Spring Break Cancun 2013

Dear friends of Cancun,

An unfortunate incident took place on Thursday, March 14 in Cancun: a bar located in the outskirts of the city was attacked by members of a drug gang, leaving a total of 7 people dead on the scene. While we condemn this and any other act of drug violence and offer our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased, it is important to put things into perspective.

No tourists were harmed in the attack. The bar is located in “Region 233″, an area at least 5 miles away from the beginning of Cancun’s Hotel Zone, much farther away from the bars and clubs area. The city of Cancun is divided into the Hotel Zone, Downtown, and the “Regiones”, which are areas located in downtown Cancun’s outskirts, very far away from the tourist areas. It is well known that some of the “regiones” are insecure, sometimes even locals avoiding them, let alone tourists.

See the following map and illustration for a visual idea of distances:

Distance from attacked bar to Cancun’s Hotel Zone: 7.6 kilometers or 4.7 miles. View map in Google Maps.

Distance from attacked bar in Cancun's outskirts to Hotel Zone

Illustration by Alma Noguez - Download this illustration in PDF

Spring Breakers currently enjoying Cancun are perfectly safe. Furthermore, a federal operative was recently launched to increase security in the Hotel Zone for spring breakers, bringing in additional police forces and even federal forces to patrol the area day and night, guaranteeing the safety of our visitors.

We feel very sorry for the loss of human lives and we are in no way trying to diminish this incident, but we think it is important to get the facts straight. We hope the federal government increases its efforts in fighting the drug gangs and that the perpetrators of this attack are brought to justice. Local and federal police forces as well as the army are already tracking down the attackers. We’ll release more information as soon as it becomes available.

Spring Break Cancun 2013

Dear friends of Cancun,

As reported by FOX News Latino, the Mexican Federal Police or “Los Federales” are reinforcing security for travelers during Spring Break Cancun 2013. They will be helping with patrolling and maintaining order & security in Cancun’s Hotel Zone, visiting nightclubs and shopping areas especially during the night, to help keep all visitors safe to enjoy their holidays and only worrying about what the plan for tonight is going to be.

‘Police in the Mexican Caribbean resort city of Cancun are stepping up security in preparation for the arrival of thousands of spring breakers from the United States, city officials told Efe.

“Operation Spring Breakers 2013″ calls for the deployment of 138 Tourism Police officers from the city of Benito Juárez, where Cancun is located, more than 100 federal law enforcement agents, 86 marines and 80 army troops to maintain order.

“The federal forces are there for support” and will help patrol the hotel zone, nightclubs and shopping centers, “especially at night,” the city officials said.’

This operation will last until April 15 in the city of Cancun, Mexico.

Read more:

Cancun Steps Up Security Ahead of Spring Breakers’ Arrival | FOX News Latino

Additional content you might find useful:

Spring Break 2013 Safety Tips

Is Cancun Safe? Click here for more info on safety in Cancun

Map showing distance from Cancun & Riviera Maya to troubled areas in Mexico

Cancun, Mexico

Approximately 300,000 British tourists visit Mexico every year. Most of these land in Cancun, which has become a popular holiday destination for tourists of all ages and backgrounds, only 11 hours away from the UK.

The stunning beaches of this region are one of Cancun’s main attractions. If you thought those postcards showing turquoise waters and white powdery sand beaches were photoshopped, you may have to think again once you see them with your own eyes. Mexican food and the lively character of the locals are often quoted as the highlight of a holiday in Cancun. And of course, we cannot forget those ice cold margaritas! If you are still not convinced, read on to find out why a holiday in Cancun is guaranteed to be a hit.

5 reasons to choose Cancun as your next holiday destination:

-Safety

Although the Foreign and Commonwealth Office recommends British tourists to stay away from certain parts of Mexico on the grounds of drug-related violence, Cancun is a perfectly safe destination for British citizens to visit. Of course, it is always wise to be alert while on a trip abroad, but during a stay in Cancun you only need to keep in mind the usual common sense precautions.

-Weather

Cancun enjoys from fantastic warm weather all year round. Average temperatures hover around 25° Celsius from January to December, and although there is a rainy season that runs from May to October, the rain only lasts for a couple of hours every day, so you do not have to worry about it spoiling your Caribbean holiday. Water temperatures stay at a pleasant average of 24°C throughout the year. This fact, coupled with excellent underwater visibility, makes of Cancun an ideal destination for beach lovers and diving or snorkeling enthusiasts. If you are looking for a holiday in the sun, there is no better destination.

