Preparing for Travel to Dangerous Places
The US State Department Travel site for Mexico reads like a travel brochure of reasons not to visit the country. Here’s an excerpt:
“The greatest increase in violence has occurred near the U.S. border. However, U.S. citizens traveling throughout Mexico should exercise caution in unfamiliar areas and be aware of their surroundings at all times. Mexican and foreign bystanders have been injured or killed in violent attacks in cities across the country, demonstrating the heightened risk of violence in public places. In recent years, dozens of U.S. citizens have been kidnapped across Mexico. Many of these cases remain unresolved. U.S. citizens who believe they are being targeted for kidnapping or other crimes should notify Mexican officials and the nearest American consulate or the Embassy as soon as possible, and should consider returning to the United States.”
Needless to say there are some fabulous deals to be had there between the violence and swine flu. I’m not recommending anybody go to Mexico without preparing though. We’re going this weekend for a family wedding right across the border, you know, that area SPECIFICALLY mentioned as being one not to go to.
After reading this I found it ironic that my Google Reader had the article: “Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good Travelers?” waiting for me only a day later. I particularly liked the bit where the author said: “If we are ever to bridge the gaps that divide us and if we strive to make the world a slightly less frightening place, then surely our only real option is to continue to see it firsthand, come what may.” Exactly my thoughts.
Just because a place is perceived as dangerous does not prohibit you from traveling there, you should just make your own choice and make a well-informed one. Chris of The Art of Nonconformity traveled to Iraq for goodness sakes, I can head to Mexico for the weekend. So people, get off my back about telling me how dangerous Mexico is with the same tone of voice that people usually reserve for things like expounding on the evils of high fructose corn syrup. I get it, I did my research and I’m still going to watch my uncle get married come Saturday.
