Travel Safely In A Foreign Country
Traveling someplace and wonder about safety?
Sheila booked a Winter Break Vacations for next year. It is
exciting but at the same time concerned about traveling to Mexico because of
recent crime against tourists there. Is it really against tourist or is this over
publicized incident spoiling the pot of a dream vacation?
She asks a friend who did not even hear or read any recent
crime against tourists in Cancun, Riveria Maya, Cabo and that helps. Maybe it is
not that bad, she told herself. She won’t be traveling alone. A few friends are
coming along on this winter break vacation.
One thing that negative news is good at is it plants fear in
your mind. It is very easy to believe and feel scared when you hear something from the news, worst when something
bad happens in actuality from someone you know. We read about drug cartels or gangs in Mexico and they are still
there. It has been a struggle, fighting with them and they still exist in Mexico
where tourists come to enjoy the beauty of Mexico. It is sad but it is the
reality.
As of this writing, Mexico is currently at a Level 2 Travel Advisory, which has
been given as well to the UK, France, and Germany. What this should tell you is
that you should exercise the same amount of caution as when you travel to
California, New York or Texas. If you are from one of the countries mentioned,
then you know how much caution you need to be prepared for. Does it guarantee
your safety to understand the level of concern?
There are places in each of those states that you probably
shouldn’t walk around at night by yourself as a tourist. Walking around alone
is never a good idea especially when you are not familiar with the area. It does
kill the adventure of discovering something about the city but it is also a
fact that things are not the same in every locality. What is safe in one city
is not the same safety in another. It is best to walk with a group and do some
research to help you when a need arises.
It is a good idea to pay attention around you and to know where the exits
are like in the movie theater should something happen.
But I’d never caution anyone to not visit anywhere in the
state because of it. Be smart, travel with established tour groups and stay at
established, well-respected hotels and you’ll have a fantastic time!
If you read UK, New Zealand, and even Canada’s travel
warning for the US, it really opens your eyes to things and to think about
being safe when traveling. One that stood out in UK travel warnings is that it
says not to go to states with drug crimes that are on the rise like in Texas,
California, Arizona, New Mexico. Living here, we know; not everywhere in
California is going to be a drug crime, but if you are a foreigner reading
that, you will not want to go to California, Texas, Arizona or New Mexico. But
yet the Grand Canyon is in Arizona and San Diego is in California, not to
mention Disneyland, a very popular theme parks especially when traveling with
children. These are great tourist places for people to go to but if you do not
know what areas to go to then you will not visit these amazing places because
the fear generalizes the whole California or Arizona. Same with Mexico, yes
there is a crime but you need to be educated where to go.
Tourist places are safe. With the escorted group, you might feel
even safer. Tourist places do their best to make the place safe for business
reasons, helping their economy and a good source of livelihood for the
community people. The risk would be if you decide to go off the path for a solo
adventure, or be separated from the group for any reasons such as finding something
that caught your attention without informing your companion might be a bad idea. I know, you might want to be adventurous and having all the precautions kills the adventure.
But, being adventurous yourself is a good thing as long as you keep in mind to be aware of your surroundings, or at least let the group leader know and you must know when to stop exploring too far. It's best to stay with the group or at least check with the group every now and then. It also takes worry out from your group and that needs commom sense and trusting your gut, you know…
Better yet, if you went to Mexico with a group, stay and have fun together. After all, that is the goal, right? the tour guide will also be a good resource and help when you want to explore a little further. Guides have a better idea of the destination, especially the local guide.
Is it possible something bad will happen even if the destination is deemed safe? Yes! Anything can
happen no matter how safe the place is. These are unforeseen forces we do not
see nor think about. As always, keep in mind to expect the unexpected in all circumstances
so you face the situation with courage and with presence of mind.
Never let fear take control of your dream vacation because who really knows what is safe and not? You are the traveler, take control of your travel adventures with a common sense and a trust in your gut.
Hensley Travel
AmaWaterways Cruises
Disney Cruise, Disneyland, Walt Disney World
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
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