-Nightlife

Cancun has a reputation for being one of the best party spots in the Caribbean. The city’s nightlife is legendary and keeps attracting visitors year after year. There are dozens of clubs, discos, and bars spread around the “Zona Hotelera” (where most hotels are located) and in the town centre. Those who prefer a quieter night out have also plenty of options to choose from, as the town is dotted with pubs, coffee shops, and local “cantinas”.

-Accommodation options

There is no shortage of accommodation options in Cancun, as there are more than 5,000 rooms available in hundreds of hotels around the city. Whichever your budget is, you can be sure that there will be something to suit your preferences in this lovely seaside town. Most tourists choose to stay in all-inclusive resorts, but other options are available, including guest houses, luxury and boutique hotels, and stays with local families.

-Value for money

Although Cancun is a long-haul destination, its popularity has meant that it is now possible to find excellent deals from the most important UK cities. There are special deals available for families with kids, couples on their honeymoon, and senior travellers. In addition, the favourable exchange rate means that you get more pesos for your pounds, so eating, drinking, and shopping locally are very affordable indeed.

Cancun, Mexico

I have been asked if it is safe to go to Mexico more times than I can count – by my family, friends and even strangers I meet. My answer is always the same: yes.

Growing up in Canada but spending the last four years in Europe for university, I have been away from the media frenzy about Mexico and I have not been witness to the image that is now strewn across the media weekly. However, whenever I returned home I always witnessed it firsthand. It always shocked me to see; I had been to Mexico countless times and enjoyed the country immensely, never fearing for my safety or feeling uncomfortable. When it came time in my third year of university to choose a destination to do my internship in for 7 months, Mexico came as a natural choice. This however did not mean that it did not come without concerns and questions from my family and friends who had seen the North American media portrayal of the country. I brushed them off and told everyone I would be fine and I would return in 7 months with all body parts intact and only stories of great adventure and fun.

Throughout my 7 months spent in Cancun, Mexico in 2011 I got to experience amazing things; I got to really get to know the area. I spent time in the jungle camping next to a cenote, took part in the spring equinox at Chichen Itza, I went skydiving, bungee jumping and rappelling, I swam with turtles in Akumal and Whale sharks near Isla Contoy in the bluest waters I have ever seen and I ate every type of local Mexican food in the region. There was not at any point where I was ever bored or at a loss of things to do in the region – every week was a new experience and the Mexican people I met were truly some the most wonderful and kindest people I have ever met.

Swimming with Whale Sharks

If my love for Mexico wasn’t defined before I went there for 7 months, it only grew once I was there – I returned again early this year to conduct research for my thesis. When I left for Mexico this time, I once again got questions – is it safe? Have you seen the news? Are you sure? This is exactly why I wanted to go back – to show that Mexico is a safe country and although it may have parts that are not safe (like every country), there are so many places that are safe and wonderful to visit. How do I stay safe? Common sense. I am a young, Caucasian female whose Spanglish barely can be understood most of the times, but I used common sense and researched which areas were safe. I spoke to locals, and other foreigners living in the area. Every person who I met was always willing to help me if I was lost or didn’t know which bus to take – people in Cancun especially want to make tourists feel comfortable and safe. Tourism is vital to Cancun especially and people need it to survive. Although the media may depict ONE part of Mexico, it does not highlight the other wonderful and special side. Throughout my time spent in Mexico and the various areas in the country, I have got to experience so many wonderful things and I am so grateful for each memory. If I had to do it all over again, I would – in a heartbeat. Mexico is wonderful country, filled with so many unique and exciting things to do and see and if you travel with common sense, you should not have any problems.

Of course, if you are a tourist only visiting the area for 2 weeks you won’t have time to do everything, but to spend the whole time in your hotel because you are scared to leave – that’s crazy! (Well, with the beaches in Cancun, I do kind of understand lying on the beach all day for 2 weeks ) Cancun is a wonderful location and basis for any holiday – but it is also more than just sun, sea and sand. And it is not is drug-ridden, beheading central either. It is chic. It is adventure. It is family friendly. It is exciting. It is culture. It is AMAZING! The Cancun Zone is a different place from ‘El Centro’ Cancun – but this difference is wonderful one, as the rest of the Mayan Riviera and State of Quintana Roo is.

