Travel to Cancun is safe?

A good friend called me on the phone this morning to ask my opinion about Cancun as a good summer vacation destination for those of us on a budget. In prior years everyone knew me as Mr.Mexico, I just loved to go to Mexico. From the food to the shopping to the sightseeing it’s a real bonanza of fun.  To be perfectly clear, when I’m looking for cheap international airfares and a good time without limitation, I think Mexico, specifically Cancun.  Now, recently the conversation has changed from price to safety. Everyone seems pretty nervous about travels to Mexico due to the “Reported” violence between the police and the drug cartels.  Is there violence in Mexico? Sure.  Are things any worse than Detroit, or North Philly, or The Bronx etc…not really. From what I’m hearing, everything is business as usual down in Cancun Mexico, however it’s never really a good idea to go riding around with cabbies looking for coke and hookers. As in any city, if you are looking for trouble or engage in the type of behavior that invites problems, you are almost certain at some point to find one.  Of the ten travelers I spoke with who have been to Cancun recently, everyone said it was as delightful as they had hoped it would be. The shops are stocked with all sorts of great local handmade gifts and the hotels are practically giving away rooms.

When I go to Cancun I generally like to stay at the Intercontinental. The staff there is the finest I’ve ever seen in this price range and the food always is to die for.  The drinks by the pool are big and strong, and the seafood is nonstop from the crab ceviche to shrimp tacos I always put on an extra ten pounds when I go to Cancun.  Another great place to stay is the Ritz Carlton if you like a little extra luxury. The prices are between 70.00 and 300.00 per night, but even those prices can be negotiated a little.

So all in all, while Fox news continues to paint a picture of violence and chaos, Cancun remains a relatively safe place to visit for a great summer vacation.  Fear not, there’s crime everywhere and the news still has ads to sell, but whiles there’s surf and sand and girls in bikinis, Cancun is open and ready for business..