Is it Safe to Travel to Mexico?

Is it safe to travel to Mexico? While this is not the most decisive answer, it depends.

Traveling to Mexico, as of 2009, is not entirely the greatest idea. One reason traveling to Mexico is not as safe as in years past is because of the recent outbreaks of violence among the drug cartels. Border towns like Tijuana and Nogales are notorious for the outbreaks of violence between drug cartels that occur there, and are infamous for the crime and illicit activities that go on there. While these cities are not completely unsafe, a newcomer to international traveling would be better off traveling to Mexican cities farther south of the border.

Another reason that it is not safe to travel to Mexico is the recent outbreak of the swine flu, which has killed at least 100 people according to some reports. The particular strain of the virus is also said to have originated in Mexico City. Many reports concerning the swine flu epidemic are subject to some scrutiny, as the numbers in the official polls and the estimated polls are different. Regardless, the possibility of contracting a potentially deadly virus in Mexico, especially Mexico City, is there and should not be ignored when considering traveling there.

However, Mexico still has some great tourist spots and traveling there is still much safer than some countries. For instance, two popular ocean-side locations, Rocky Point (Puerto Penasco) and Cancun and  are so Americanized and travel friendly that planning a trip there shouldn't be too risky. Both feature high class hotels and great beaches that are almost impossible not to enjoy.

Though Mexico's reputation has been recently sullied by the rise in drug cartel-related crime and a virus outbreak, the Mexican government is doing everything it can to combat these dilemmas and improve travel safety.