Coba, Mayan ruins site near Cancun

Fear should not hold back anyone from seeing all that the area has to offer. So do not let the media make your decision to visit Mexico – visit yourself, and see what all the fuss is all about

About Rebecca:

Growing up in Canada surrounded by different cultures (my parents are from Germany and Denmark) and travelling with my family a lot as a youth instilled travel in me. My passion for travelling stems for this, as I always want to see new places and experience new cultures. My love for travel also pushed me to study Tourism abroad and go (back) to Mexico for my Internship. I have just graduated with a BBA in Tourism Management and am looking forward to starting a career in Tourism and Travel hopefully (and continue to travel of course!) and hopefully one day, return once again to Mexico – my second home! – Follow Rebecca on Twitter: @Rebu23

Cancun, Mexico

Cancun, Mexico, August 08 2012

Friends of Cancun:

Just a quick update on Hurricane Ernesto to reassure you that everything is ok in Cancun and the Riviera Maya. Hurricane Ernesto brought nothing more than heavy rain and some bursts of wind, not even near close to the magnitude of much larger and deadlier storms that have made landfall in Cancun and the Riviera Maya.

Hurricane Ernesto has now left the Cancun and Riviera Maya area and is moving across the Bay of Campeche.

From Weather Channel:

“Ernesto will continue to move west over the Bay of Campeche before making a second landfall in Mexico on Thursday.

While some additional strengthening is possible as Ernesto moves across the Bay of Campeche, the rather limited time window over water will limit any major intensification. There is a chance Ernesto could reach hurricane status before its final landfall on Thursday. Hurricane warnings have been issued from Veracruz to Chilitepec.”

Ernesto

Image: Weather Channel

We will continue to monitor storm activity in the area and will keep you updated if there is a Hurricane Warning in effect for Cancun and the Riviera Maya.

Until then, stay safe and warm regards from Cancun!

Tropical Storm Ernesto – Weather.com

Image: weather.com

 Cancun, Mexico – August 05 2012 – 1:20 p.m. CDT

Friends of Cancun,

As we have previously said, tropical storms are very erratic and unpredictable forces of nature; so, we always suggest to stay calm when you hear of a new storm heading our way and just keep a close eye on how it continues to develop. Most of the times the systems weak down and/or change direction, as it has been the case of Tropical Storm Ernesto.

From The Weather Channel:

“Tropical Storm Ernesto has become poorly organized as it moves westward across the Caribbean Sea. The storm will pass south of Jamaica Sunday into early Monday. Rain and gusty winds are expected there even with the circulation center passing well to the south.

Our Senior Meteorologist Stu Ostro says: ‘Even if the storm recovers, it’ll then weaken again as it moves across a thick stretch of land, and could bury itself over land or barely make it out into the Bay of Campeche (southwest Gulf of Mexico).‘”

More info: weather.com

Reporting live from Cancun, all we have got so far was some rain and lightning last night; today it’s nice and sunny so far! We expect to get some more rain and/or thunderstorms in the following days, but we are confident that there is no danger of it becoming a hurricane – not even close to the magnitude of the last few really big hurricanes that have touched land in Cancun.

From Weather Underground:

“A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for:
* Jamaica

A tropical storm watch is in effect for:
* Grand Cayman
* the coast of Honduras from the Honduras/Nicaragua border westward
to Punta Castilla

A Tropical Storm Warning means that tropical storm conditions are
expected somewhere within the warning area, in this case within 12
hours. A tropical storm watch means that tropical storm conditions are
possible within the watch area, in this case within 24 to 48 hours.

Interests in Belize and the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico should
monitor the progress of Ernesto.

Discussion and 48-hour outlook:

At 200 PM EDT, 1800 UTC the center of Tropical Storm Ernesto was located near latitude 15.2 north, longitude 77.9 west. Ernesto is moving toward the west near 23 mph/37 km/h and this motion is expected to continue today and tonight with a decrease in forward speed. A turn toward the west-northwest is expected by late Monday or Monday night. On the forecast track, the center of Ernesto is expected to continue to pass south of Jamaica this afternoon and move north of the northeastern coast of Honduras late Monday and Monday night.”

Tropical Storm Ernesto - Weather Underground

More info: Weather Underground

So, don’t worry much and just be prepared for some rain in Cancun and the Yucatán Peninsula (Playa del Carmen, etc). Time to hit up the malls, movie theathers, or just stay indoors and enjoy some of the entertainment provided by your resort. Remember, a rainy day in paradise is still a day in paradise!

Keep checking back this page for the latest updates on Tropical Storm Ernesto. Warm regards from Cancun!

