Mexico Travel Safety

Violence and Safety in Oaxaca, Mexico

2011-05-10T16:52:00.000-07:00

Five articles on page A3 of a daily newspaper began as follows:

• The special investigations unit has been called in after a man was shot and a second man broke his jaw during an arrest...
• A woman described as armed and dangerous is wanted by police in a home invasion robbery...
• A man barricaded himself inside a house for almost an hour after attacking another man...
• A man tried to lure a 14-year-old into his truck...
• A young man is clinging to life after being shot in the head at a west-end community centre...

From June through December, 2006, and in fact well into 2007, foreign governments issued initially travel advisories, then outright advice against traveling to Oaxaca because of purported rampant violence and safety concerns, and again more recently warnings about civil unrest and violence in this southern Mexico city of about 400,000, a mecca for tourists. New York, Chicago, L.A. and Toronto remained immune from such government wrath...oddly so given that while residents in large Canadian and American cities are regularly subjected to street violence, no tourist was targeted or injured during months of Oaxacan unrest.

The excerpts from the City Page referenced above are not from a Oaxaca newspaper, but rather from The Toronto Star, April 8, 2007, in the midst of arguably one of the most tranquil and peaceful family weekends of the year, Easter.

There are many opinions as to why false and misleading information is disseminated about occurrences in Third World countries, and in this case Mexico (more specifically Oaxaca), while fact based reports from First World countries in the Western Hemisphere, take Canada for example, do not result in, for one thing, government advisories.

Western governments have a history of paternalistic attitudes towards their citizens dating to the period of colonization. It continues to date. Perhaps more importantly, during the 20th century civil liability has become a concern, more so in the US than in Canada in terms of claims for monetary damages arising out of allegations of negligence perpetrated by governments against citizens: "You had information about civil unrest and the possibility of injury, so why didn't you warn me against traveling to Oaxaca?"

What is a Western consul, resident in Oaxaca, to do or recommend to his or her principals in Mexico City, Washington or Ottawa? Especially when local and international media, each with its own agenda, report incidents of unrest and at times violence? Does governmental due diligence include checking the veracity of reports of targeting or injury to tourists, and when there are no such reports, ought they include some such reference to their findings in their warnings? Should this writer have not stated that no tourist was injured, when in fact there was a report of a tourist who elected to walk alongside a march with his video camera, apparently inadvertently receiving a bit of mace or pepper spray in his face, then smiling and laughing it off when questioned by reporters? Should we demand more particulars from our governments upon which we are expected to rely? Should we perhaps request comparative statistical data when advisories are issued, regarding injury to innocents in Canadian and American cities of comparable size to that of Oaxaca?

Mexico, with different legal and political systems both historically and in contemporary times, would appear to have a different attitude towards protecting its citizenry traveling abroad, at least to Canada and the US, and certainly the federal government does not appear to have the same legal liability concerns, not having developed a British common law system which gives residents significant rights regarding claims of negligence.

Perhaps the Mexican government should begin to issue travel advisories based upon reviewing newspapers, wire service and internet reports, and first hand accounts of violence against citizens of Western cities. A press release such as the following may be instructive:

Violence erupted against innocent people, some of whom may have been Mexican tourists, in at least five separate incidents over Easter weekend in Toronto. We urge our citizens to exercise extreme caution should they dare to maintain their existing travel plans to that part of Canada.

While arguably misleading, at least the facts would be accurately stated. We would then see how much pressure would be brought to bear by Canada, and how fast, upon Mexico to retract its warning. The Mexican government would then have received a good lesson on how to use diplomacy to convince foreign governments to be more detailed, accurate and cautious in issuing advisories.

Before the critics and skeptics jump on the obvious gap in reasoning and fallaciousness of the analogy, they ought to research whether or not the Mexican government issued travel advisories regarding Toronto, Ontario or Canada, in the face of the two incidents bearing the closest similarity in recent memory to the Oaxacan unrest...the Oka reserve uprising and the Dudley George killing with associated conflict.

