UPDATED APRIL 2024. One of the most wondered questions about foreign travel revolves around tourist safety. You may be wondering, “Is it safe to travel to Mexico right now?” Our experts at Get Away Today share all the reasons why it most definitely IS safe to travel to Mexico any time!
Is It Safe to Travel to Mexico? - Debunking Myths
Did you know that in just four years’ time, Mexico went from the 15th most-visited country to the 6th most-visited country for tourists? With its friendly culture, beautiful beaches and unbeatable food, Mexico is a top tourist destination for families and couples alike.
Here at Get Away Today, we want to help you feel good about your next Mexico trip! Keep reading to get all our Mexico travel tips regarding how to be smart about planning and enjoying a Mexico vacation.
Often, reputable news outlets share alarming information about foreign countries and their crime rates. Travel bans are issued without enough due diligence, deterring tourists.
But with just a little bit of research, it’s fairly easy to see that popular tourist destinations are not the areas experiencing the majority of the crimes reported in the news, and that many of the crimes are isolated incidents.
Is It Safe to Travel to Mexico? - Tourist Feedback
The majority of travelers already see Mexico as a desirable vacation destination, and those who do travel to Mexico will find that it not only meets their expectations, but exceeds them.
According to YestoMexico, 20 million tourists visited Mexico in 2017. Of those 20 million visitors, 86% would love to return for another vacation. And many of them actually did, because reports from 2018 show over 30 million tourists flocked to Mexico for their vacations!
Additionally, Mexico was voted the number one most friendly country in the world for family travel. Those statistics help prove that some of the myths questioning “is it safe to travel to Mexico?” are simply unfounded. People are having wonderful experiences in Mexico when they make the right travel choices regarding their vacations.
Is It Safe to Travel to Mexico? - What You Should Know
If you’re still wondering to yourself, “But is it safe to travel to Mexico??” we’re here to let you know the U.S. State Department currently ranks Mexico safety at level 2 for tourism, which is the same level as other ideal travel destinations such as France, Italy and the United Kingdom.
Level 2 tourism advisories get reviewed every 12 months, whereas Level 3 and 4 Travel Advisories get reviewed every six months. A Travel Advisory will also be updated anytime there is a change in U.S. government posture, normally as it relates to ongoing security concerns.
The U.S. Embassy and Consulates share these helpful tips when traveling to Mexico:
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Program
- Avoid strong currents and do not swim after drinking or when warning flags note unsafe conditions
- Drink responsibly and always watch your drink
- App car services such as Uber and Cabify are available in many Mexican cities, and generally offer another relatively safe alternative to taxis
- Book an all inclusive resort and plan to stay on property, enjoying all the perks of vacation
- Stay out of the cities
- Book excursions with reputable companies and stay with your travel group
Is It Safe to Travel to Mexico? - Mexico’s Efforts
“We always tell clients to be vigilant, whether traveling abroad or at home. It’s also very important to put things into perspective. Safety conditions in Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, and New York City are often just as precarious, if not more, but we do not put out warnings about our own cities. You need to be careful anywhere you are.” -Jack Ezon, Embark Beyond.
One way Mexico is helping promote Mexico tourism is by increasing security efforts such as surveillance, communication and response time regarding potential safety hazards. Agencies in Mexico are focused on working together to neutralize the reports of negative events potentially occurring in some of their largest and most popular cities.
No one is trying to pretend crime isn’t happening but it’s important to consider various sources so you can have more facts about where the crimes are taking place, and how big of a threat it is, or is NOT, to tourists.
It took about 18 months, but Cabos San Lucas has seen positive change as a direct result of their increased security efforts. It will be an ongoing process, but Mexico is dedicated to the cause of making tourists feel it is safe to travel to Mexico.
Mexico Travel Tips - Overview
Is it safe to travel to Mexico? YES! When you book with a seasoned travel agency like Get Away Today, you’re not just booked at the prettiest hotel on a beach. We research our travel partners and visit many of the locations to which we send our guests.
And if you encounter any hiccups along the way, we stick around to offer assistance however we can. While it is true that crime happens anywhere, it is not happening in Mexico any more than it is happening in some of the United States’ own largely populated cities.
If you wouldn’t hesitate to travel to New York City to see all its historic landmarks and eat its delicious food, then you shouldn’t hesitate to travel to Cancun or Cozumel to do the same!
Mexico Travel Tips - Booking A Place to Stay in Mexico
Get Away Today has a number of Mexico destinations that are highly recommended. Again, these are properties in locations many of our travel agents have visited and loved themselves!
Visit Cancun, Mexico
Cancun has a little something for everyone. From adventurous excursions to relaxing days at the beach, you’re sure to find it at Cancun. Some of our favorite places to stay in Cancun include Beaches Resorts, Hard Rock hotels and Disney-approved resorts for Disney Vacation Club members.
Top Spots in Cozumel, Mexico
Known for being a popular cruise port, Cozumel is also home to some amazing wildlife experiences. Suitable for families and couples alike, it’s a great destination for relaxing and exploring. There are dozens of resorts to choose from, and our expert travel agents recommend Beaches, Hard Rock and Sandals, to name a few.
Vacation in Los Cabos, Mexico
Looking for little shopping districts or stunning mountain views and seascapes? Then look no further than Los Cabos! It truly offers a wide range of experiences for travelers. We love that there are two major cities to explore - Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. It’s like two different vacations in one since the two cities offer different experiences. Get Away Today recommends resorts such as Dreams Resorts and Spas or Royalton Luxury Resorts.
Travel to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Whether you want to swim with native species or hike the trails, Puerto Vallarta is the place for that! All-inclusive resorts are popular in this city, with some of our personal favorites including El Dorado, Palladium Hotel Group and Sandals.
Unwind in Riviera Maya, Mexico
Riviera Maya is best known for all-inclusive resorts. All-inclusive resorts are a convenient way to know exactly what to expect on your vacation. Everything from food to entertainment is covered at either family-friendly or adults-only resorts. Favorite Riviera Maya resorts include Azul, Sandals and Disney-approved resorts for Disney Vacation Club members.
If you are ready to book your next trip to Mexico, then look no further! All our Mexico packages are available online. Or give our travel experts a call at 855-GET-AWAY.
Join the Conversation!
Leave A CommentPLJune 26 2020
This doesn't give info on the present coronavirus situation in Mexico. As a long time traveler to the east coast, please check the local situation if you are planning a trip there.
Get Away TodayDecember 06 2019
Anonymous- So glad to hear that! We love Mexico so much as well.
AnonymousDecember 05 2019
We love Mexico so much we built a home there??