Why Travel to Mexico Despite Media Reports of Crime

The Perception vs. Reality of Crime in Mexico

A common question in the travel community is why tourists choose to visit a country like Mexico, given its reputation for high crime rates, especially involving drug dealers and violence. In reality, the vast majority of visitors to Mexico, including myself, have never encountered any significant issues related to crime or safety. Whether it's a beach in Acapulco, a historic town in the interior, or the beautiful Yucatán Peninsula, the experiences are safe and enjoyable.

Personal Anecdotes and Observations

On my first trip to Mexico back in 1995, and on subsequent visits, I never encountered any incidents related to crime. However, one story stands out. When I was on a beach near Acapulco, an American woman approached me loudly complaining about the Mexicans around her, shouting that they would steal her belongings. Her embarrassing behavior was quite unusual given her complaint; if she found Mexican people so unsavory, why was she staying in Mexico in the first place? As it turned out, she had driven a long distance in her car and had parked at the beach for free. This woman's actions were not only emph{embarrassing}, but also quite emph{incongruous} with her criticism.

I made it a point to apologize to the local people she had been yelling at, offering them assurance that not all Americans were like her. It was a lesson in cultural sensitivity that I, a young traveler, was learning the hard way. After a long night of hanging out with Mexican university students who were interested in spending time with us and drinking beer, I even left my expensive camera and money in my bag while I fell asleep next to the fire. The next morning, nothing was missing.

Safety and Tourism in Mexico

Since 1995, I've lived in Mexico and have never felt in danger of being shot or bombed by drug dealers or any other criminal element. In fact, I believe these individuals see the tourist industry as a significant investment, as they do not want to put off potential drug customers. While it is theoretically possible to be caught in a crossfire, the likelihood is extremely low. The same can be said about winning the lottery, where the odds are about the same.

It’s worth noting that while Mexico does have crime issues, they are not nearly as prevalent as the media might suggest. In Mexico, there are no incidents of mass murders in schools, churches, supermarkets, nightclubs, or any other public places. For a country with a large and lucrative tourism industry, a reputation for violence is not in their best interest. If it weren't for the high demand for illegal drugs in the United States, Mexico's crime index would likely be one of the lowest in the world.

Why Travel to the U.S. Despite Higher Crime Rates

On a related note, my question is why anyone would consider traveling to the U.S. when mass shootings have become a daily occurrence. In the U.S., there have been numerous school shootings, mass murders in churches, supermarkets, and nightclubs. The fact that these events continue to occur suggests that safety in the U.S. might not be a top priority.

While Mexico does have its share of issues, it is often safer and more enjoyable for tourists. If safety is a top concern, one might argue that Mexico offers a more secure travel experience.

For travelers who are considering a trip to Mexico, it's important to remember that media coverage often amplifies negative events, distorting the overall picture. By visiting the beautiful beaches, historic cities, and friendly locals, one can see that the country is safe and full of wonderful experiences.