Share the article
Last update
Security is a top concern for Americans vacationing abroad this year.
Whether it’s the war in Europe, the political instability that continues to plague most of South America, or the volatile world of geopolitics as a whole, we will not judge you if you have reservations about visiting certain territories in 2023.
Fortunately for sun worshipers, America’s favorite getaway, the Mexican Caribbean, remains a perfectly safe summer destination.
This statement may come as a surprise to some, especially if you’ve been buying the anti-Mexico rhetoric from the mainstream media, but really couldn’t be more secure (in the words of the Mexican president himself).
This is why:
How dangerous is Mexico?
Earlier this year, Mexico was plagued by new damning reports about rising crime rates in border regions, including a kidnapping case that resulted in the deaths of innocent U.S. citizens, an isolated incident widely condemned within Mexico and even among gangs.
Unsurprisingly, however, the US media was quick to jump on the anti-Mexico bandwagon, going so far as to imply that the authorities were ‘not tough’ on crime, or even turning a blind eye to crime, refuted by immediately by the Mexican president.
In the words of President AMLO himself, Mexico is not only perfectly safe, it is ‘safer’ than the US – but to what extent was the country’s highest authority right?
Based on the additional steps to ensure public safety taken by state authorities in Quintana Roo, the most popular tourist destination in the Mexican Caribbean, and the US State Department’s own risk classification for the entire area, your statement can carry some TRUE.
No Caribbean destination is safer than Cancun right now
In recent months, we have seen a record increase in the mobilization of security forces in the tourist areas of the Riviera Maya.
Top 5 Travel Insurance Plans for 2023 from $10 per week
Cancun, the region’s leading city and busiest hub, has seen the deployment of additional National Guard officers to maintain beaches and other areas frequented by vacationers. crime free.
As a result, it is no longer uncommon to see heavily armed military and police officers in Cancun.
Now that there is no longer an official ‘low season’ in the Mexican Caribbean, with some resorts reporting occupancy rates of over 80% for the traditionally quiet months of July and August, security has been further tightened.
An additional of 200 armed National Guard officers joined the so-called ‘Tourism Battalion’ in recent days, demonstrating that the authorities are working around the clock to ensure that tourists feel safe when visiting the leading city in the Greater Caribbean.
The Tourism Battalion is a unique initiativeand serves as proof of Mexico’s commitment to keeping crime under control, as it is said to be a ‘highly specialized unit’ that patrols ‘busy tourist areas’.
To the best of our knowledge, no other Caribbean destination he has invested this massively in security and has put the well-being of tourists first.
Mexico is safer than most Latin American countries
In fact, several sunny destinations have experienced skyrocketing crime rates this year, with Colombia, another country that straddles the Caribbean, being added to the State Department’s Tier 3 list. Americans should now reconsider travel.
Cancun is not the only municipality that has beefed up security efforts. Outside the mainland, Isla Mujeres has confirmed new and extensive police patrols‘ this summer.
Although women is generally perceived as safe, drug trafficking remains a major challenge for regional leaders, particularly when it comes to young people joining the infamous ‘jungle raves’. Still, crime rates are ‘extremely low’ on the island, as reported by The Sun of Cancun.
Despite limited criminal activity, more police are being brought in to ensure robbery rates come down. Even more.
In a certain sense, surveillance has never been as solid as it is now in the Mexican Caribbean. Mexico is well aware that tourist dollars are the main engine of its economyand the Government has shown determination in dealing with criminals operating in Quintana Roo.
We couldn’t find the data to back up AMLO’s claims, whether Mexico is indeed safer than the US, but based on the information available, can infer that the risk to tourists is in fact very low.
This does not mean crime free
Naturally, crime can still occur, as the Mexican Caribbean is a very popular destination and tourist spots tend to attract pickpockets and other ill-intentioned people, but the risk is not higher than in any other destination that has been added to Level 2 of the Department of State.
For example, tourists are also advised to exercise extra caution when visiting Paris, France, due to its higher rates of petty crime, violent protests, and the threat of terrorism.
Although the reasons for Tier 2 status may be different, from the point of view of the US government, Cancun and Paris, and indeed every other Tier 2 destination, share the same risk levels.
The Mexican Caribbean is truly one of the safest international destinations for Americans this season.
To avoid problems during your visit, be sure to leave any visibly expensive jewelry and unnecessary belongings in your hotel safe, never show large amounts of cash in public or leave it in plain sight, and don’t leave your belongings unattended at any time.
In other words, general safety tips applies.
traveler alert: Don’t forget travel insurance for your next trip!
↓ Join our community ↓
He Travel Off Path Community FB Group It has the latest news, talks, and Q&A on the reopening every day!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST PUBLICATIONS
Enter your email address to sign up for the latest travel news from Travel Off Path, delivered straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