Summer Break Cancun

Photo: INFLUXIS PICS (Flickr)

During Summer Break 2012, travelers visiting the beach destination of Cancun will come across endless options for partying, adrenaline, exploring and simple relaxation. I’ve been able to personally experience the best that Mexico’s Caribbean coast has to offer during my years living here, and I’d love to share my personal Top 5 List of ways to have a blast on your next Summer Break in Cancun.

1. Party Center

You cannot go to Cancun on Summer Break without experiencing the destination’s jaw-dropping nightclubs. It’s so easy to just buy your open bar then spend the night doing tequila shots with friends and dancing on bars. Most of Cancun’s nightclubs can be found all on the same block known as “Party Center”. Conveniently located in the heart of the Hotel Zone, Party Center boasts some of the world’s best nightclubs, all right next to each other. My personal favorite is Coco Bongo and its amazing show, while many prefer clubs like The City and Dady’O for their frequent contests and celebrity guests.

2. Hit the Beach

I’ve been to lots of beaches all over Mexico, and trust me when I say that it’s hard to beat the beautiful water of Cancun’s beaches. Crystal clear waters, white sand and amazing views of the resort-filled coastline are the perfect recipe for paradise. The resorts in Cancun each have their own part of the Caribbean coastline, but the more adventurous Summer Breakers may want to venture out and try public access areas like Forum Beach by Party Center. With a chic beach club, several beach bars and a fun atmosphere, the extensive Forum Beach is a great place to mingle with all kinds of travelers.

3. Plaza La Isla

Even non-shoppers like me will fall in love with Plaza La Isla. This outdoor mall is set right on Nichupte Lagoon and features a romantic canal. I often escape to this lovely Hotel Zone shopping center for a stroll, a delicious dinner or just an ice cream. Plaza La Isla is known for its stunning restaurants set all along the lagoon, as well as its small but fascinating aquarium. If you find yourself longing for a relaxing evening out on your Summer Break, this shopping mall is my top recommendation.

4. Water Sports

Want to get your adrenaline pumping? Cancun has several exciting options right on the beach. You won’t have to go far to find jet ski rentals (my favorite), parasailing on the Caribbean and the lagoon, and even bungee jumping right by the ferry dock at Tortugas Beach.

5. Playa del Carmen

The beach town of Playa del Carmen is easy to reach by bus, just 1 hour south of Cancun. All the excitement of Playa del Carmen is set on one beachside street known as 5th Avenue or “La Quinta”, where you’ll find amazing restaurants for every budget, tons of shops and a variety of bars. With a laid-back, European vibe, this town is perfect for a variety of activities ranging from a quick day trip to adventurous snorkeling and even an unforgettable night out. The popular Calle 12 features stylish beachfront nightclubs where you can dance the night away on the sand.

Escape to Cancun for your next Summer Break, an unbeatable way to party, relax, tan and make your friends jealous!

Photo: Tiago Kazu (Flickr)

About the author:

Laura Winfree is an American blogger and travel copywriter who has been living in Cancun, Mexico since 2005. You can read more about her life and adventures south of the border at Gringation’s Blog

Cancun, Mexico

Mexico is one of my favorite travel destinations, and apparently, it’s still a favorite for others too as one American testimonal reveals. Robert Reid, Lonely Planet’s New York-based US Travel Editor, expresses a similar opinion in his article about American safety in Mexico:

“Mexico makes for some of the world’s greatest travel experiences – it’s honestly why I’m in this line of work.”

Cancun, Mexico, not only happens to be one of my favorite places to vacation, but it’s also one of my favorite places to live. After renting a small home near the city center away from the hotel zone and working as a travel and tourism writer between 2009 and 2011, my experience was so positive that I plan on returning someday to retire. The quality of life is better and the cost of living is lower, not to mention how beautiful it is and how friendly the people are!

In the meantime, I will travel through the area, taking advantage of that reassuring Yucatan and Cancun safety while I indulge in cultural activities such as traditional festivals; tourist attractions such as ancient Mayan ruins; culinary delights such as zesty Yucatecan cuisine; and then unwind on a dazzling white, Caribbean beach with dear friends as I prepare to lay the groundwork for my future retirement.

Cancun, Mexico

Other countries may issue warnings with good intentions about the dangers of Mexico travel, but after having lived in the country for over two-and-a-half years (seven less successful months in another Mexican state) and working in the tourism industry, I gained a broader perspective on travel safety concerns. While I was fortunate enough to have driven across the US-Mexican borders without incident at Matamoros heading to Cancun and Nuevo Laredo returning to the US, I wouldn’t recommend driving through northern Mexico at this point in time since it’s a bigger risk, although thousands of people still do.

