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Oznick's avatar
Oznick
Explorer
Jul 28, 2013

Planing a trip to Mexico with my family(safety concerns)

Hi we are my wife and I and 2 kids(5&2) are currently
On a trip of lifetime for six months from Australia.we
Started in NYC and are currently in Quebec,
We plan to end our trip in mexico proberly in
Mazatlan or pv...I have done a lot of research
Over the last two years but every time we mention
Ending our trip in Mexico other campers always advise against it
And have stories such as locals driving into you
For cash payouts etc..we plan to clear the borders
ASAP and drive on toll roads etc...has any one
Else done this with young kids and did they feel
Safe?i think we will be fine but don't like to be made to
Feel like I will be putting my kids in a unsafe situation..
Thanks nick..

60 Replies

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  • steelpony5555's avatar
    steelpony5555
    Explorer
    Jul 28, 2013
    Would I take my kids into the back country of Mexico away from normal tourist areas???? Hell no......There are those who go and nothing happens but just remember what my Grandma use to say...play with fire and sooner or later you're gonna get burned......listen to those who live in the border states like Ca. Az. and Texas....Read quick cause they don't like it when we bad mouth Mexico...Oh by the way yes I go to Mexico and I like Mexico but I stick to major tourist locations, not the back roads....fly....
  • bigcitypopo's avatar
    bigcitypopo
    Explorer II
    Jul 28, 2013
    I think the best advice for traveling in mexico is to be prepared... mentally for traveling in a foreign country. Keep your head on a swivel.. not paranoid. don't put yourself in risky situations, use travelers checks. or have a safe place to keep cash.

    Mexico is a nice place.. but equally as ruthless.
  • Canadian_Rainbi's avatar
    Canadian_Rainbi
    Explorer
    Jul 28, 2013
    Please note that almost all of those that advise you not to go to Mexico have never been there.

    On the east coast we met a woman and her 4 kids traveling to Central America. Ran into them again in Palenque. As someone said earlier, don't miss the central part of Mexico. Palenque is a wonderful place.

    Do you have the Travelers Guide to Mexican Camping by Mike and Terri Church? If not GET IT. Here is a link to their site. Available in many large book stores (get the 4th edition) Also look for the road atlas Guia Roji, Por Las Carreteras de Mexico. Probably only available in Mexico.

    Feel free to have a look at our blog.
  • CKNSLS's avatar
    CKNSLS
    Explorer
    Jul 28, 2013
    This travel warning was just posted July 13, 2013

    http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_6033.html
  • fugawibill's avatar
    fugawibill
    Explorer
    Jul 28, 2013
    As a fulltime resident, what I say is "Come on down". I RV during the summer months, and have been to some strange places, but never a problem other than mechanical. Even then several Mexicans stopped to see if they could help before the green angels showed up. I do drive the cuotas whenever possible. As stated above, it will be a fantastic adventure for your children, and you'll have an enjoyable time also. If nothing else, you'll have some great stories when you return. And yes, I do recommend Mazatlan as an end point, as that is where I obviously ended up.
  • MarkTwain's avatar
    MarkTwain
    Explorer
    Jul 28, 2013
    I use to travel down to Baja every year but have not been there in over 10 yrs. Today I would not travel in to Mexico unless I went with another RV friend, especially taking kids.
  • robatthelake's avatar
    robatthelake
    Explorer
    Jul 28, 2013
    Mexico is a wonderful Country to visit! You and Your Children will have a terrific time visiting there!
  • pomsplus's avatar
    pomsplus
    Explorer
    Jul 28, 2013
    Many, many people will advise you not to visit Mexico. You would be missing the experience of a life time, we have travelled throughout Mexico for the past 17 years and have felt safe. This is definitely the forum to give you good advise about Mexican travel. Also what an experience for your children, my grandkids have all travelled to Mexico, the youngest was 10 days old and they love the country and the people.
  • adayjk's avatar
    adayjk
    Explorer
    Jul 28, 2013
    Please , please, please do not let the nay sayers wreck your trip of a lifetime. I've spent years of my life in Mexico, and many more near Detroit. Yes you can get mugged and extorted for money in Mexico. I have direct experence.

    My advice? Use common sense. Don't put youself or your family in risky situations. Oh, and don't end your trip in the city of Detroit. It is way worse than any part of Mexico I have seen.
  • Roads_Less_Trav's avatar
    Roads_Less_Trav
    Explorer II
    Jul 28, 2013
    I have lived and traveled in Mexico for the last 3.5 years by sailboat, bus, hotel, hostel and staying with ex-pat friends.

    It is an awesome place to go -- I believe you will truly enjoy it.

    I wrote a blog post sharing our thoughts about the safety of traveling in Mexico just last week. Links for RVing info at the bottom:

    Is Mexico Safe for Travelers?

    Ironically, one of the few places that we did not feel as safe as we'd have liked was Mazatlan.

    The absolute highlights for us were Guanajuato, Huatulco and Palenque. If there is any way to include those 3 in your itinerary, you will have seen some of the very best Mexico has to offer.

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