The foregoing should not be relied upon by anyone considering traveling outside of his or her home country, and the article's intent is not to influence anyone's travel plans nor to opine regarding any government laws, rules, regulations, policies or procedures.

Alvin Starkman together with wife Arlene operates Casa Machaya Oaxaca Bed & Breakfast http://www.oaxacadream.com Alvin received his masters in social anthropology in 1978, and his law degree in 1984. Thereafter he was a litigator in Toronto until taking early retirement. He and his family were frequent visitors to Oaxaca between 1991 and when they became permanent residents in 2004. Alvin reviews restaurants, writes about life and cultural traditions in Oaxaca, and tours couples and families to the villages.

Alvin Starkman M.A., LL.B.

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Safe Mexico Travel Tips For the Super Paranoid Part Three

2011-03-28T08:01:00.000-07:00

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Mexico is a great place to visit. With pristine beaches, majestic canyons, desert landscapes, ancient archeological ruins, charming colonial cities, scrumptious local cuisine, and a fascinating people, Mexico is sure to appeal to the nature enthusiast, the art and history fanatic, the food lover, and anyone else bitten by the travel bug. Despite compelling reasons to visit and its convenient location just below the border, many Americans put-off plans for visiting Mexico for security concerns. Mexico's reputation has been damaged by negative publicity from sensationalized news about drug-related criminality.

Like every other country (including the USA and Canada,) Mexico does have its share of crimes and violence. But what is not correctly reported is that these drug-related incidents are isolated to a few areas close to the border, like Tijuana and Ciudad Juarez. These crimes are attacks between drug organizations, and do not target visitors. In fact, ninety-five percent of Mexico is as safe as ninety-five percent of the US or Canada. Each year, Mexico is host to over 20 million visitors, and the number of visitors who are victims of crimes is statistically insignificant. David Shirk, director of the Trans-Border Institute of the University of San Diego, likens the chances of getting kidnapped or killed while traveling in Mexico to the odds of being struck by lightning. Nevertheless, like any travel destination around the world, there are petty criminals in Mexico that will take advantage of unsuspecting visitors.

In general, the more crowded tourist areas attract more petty criminals. For a safe yet enjoyable trip to Mexico, you should visit less crowded destinations such as the quaint colonial cities located in the central heartland. Visiting these off-the-beaten-track locations allows the visitor to experience authentic Mexico at its heart. One of the most romantic colonial cities in Mexico is Guanajuato. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Guanajuato boasts of one of the best-preserved colonial architecture areas in Mexico. Starting as a silver mining camp, this city was transformed into a majestic residence of aristocrats during the Spanish occupation. With grand cathedrals, baroque buildings, sprawling haciendas, stately mansions, colorful houses, elegant courtyards, underground tunnels, pedestrian alleyways, and cobblestone streets, Guanajuato is very reminiscent of old Europe. With picturesque scenery, aromatic scents from street cafes, and energetic music from mariachi bands, Guanajuato is truly a feast for the senses. It is also a university town, so Guanajuato has a large population of students and artists who give the city a uniquely youthful character.

A trip to Guanajuato will be an unforgettable and pleasurable experience. While this city is generally safe, some planning, prudent behavior, and a dose of common sense will keep you healthy and safe throughout your stay. Below are some tips that all visitors are encouraged to heed while staying in a small city like Guanajuato:

* Carry only enough money needed for each day. Leave your extra cash and other valuables inside the hotel safe. If you need to use an ATM, choose those that are located at banks or inside busy malls, and avoid withdrawing money at night. Keep your withdrawal receipts as these may come in handy in cases of balances disputes. Be discreet in getting cash from your money belt and put away all cash immediately.

* Be careful with your original travel documents. Your passport may be required for currency exchange, cashing traveler's check, securing a driving permit, etc. If you are carrying your passport with you while going around the city, make sure it is secured in your bag or body belt. If you don't need to carry your passport, store it in the hotel safe and just bring a photocopy with you when you go out.

* Blend in as much as possible. Don't wear gaudy or flashy "tourist" clothing, expensive jewelry, use fanny packs or backpacks, or carry fancy cameras or guidebooks that will call attention to you as a visitor. Dress conservatively and avoid standing out so that you do not become an obvious mark for any lurking criminal.