Thank God Mexico is a large country with 31 states and one Federal District, known as Mexico City, so the travel warnings don’t refer to the entire country! They only apply to high-risk areas, such as specific states and often only specific cities within those states, primarily in the northern portion of the country. The southeast region in the Yucatan Peninsula, home to Cancun and the Riviera Maya, is one of the safest areas in the whole country.

To put things in perspective, look at the Trans-Border Institute Justice in Mexico Project’s 2012 report on drug violence. In 2011, 70% of organized crime deaths were concentrated in eight states (Coahuila, Chihuahua, Durango, Guerrero, Nuevo Leon, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, Veracruz), although some occurred in a few other states. Statistics show that the course of violence began to shift in 2011, demonstrating a lower growth rate than in previous years. This plateau in violence suggests Mexico may have reached a turning point or at least a time-out after years of intensification.

This is good news. Mexico may still be a developing country, but the government crackdown on drug trafficking is a big step in the right direction. If you’re traveling across the country and see the Mexican military driving through town or along the roads and highways, this is a reassuring sign since their presence means they’re pursuing the cartels and protecting the communities. If they stopped patrolling the country, this would be a reason to worry, not the other way around.

As in any country, isolated crime incidents may occur in areas where violence doesn’t normally happen, but this is the exception rather than the rule. No matter where you travel – whether at home or in a foreign country – there is some degree of risk. You can choose to live in a bubble or opt instead to take some practical safety measures while vacationing in Mexico, that will enable you to safely explore the phenomenal natural wonders and cultural traditions of the Yucatan, Riviera Maya, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Cancun, and beyond. I know I will!

Isla Mujeres, Mexico

Christina Famiglietti (aka Word Whiz is an American writer and editor who develops content for various websites, ranging from business to travel, and writes passionately about her beloved Mexico: its nature, culture, and tourism.

Delfines Beach, Cancun | Photo: Laura Winfree

I’ve never been a very adventurous girl, which is why my friends and family were shocked when I announced that I wanted to move to Cancun, Mexico back in 2005, at the tender age of 19.

Since I moved to Cancun 7 years ago, I’ve seen its reputation in international media transform from tropical paradise to drug-ridden death trap. How can this be, when Cancun hasn’t changed at all?

The American and Canadian media have a field day with Mexico year after year. Mexico-bashing seems to be all the rage up north, especially close to Spring Break season, and I’m not sure if this negativity is to sell more stories or keep tourism dollars north of the border. The Mexico portrayed in the news is certainly not the Mexico I see every single day.

Akumal Bay | Photo: Laura Winfree

During my years living in Cancun, I have never seen drugs, violence, dead bodies, shootouts, kidnappings, or any of the other horrors the media would have you believe are common occurrences. I take taxis and city buses several times a day, I walk around the city by myself at night, I feel comfortable going up to strangers to ask for directions and I go out to nightclubs on a regular basis. I take the same basic precautions one would take in any city, and I’ve never once felt unsafe.

Nearly every weekend, my husband, my friends and I have a blast at local bars and clubs, or we explore the region with trips to close-by destinations like Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos, Holbox and Akumal.

It truly angers me to read reports on violence in Mexico. Yes, bad things happen here, just like in any other country, but is it fair to base a country’s reputation on its worst headlines? Popular US tourist destinations like Orlando and New Orleans have considerably higher homicide rates than Mexico’s top tourist destinations as evidenced in this Lonely Planet article, yet would-be travelers still continue to question the safety of a vacation in Cancun, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta and other amazing cities.

Casa de las Tortugas Hotel, Holbox | Photo: Laura Winfree

At 26, my life really is like a vacation, living in a safe city and visiting tropical beaches whenever I like. I wear flip-flops all the time, and the most stressful part of my day is deciding whether to leave the windows open or turn on the air conditioning.

About Laura

Laura Winfree is an American blogger and travel copywriter who has been living in Cancun, Mexico since 2005. You can read more about her life and adventures south of the border at Gringation’s Blog

Peter Greenberg is Travel Editor for CBS News, appearing on CBS This Morning, CBS Evening News with Scott Pelley, and CBS Sunday Morning, among other broadcast platforms. Given his extensive and trustworthy background, we believe Peter’s opinion is one to be taken seriously. Recently, he has been traveling across Mexico as part of an ongoing media project to show the world just how safe and beautiful this amazing and exciting country is.

