Safety

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Permalink Reply by Russ Kelly on March 14, 2009 at 2:10pm

Hi Topless Fan,

I just returned from 3 weeks in Playa and it was just like always, kicked back and easy. We stay pretty up to date on problems and our staff attended a security breifing webinar this past Thursday. Problems to date have been on the border 1500 to 2000 km away.

Cancun like any city has problems but these have always been in the city, not the hotel zone alone the coast. Playa which is 100km south remains quiet. I will see if we can get acturate information on what happened in Cancun if anything.

Some of the 'drama reporting' has not been good for the area, very sad.

Russ :-)

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Permalink Reply by Russ Kelly on March 14, 2009 at 2:57pm

To All,

Here are a couple of links that may be helpful to you as you think about your holiday in Mexico. As with ALL travel and even in US cities, the best rule for you is to apply common sense when in areas that are unfamiliar.

Map of problem areas in Mexico

Cancun Q&A

This is an EXCERPT from the US goverment travel advisory

Travel Alert
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Bureau of Consular Affairs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This information is current as of today, Sat Mar 14 14:51:30 2009.

Mexico

February 20, 2009


This Travel Alert updates security information for U.S. citizens traveling and living in Mexico. It supersedes the Travel Alert for Mexico dated October 15, 2008, and expires on August 20, 2009.

While millions of U.S. citizens safely visit Mexico each year (including thousands who cross the land border every day for study, tourism or business), violence in the country has increased recently. It is imperative that travelers understand the risks of travel to Mexico, how best to avoid dangerous situations, and whom to contact if one becomes a crime victim. Common-sense precautions such as visiting only legitimate business and tourist areas during daylight hours, and avoiding areas where prostitution and drug dealing might occur, can help ensure that travel to Mexico is safe and enjoyable.

Violence Along the U.S. - Mexico Border

Mexican drug cartels are engaged in an increasingly violent conflict - both among themselves and with Mexican security services - for control of narcotics trafficking routes along the U.S.-Mexico border. In order to combat violence, the government of Mexico has deployed troops in various parts of the country. U.S. citizens should cooperate fully with official checkpoints when traveling on Mexican highways.

Some recent Mexican army and police confrontations with drug cartels have resembled small-unit combat, with cartels employing automatic weapons and grenades. Large firefights have taken place in many towns and cities across Mexico but most recently in northern Mexico, including Tijuana, Chihuahua City and Ciudad Juarez. During some of these incidents, U.S. citizens have been trapped and temporarily prevented from leaving the area. The U.S. Mission in Mexico currently restricts non-essential travel to the state of Durango and all parts of the state of Coahuila south of Mexican Highways 25 and 22 and the Alamos River for U.S. government employees assigned to Mexico. This restriction was implemented in light of the recent increase in assaults, murders, and kidnappings in those two states. The situation in northern Mexico remains fluid; the location and timing of future armed engagements cannot be predicted.

A number of areas along the border are experiencing rapid growth in the rates of many types of crime. Robberies, homicides, petty thefts, and carjackings have all increased over the last year across Mexico generally, with notable spikes in Tijuana and northern Baja California. Ciudad Juarez, Tijuana and Nogales are among the cities which have recently experienced public shootouts during daylight hours in shopping centers and other public venues. Criminals have followed and harassed U.S. citizens traveling in their vehicles in border areas including Nuevo Laredo, Matamoros, and Tijuana.

The situation in Ciudad Juarez is of special concern. Mexican authorities report that more than 1,800 people have been killed in the city since January 2008. Additionally, this city of 1.6 million people experienced more than 17,000 car thefts and 1,650 carjackings in 2008. U.S. citizens should pay close attention to their surroundings while traveling in Ciudad Juarez, avoid isolated locations during late night and early morning hours, and remain alert to news reports. A recent series of muggings near the U.S. Consulate General in Ciudad Juarez targeted applicants for U.S. visas. Visa and other service seekers visiting the Consulate are encouraged to make arrangements to pay for those services using a non-cash method.

U.S. citizens are urged to be alert to safety and security concerns when visiting the border region. Criminals are armed with a wide array of sophisticated weapons. In some cases, assailants have worn full or partial police or military uniforms and have used vehicles that resemble police vehicles. While most crime victims are Mexican citizens, the uncertain security situation poses serious risks for U.S. citizens as well. U.S. citizen victims of crime in Mexico are urged to contact the consular section of the nearest U.S. consulate or Embassy for advice and assistance. Contact information is provided at the end of this message.

FULL ADVISORY, click here

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Permalink Reply by Topless Fan on March 16, 2009 at 9:01am

Thank you, thats good information to know. Hows the beach at Playa? Are they still having erosion issues? Last year the area around some of the RIU was getting worse.