* Eat and drink clean, safe food. Do not use tap water to drink or to brush your teeth. Not all ice cubes are safe; use the commercial cubes (those that are cylindrical with a hole through the center. Street food requires special scrutiny - avoid those vendors that don't have running water where they can wash their hands and clean utensils. In restaurants, don't eat food items left on the table from previous customers like salsa. Ask for fresh salsa instead. Stay away from restaurants that do not look clean or that have flies flying around the tables.

* Practice prudent behavior. While those tequila shots may seem irresistible, you should not drink excessively. If you are drunk, you are more prone to figure in an accident, be an easy target for pickpockets, or lose or misplace personal items. Do not accept drinks from strangers. Stay away from all kinds of illegal drugs. Be polite to residents and to other visitors, especially to the police.

* Be street smart. Exercise caution in crowded areas. Do not swing your bags; instead, keep them close to your body. Criminals like to target persons that are distracted or appear weak and confused, so always try to look like you know what you're doing and where you are going.

* Trust your instincts. If for some reason, you do not feel uncomfortable in a particular place or situation, you should leave. In unfamiliar places, it is always better to err on the side of caution.

Whenever you are traveling, safety must be a top priority. While relaxing on vacation, many people tend to overindulge and become negligent. To be safe, you must be able to learn to unwind while being alert and careful at the same time.

Mike Anderson owns and manages a bed-and-breakfast and rental apartments and houses in the enchanting colonial city of Guanajuato, Mexico. He also writes and publishes travel information about the many museums, churches, monuments, and events in this charming city. Click to view his Guanajuato apartments or Guanajuato houses available for your next vacation in Mexico.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=M._K._Anderson

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Safe Mexico Travel Tips For the Super Paranoid Part Two

2011-03-27T07:14:00.000-07:00

Part 2: Traveling Into and Around Mexico

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Famous for its immaculate beaches, archeological ruins, and enchanting colonial cities, Mexico has everything from stunning natural scenery to romantic architectural landmarks. A fascinating people and a rich culture add to the irresistible charms of this great nation. Many historical sites in Mexico are maintained at world-class standards but enjoyed at a fraction of the cost of European or American attractions. Unfortunately, many Americans and Canadians fear for their safety while traveling in Mexico, thus preventing them from experiencing this exciting country. This misplaced fear stems from the fact that Mexico is a developing country that is quite different from the United States. But different does not mean unsafe.

Statistically speaking, Mexico is a very safe country for visitors. Most of the crime in Mexico is drug-related and concentrated in a few areas near the border like Tijuana and Ciudad Juarez. Ninety-five percent of Mexico is as safe as ninety-five percent of the US or Canada. Visitors to Mexico are not targets of public violence. But just like in other travel destinations, every visitor should watch out for petty theft or property crimes. There are pickpockets in Mexico in the same way that that there are pickpockets in Paris, the world's leading travel destination. As Edward Hasbrouck, author of "The Practical Nomad: How to Travel Around the World", puts it, "the biggest danger for a law-abiding traveler in Mexico is probably the same as the big danger in the U.S. - road crashes. Almost everything else is negligible by comparison."

For a safe trip to Mexico, you should begin by choosing a safe yet exciting destination like the quaint Mexican towns located in the center heartland. Unlike the well-known beach destinations, these lesser known destinations offer you an authentic experience of the Mexican way of life. Best of all, these off-the-beaten-path attractions tend to be safer, cheaper, and less crowded.

One fine example of romantic "old Mexico" is the city of Guanajuato. Set in the rolling highlands of Central Mexico, this UNESCO World Heritage site has one of the best-preserved colonial architecture in the country. Guanajuato was built on the enormous wealth derived from huge deposits of silver mined within its area during the mid 16th century. Traces of its opulence are still visible today in the baroque buildings, aristocratic haciendas, a magnificent basilica and churches, impressive plazas, and colorful houses perched on hillsides or along cobblestone streets. These colonial elements blend well with organic urban structures like narrow passageways, underground tunnels, an opera house, museums, art galleries and cafes. With friendly and accommodating residents, Guanajuato is a pleasurable and safe city for visitors.

