5 Tips on How to Keep Safe Traveling in Mexico

Are you planning a trip to Mexico? Here are few tips on how to stay safe.

1. Do not rent a vehicle.

The biggest danger of renting a vehicle in Mexico is the fact that you can be put in jail in the event of an accident. In addition, unscrupulous police officers will stop foreigners for the smallest traffic violation (sometimes even made up) and demand a bribe. In other words, you don't have much protection as a foreign motorist. It is much easier to use public transportation and taxis to get where you need to go. It isn't worth the risk.

2. Be especially careful at transportation hubs such as airports, bus stations, and taxi stands.

Airports, bus stations, and taxi stands are goldmines for petty thieves. Do your best not to stand out and take extra precautions to safeguard your valuables. One of the worst locations is the airport in Mexico City. It isn't necessarily more dangerous than others; however, it is so crowded that you have very little, if any, personal space. It is all too easy for a thief to swipe your valuables before you even realize what happened.

3. If you travel alone, for whatever reason, let someone know of your plans.

If you do travel alone, whether just for a day or an entire week, make sure that someone knows your plans. If, heaven forbid, something did happen to you, you would want someone to notice your disappearance as soon as possible. With the recent rise in kidnapping in Mexico, you might want to reconsider traveling alone in the first place.

4. Do not travel in large groups.

While traveling alone can be dangerous, traveling in large groups, especially of Americans, can attract a lot of unwanted attention. Large groups, especially at nightclubs and restaurants, can be extremely noisy, and it can be easy to lose someone in the group. It is much better to travel in smaller, more inconspicuous groups. In that way, you are much less likely to attract unwanted attention.

5. Be aware of your surroundings at all times.

This can't be stressed enough. If you suddenly feel uncomfortable, stop, take a good look around, and see if you can pinpoint the reason for you discomfort. Even if you can't put your finger on it, you might want to leave and go somewhere where you will feel more comfortable. This is especially true when it comes to taxis. If you feel uncomfortable at all, just don't get into the taxi. Simply wait for another.

With a little vigilance, you can have a safe, wonderful vacation in Mexico, even in the midst of increasing crime. There is no reason to be overly cautious; a little common sense goes a very long way. Unfortunately, a special set of circumstances makes it necessary for American tourist in Mexico to be especially on-guard. Mexico is a complex country in many ways, and is certainly worth the visit, even if it means having to prepare for the worst.