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Permalink Reply by Laura Carmine on March 16, 2009 at 3:35pm

We've been going to Playa several times a year since 1993 and have found that the beaches change every time, some sections erode while others expand. Mamita's Beach looked great. The beach in front of Blue Parrot was a little leaner.

We have a couple of condo's that we rent out: Porto Playa and El Taj, and the beaches there look really good.

Laura

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Permalink Reply by Laura Carmine on March 16, 2009 at 3:32pm

We were there 2 weeks ago and absolutely nothing was different in Playa. Our friends who live there year round said the same thing, there's nothing happening there.

I travel internationally quite a bit and always go to http://travel.state.gov to see what the state department is saying. There is a travel alert for Mexico along the US border. The Baja is mentioned, but not Cancun. I have been watching Mexico and this drug issue for a while. The current president of Mexico is intent on arresting people and over 750 were arrested a few weeks ago. He wants the press to show the world that they aren't going to sit back and let drugs rule their country. The worst areas are along the border and Mexico City.

I am familiar with the story you are talking about in Cancun. A general was killed outside of Cancun, but no where near Playa. FYI, Something like 60% of Mexico's GNP comes from tourists, primarily US tourists to Cancun and the Mayan Riviera. The government needs to keep the area safe or their economy will suffer more than it already has. The peso dropped to 15.4 last week.

There are great buys, airfares are down, beautiful beaches and good times to be had. I am going back early next month with girlfriends and we can't wait.

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Permalink Reply by Cyndi Walker on March 18, 2009 at 3:35pm

In the last 6 years, I've been to Cancun/Playa/Tulum area about 6 times - the only problem I've ever had was this past September and it was w/a policeman - he falsely pulled us over in Cancun along the Hotel Zone for speeding (we were behind a city bus going quite slowly because we were looking for a certain marina) - he shook us down for $80 USD in cash - told us if we didn't give him the money, he'd take us downtown. In 6 years of going to Mexico, this was truly my one and only unpleasant moment - I wanted to slap the guy - but hell, what are you going to do in a foreign country? Hand over the cash!

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Permalink Reply by Laura Carmine on March 18, 2009 at 4:10pm

Cyndi,

I've heard similar stories, not often, but I've heard them. My husband and I got shaken down in Cabo San Lucas, same thing you described. It's still a far cry from the drug stuff we've been reading about. I spoke with Russ the other day and he told me that the general who was killed, was killed 150 miles from Cancun. That's not even close, but the media can use "Cancun" in their stories because everyone knows about where Cancun is in Mexico.

I feel very safe in Playa, don't you?

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Permalink Reply by Cyndi Walker on March 18, 2009 at 4:23pm

Super safe in Playa, Laura! I've always felt completely safe everywhere we've been in the Mayan Riveria. And you're right - I'm sorry to hear that the media is using scare tactics in regards to Cancun! Other than this unpleasant incident w/the Mexican policia, I've never encountered any violence or scary moments in Mexico.

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Permalink Reply by Russ Kelly on March 18, 2009 at 5:33pm

Hi Cyndi,

I travel a great deal throughout MX, Costa Rica and Latin America in general. I have also had a couple of experiences with this type of thing. I advise people if you get stopped. Show the officer your drivers license (don't hand it to them if you can avoid it), apoligise alot and and ask "can I pay the fine here, please"

While this happens seldom, it happens. Going rate on highway 307 now is $20 USD / 300pesos. If they don't want to let you pay the fine or they try to bush you for more, demand to talk to a supervisor. They will take the $20.

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Permalink Reply by Russ Kelly on March 22, 2009 at 2:45pm

ABC News gets it right !!!!

Safe Travels in Sensational Mexico

Just in time for spring break, violence along the U.S.-Mexico border has brought a rash of bad press to the popular tourist destination.

Riviera Maya on the Yucatan Peninsula, such as Playa del Carmen, is Mexico's most popular travel destinations.
(Digital Vision/Getty Images)
More PhotosBut for those still planning a trip to Mexico, the U.S. Consulate in Merida, Mexico, recently released a Web video on how to stay safe, have fun and avoid bringing trouble upon oneself.

"If you're not going to do it at home, think twice about doing it in Mexico," one consulate employee says in the video. "Always stick with a friend. Watch what people put into your drinks."

FULL ARTICLE: http://abcnews.go.com/Travel/AroundTheWorld/story?id=7104742&pa...

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Permalink Reply by Russ Kelly on March 22, 2009 at 2:47pm

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Permalink Reply by rick scott on March 29, 2009 at 1:25pm

I hate to admit it, but since being home from Playa and reading all of Mexico's troubles, it does concern me. I know the drug problems and shooting are taking place on the other side of the country, but I just worry that before our next hoped for visit; being next January, things can change alot. I would hate to see such a beautiful area become a spot that tourists are afraid to visit.

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