Visiting Guanajuato is guaranteed to be an unforgettable and enriching experience for you. To keep you safe throughout your trip, you need to properly plan before leaving and observe the following safety precautions while traveling into and around Mexico:

Travel during daylight. As much as possible, schedule your departures and arrivals during daytime. If you must travel at night, be sure to keep to the main roads and well-lighted places.
Keep an eye on your luggage and handbags at all times. If you need help from porters, make sure that they have badges and IDs. If your luggage is checked or stored, remember to get the luggage receipt. Never accept packages from persons you don't know.
Use official transport services. In major cities, use official taxis (Taxis Autorizados) and avoid non-authorized cabs (piratas). There are official taxi counters in the airports and bus stations. Within the city, refrain from flagging taxis down the street. Ask your hotel or lodging host to call a cab via phone (radio taxicabs) for you and they may take note of the taxi license number and driver's name. Once inside the taxi, make sure that the driver has his permit on display. For buses, stick to the first-class lines, since these buses take the toll roads (cuota) which are faster and smoother. The second- and third-class buses traverse the free highways (libre) that are slower, bumpier, and more exposed to petty crime.
Drive safely. If you are driving your car or renting a vehicle in Mexico, remember that most Mexican roads are not up to US standards with respect to smoothness, hardness, width, curvature, grade, or safety markings. The Mexican driving style may be more spirited, so use extreme caution and strictly observe traffic laws. Do not drive at night if possible. You do not want to get lost in an unfamiliar area at night.
Stay in smaller inns, B&Bs, and owner-managed vacation rentals since these establishments give a more personalized service compared to the big hotel chains. In smaller establishments, the hosts or owners will remember your name, your preferences, your schedules, etc. They will typically engage you in friendly conversations, and these are perfect opportunities for you to learn about the place you are visiting. Being locals in the area, they can give you advices on places to avoid, the best possible routes to take, etc. They are the best up-to-date source of tips in the area that guidebooks cannot provide.
Inform your hosts about your expected arrival times. In smaller inns, the hotel staff and owners tend to be better at keeping tabs on when you leave the hotel and your expected arrival times. They can easily sound an alert and notify authorities if you are not back when expected.

Throughout your trip in Mexico, you are going to be mobile much of the time. Mobility may expose you to some risks unless safety measures are taken. With a well thought out itinerary, good preparation, alertness, caution, and prudence, you will arrive at your destination and return home safely.

Mike Anderson owns and manages a bed-and-breakfast and rental apartments and houses in the enchanting colonial city of Guanajuato, Mexico. He also writes and publishes travel information about the many museums, churches, monuments, and events in this charming city. Click to view his Guanajuato apartments or Guanajuato houses available for your next vacation in Mexico. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=M._K._Anderson

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Safe Mexico Travel Tips For the Super Paranoid

2011-03-26T12:48:00.000-07:00

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Mexico is a must-see travel destination that boasts of diverse attractions like pristine beaches, ancient archeological sites, and charming colonial cities. Blessed with a temperate climate and teeming with rich culture, Mexico wins the hearts of visitors by offering a unique blend of nature, history and culture at dollar-friendly prices. Despite its location just below the American border, Mexico is an altogether different culture compared to the United States or Canada. Because it is so different, many visitors have some apprehensions about traveling to Mexico.

These fears are unfounded. Mexico is by and large a safe place to travel. While it's true that Mexico has its share of public violence, these crimes are mostly drug related and concentrated in a few areas close to the border like Tijuana and Ciudad Juarez, and visitors are not targets. Ninety-five percent of Mexico is as safe as ninety-five percent of the USA or Canada. In fact, Mexico is consistently among the top 10 most visited countries in the world, attracting more than 20 million foreigners annually. Mexico could not possibly attract so many visitors if their safety was at risk. This is not to say, however, that all the tourist spots in Mexico are completely crime-free. Like any other travel destination, unsuspecting tourists in Mexico may fall prey to petty crimes unless basic travel safety precautions are taken.