Cancun, Mexico

Photo: Rob (Flickr) 

In his own words:

“Let me state something from the outset. I am not an unabashed apologist for Mexico, or its spokesman or an endorser. I am writing this as a veteran traveler to Mexico who has been going down there since 1973 without a single incident.

I am growing tired, and somewhat impatient with expressions of concern or worry — as well intentioned as they may be — about my traveling to Mexico.

Every time I am about to fly there — to Cancun, to Cabo, to Ixtapa, to Mexico City and many other locations — my friends, and sometimes even strangers advise me to ‘be careful’, ‘be safe’ or worse… ‘watch out.’

Watch out for what? great people? great weather? great service? affordable, memorable experiences?

We need to get out there and find a map. Then we need to study it to put things in proper perspective“

Agreed! Visual aids such as maps always help put things into perspective. Maybe this one will help:

(Click on the map to download a bigger version in PDF)

For a list of distances from troubled areas to the resort towns, check out our post: “Mexico Travel Warning Mapped”.

Peter goes on to talk about his view of the current Mexico drug war:

“The bottom line here is that Americans are NOT being targeted in this drug war. Travel and Tourism is too big an economic factor — too crucial to the Mexican economy and to millions of Mexican jobs — to allow that to happen.

There are two realities here: the multi-billion dollar drug business is not going to evaporate as long as demand — most of it from the United States — remains at record levels. And the second reality — travel and tourism remain robust in Mexico.“

We couldn’t agree more. It is time to stop pointing fingers and accept the fact that the drug war is a global problem, one that obeys the old business laws of supply & demand and which needs action from multiple sides in order to be won. And with beautiful spots like Tulum, Quintana Roo, how could anyone not want to come down and experience paradise?

Tulum, Mexico

Photo: Habanero Studio

Peter also had something to say about the recent Mexico Travel Warnings emitted by the Texas DPS:

“It has now become an annual ritual for the Texas Department of Public Safety (an oxymoron if I ever heard one) to issue a press release warning Americans not to let their kids go down to Mexico for spring break because their likelihood of being killed is high. Really? No one is going on spring break to Cuidad Juarez. And I’d bet my career that the murder rate among young Americans is higher in Harlingen, Mcallen and Brownsville than it is in Cancun and Cozumel. How irresponsible of the authorities in Texas.

There are places in San Francisco I wouldn’t go after dark, but it doesn’t stop me from going to one of my favorite cities. I travel to Washington, DC at least once a month, and that’s in spite of our nation’s capital having one of the highest murder rates in the world.“

We share Peter’s feelings; we think that Mexico is an enormous country, and to paint all of it as unsafe to travel is just plain irresponsible. Like we’ve said before, we’d recommend paying more attention to the Official U.S. State Department Mexico Travel Warning, clearly labeling Cancun, the Riviera Maya and more beach resort areas as perfectly safe to travel.

Mahahual, Quintana Roo

Photo: Sha-ma Geremi

Finally, Peter has some inspirational words for adventurers:

“A true adventure doesn’t necessarily have to include a familiar, American branded hotel and a cheeseburger from room service. Sleep at the resort, but don’t live there. Get out and see the world. Challenge your comfort level every day. Travel and tourism is the most powerful tool for breaking down barriers and building understanding. If you don’t have a passport, do not pass go until you get one.

Then, when you return home, tell your friends about your adventures. Even boast about them. And about the new friends you made along the way. Does Mexico have some hard work ahead of it in the drug wars? Absolutely. A new President will take office later this year and hopefully will continue the fight against the cartels launched by current President Felipe Calderon.

But will I be going back to Mexico? That, as you may have guessed by now, is a rhetorical question.“

Cancun, Mexico

Photo: Diana Diaz

We share and celebrate Peter’s adventurous spirit and are delighted to know that he will be coming back to Mexico. We’ll be more than happy to welcome him to Cancun with a big smile the next time he visits us!

We hope his story will help you stay calm and excited about your upcoming visit to Mexico. Should you need more facts about safety in Cancun and safety in Mexico, please take time to explore this website.

Have a comment about your recent or upcoming travel to Mexico? Sound off in the comments, we’d love to hear it from you.

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We regularly publish news and updates about safety in Cancun, Riviera Maya and Mexico; as well as videos, photos, tourist testimonials and more. Would you like to get an email in your inbox every time we publish something new? It’s free and easy, just click here to subscribe to Cancun is Safe email updates.

Source: Travel Detective Blog: Why I Travel to Mexico | PeterGreenberg.com

Feature Image Credit: Ana Salana