Mexico, safer than most people think...

[Hector]

"In 2008, Mexico City had a homicide rate of nine for every 100,000 people, while Washington D.C. had a rate of more than 30 per 100,000 -- over three times higher."

"The news media prefer to report horrible events rather than address the reality; Mexico is, in general, a very safe country -- with the notable and news-making exception of Juarez and other border towns -- and has far less violent crime than any large U.S. city," says Barbara Erickson, one of more than a million Americans who lives safely in Mexico.

How Safe is Mexico? - AOL Travel News

[fallensaviour]

I think I'd rather take my chances walking down portage ave in the middle of a winnipeg snow storm in my underwear,thanks anyways...

[The Bat]

See, I've always been under the impression that Mexico is not a place. But I've never been there...it's just the impression I get from the way Mexico is portrayed. Probably unfairly.

[Mawni]

I've never really thought of Mexico as unsafe but I have heArd their highways are scary at night.

[Mikey]

I can imagine almost all Americans who live in Mexico probably live in upscale communities (at least compared to the average native Mexican) so I would not trust anything an American living in Mexico would say about crime rates.

[megoscott]

Statistically, yes, except--Kidnapping and ransom are a growth industry in Mexico. Getting shot in the 'hood in DC isn't a problem for most people who don't live in that neighborhood, but if you're a businessman traveling from San Diego to Mexico you might want to get a bulletproof car. When I was a teenager we'd drive to Juarez and party til 4 in the morning and the biggest threat to your safety was driving home drunk. Nobody goes to Juarez now, it's really sad.

And it may be unfair to the larger country as a whole, but the part that's closest to the US is experiencing some horrible crime and it's affecting Americans so of course it's a big deal in the media. Travel to certain places for tourism, fine, my folks spend a few weeks every winter on the Mexican coast. But it's not a big illusion, there's a serious situation down there. The police chief of a Washington suburb isn't likely to be found in his car with his head in his lap.

[wayne foundation 07]

As anyplace,its all about using your head.Don't put yourself in a bad spot,don't go where you know you shouldn't be.We've been there several times and other than a strong military showing its never been an issue.The soilders and police everywhere are just part of the backdrop now.Go and enjoy the culture and the food,meet great people and just use your head.

[BOTZWANA]

I live in Mexico and when thinking of traveling go to the Monster Cafe. http://www.monstercafesaltillo.com

Check out my foto section!

Saltillo is 3 hours from the border and totally safe.

[toys2cool]

I think I'd rather take my chances walking down portage ave in the middle of a winnipeg snow storm in my underwear,thanks anyways...

lol

[Captain]

I think I'd rather take my chances walking down portage ave in the middle of a winnipeg snow storm in my underwear,thanks anyways...

Me too. The general population probably is safer than the tourists. Of late, attacks on tourists has filled the news. So has stories of tourists who "committed suicide" by beating themselves to a pulp and then threw themselves off a balcony. Canadian Government has started warning tourists against Mexico....at least certain parts of it.

I wouldnt want to visit any of the border cities either.....the drug war sounds like it rapidly escalating to a civil war! I've got some friends in El Paso who say its turning into a kill zone along their border line.

[samurainoir]

I think I'd rather take my chances walking down portage ave in the middle of a winnipeg snow storm in my underwear,thanks anyways...

Having visited four vastly different cities in different parts of Mexico during a lovely vacation two years ago (Tuxla, Mexico city, Merida and Cancun), I would easily choose any of those over Winnipeg as a travel destination. Especially in the winter months!

[Neutron X]

If I have learned only one thing in my life it is I like it here

[Hector]

Having visited four vastly different cities in different parts of Mexico during a lovely vacation two years ago (Tuxla, Mexico city, Merida and Cancun), I would easily choose any of those over Winnipeg as a travel destination. Especially in the winter months!

Exactly...

[Hector]

The border towns though...nasty...especially Juarez...what a cancer of a place.

[RG]

Oregon ... is just right, warm summers and nice springs and falls, some mild snow in the winters and sure some rain ... but not enough to drive me out of my safty zone of the Beaver state lol