One of the most enjoyable and safest ways to see Mexico is visiting the quaint Mexican towns located in the center heartland. Compared to the Mexican coastlines that are teeming with tourists, these off-the-beaten-track vacation spots offer an authentic Mexican experience without the tourist crowds, the tourist price tags, and the petty criminals out to take advantage of unsuspecting tourists. One such example of romantic "old Mexico" is Guanajuato. Guanajuato is a charming, hilly city of Spanish colonial architecture and atmosphere. This picturesque city began as a silver mining camp, but is now dotted with colorful houses, asymmetrical buildings, pedestrian alleyways, narrow passageways, underground tunnels, courtyards, museums, art galleries, churches, and cafes along cobblestone streets. Still an undiscovered jewel for foreign tourists, Guanajuato is a very popular weekend getaway among locals from other Mexican cities. In 1988, Guanajuato was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so visitors, Mexican or foreign, will always be able to enjoy its preserved architecture and cultural heritage. Guanajuato is a safe city, and its residents are very friendly to visitors.

But for the super paranoid among you, before you cross the border en route to Guanajuato, use these travel safety tips to help make your Mexican vacation safe and worry-free.

Two fundamental principle of safe travel are: Protect your identification documents and your money. You can recover from just about any situation or emergency if you have your passport, visa, and cash or credit cards. The tips below explain how to do this.
Always behave prudently - be courteous, stay healthy and absolutely refrain from drug use and excess alcohol. Avoid questionable locations, and keep your vices at home.
Plan your trip. The best trips always start with proper planning. The web is full of helpful information on your chosen destination. You can check everything from the kind of weather to expect, recommended lodging, must-try foods, places to see and avoid, special events, even the prices of products and services. Armed with this information, you can create the best itinerary and prepare everything you need to make that trip both enjoyable and safe.
Choose a reputable lodging. Using review websites like Tripadvisor, select establishments with good ratings from past travelers, especially with regard to personal service and security. Don't limit your choice to the big, brand-name hotel chains. More often, the smaller inns, B&Bs, and vacation rentals are better options since they provide personalized service and attention from the hosts. Your hosts will look after you and can offer ready advice and assistance in case something goes awry. Reserve your lodging at the earliest possible time - the best accommodations are the first to be fully booked.
Travel light. Pack only what is essential. In the event of an emergency, lighter bags allow you a greater ease of movement. Leave expensive jewelry and valuables at home, including your laptop, as cyber-cafes are widely available throughout Mexico. Take a "beater" camera that won't identify you as a tourist or present a temptation to a snatch-and-run artist. The less you bring, the less you are at risk of losing to travel damages, loss or theft.
Back up your travel documents. Make 2 photocopies of your passports, plane tickets, credit cards, IDs, itineraries, lodging contact info, emergency numbers, etc. Leave one set with a trusted person at home, and bring the other set with you, packed separately from the original documents. Or scan these documents and email them to yourself. These backup copies will be essential in case you lose the original documents. If you take medication, remember to bring a copy of your prescriptions.
Split your cash, ATM cards, and credit cards into two sets. Jot down the international phone numbers of your credit cards and banks. The 800 toll- free numbers used in the US do not work in Mexico. Using slim, on-body money belts (under clothing) is a great way to keep your money safe but handy.
Check insurance coverage. If you can afford it, opt to get travel health insurance. If you have existing health insurance, make sure that your destination is covered. You will also want to list the accredited medical institutions in your destination. If you are taking a car to Mexico, you need Mexican car insurance, which you can easily get online or in border towns.
Learn some basic Spanish phrases. You'll need to be able to ask for the locations of bathrooms, and know how to ask for medical and police assistance in the case of emergencies.
Activate your mobile phone for international use. If that's not possible, purchase a prepaid calling card. Ensure that you can call home or to any emergency number whenever you need to. Conversely, ensure that you can be reached by phone so you can be notified of problems back home.
For the super paranoid, you may opt to register your itinerary with your country's embassy in Mexico. This can be easily done online and this will provide another means of contact with folks back home, in the event of emergencies in either country.

