americans per 100,000 were murdered in the US opposed to 2.1 Americans per 100,000 that were involved in a homicide in Mexico
• Violent areas like Tijuana are over 2700 miles from the Riviera Maya which is the equivalent distance of Miami to Los Angeles
• Michelle Obama stated she felt extremely safe walking the street of Mexico City in her latest visit with her daughters to the country

So what does all this mean? If you do drugs or associate yourself with people who do drugs then you are putting yourself at risk just like you would in LA, Florida, New York, or Dallas. If you walk into dangerous neighborhoods or go down unlit streets at night, then yes, you are putting yourself at risk just like if you were walking down a street in Paris, London, Tokyo, or Milan. If you are here to have a safe, fun, sunny filled vacation then your chances of having one are pretty great. It is paradise after all!