Follow these safety guidelines before you leave and use sensible judgment throughout your trip. A smart traveler is a safe traveler.

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Observations From Mexico

2011-03-26T12:38:00.000-07:00

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My family just returned from a relaxing week in Riviera Maya on the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico just south of Cancun. Like many Mexican resorts, the one we stayed at was spectacular, the weather was beautiful, and the only problem with the experience was that it had to end. While there, I found myself taking some mental notes that I'd like to share.

First of all, safety at Mexico's east and west coast resorts is just not a problem. Cancun, Cozumel, Cabos San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan - in these places one feels quite safe, and much safer than in most large American cities. Even when venturing out into the countryside for shopping or sightseeing, the environment is typically warm and welcoming and the Mexicans you meet along the way are consistently friendly. They don't demand that you speak Spanish - and among the most successful Mexicans in the tourist trade appear to be those that speak good English.

One thing I noticed during this trip was the complete absence of anything to buy that was labeled "Made in China". In fact, the only imported item I found during the entire week was the butter served at restaurants. The butter came from New Zealand and France. I found myself making a point to look at labels during this trip, and almost everything I looked at was labeled "Hecho in Mexico".

Another thing I noticed was the considerable amount of construction recently completed and ongoing in the places I visited. While construction has slowed in the US, it has very clearly been on the increase in Mexico, and there appear to be more and more citizens of Mexico finding employment in the tourist industry. Perhaps there are some things we here in the US can learn from the Mexicans.

Jon Cykman
true politics, thoughtful commentary on American Politics
http://cykman.wordpress.com
http://politics.cykman.com

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Cruise Visits Benefit Mexico Real Estate, Despite Negative Media

2011-03-26T12:25:00.000-07:00

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The factor which most directly effects the value of Mexico beachfront for sale is the number of foreign buyers interested in the market, a factor directly linked to the number of expats living in the area and the number of tourists visiting. For this reason, it is good news for Mexico real estate investors that more foreigners continue to visit and move to Mexico, despite widespread media coverage of drug conflicts in parts of the country.
One recent evidence of this is the fact that Mexico remains the second highest destination in the world for welcoming cruise ship visitors; companies continue to have a high level of confidence in investing in on Mexico.

For example, Royal Caribbean is opening offices in Mexico. Cruise activity benefits the real estate market very generally as a part of tourism, but also directly brings the benefit of more visitor exposure for those considering a Mexico homes for sale as a means of generating income from vacation rental. Some of Mexico's most major cruise destinations, such as Cozumel and Puerto Vallarta, are also among the top choices for expat communities and foreign real estate investors. Another move re-affirming Mexico's role as a leading cruise destination is the recent creation of Ocean Star Cruises, the first Mexican-operated cruise operator, founded entirely on entirely Mexican funds, starting in the Mexican Pacific (including Puerto Vallarta) because of the high demand in that area.

As for the drug-related violence, it is a real issue, which has been a point of concern from U.S. authorities among others. However, those who have visited and lived in Mexico have noticed that these problems are isolated and do not affect the majority of the country. New tourists and real estate buyers have been making contact with those who have already had experienced in Mexico, gaining confidence that the issues in the news are at a safe distance from the key real estate market areas.

The value of personal testimony attesting to the safety of living in Mexico has proven to be stronger than exaggerated media coverage. Statistics also back the feeling of safety, placing many communities in Mexico at a safer level than many cities in the U.S.

TOPMexicoRealEstate.com; Mexico's Leading Network of Specialists for Finding and Purchasing Mexican Properties Safely

Mexico Real Estate NETWORK; "Mexico's Leading Network of Specialists for Finding and Purchasing Mexican Properties Safely!"

Region: Playa del Carmen real estate Thomas Lloyd graduated from Purdue University Krannert School of Management with a degree in Management/Financial Option Investments. He has been living, investing, and working professionally in Mexico for over 15 years. A Mexican Certified Realtor he is the current president of TOPmexicorealestate, you can contact him at (512) 879-6546.

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