It’s not simply Mexico’s surprising chaos this week that has drawn additional eyeballs south of the border.
Mainstream information has lengthy depicted Mexico as a sketchy vacation spot, although a majority of violent crime takes place in choose areas most vacationers would not dare go to within the first place.
That mentioned, what occurred throughout the state of Jalisco and sprinkled into different areas is an ideal instance of how crime is a fickle subject to report on.
We at Travel Off Path would by no means wish to push any of our readers to a spot that is unsafe.
Fortunately for you, most of our group has ventured far and extensive throughout Mexico, together with calling cultural cities and seashore paradises dwelling long-term.
In my case, I’ve had the true pleasure of traversing 18 locations with only a few incidents, so minimal they don’t seem to be even price mentioning.
But there are 5 distinct locations in Mexico that stand in my thoughts as true protected havens primarily based on private expertise, regardless of what information anchor blabbermouths and U.S. travel advisories need to say.
Here’s the place I felt most secure in Mexico so as of surprising to apparent:
PLUS: We’ve created a quiz so that you can discover your finest match on the finish of the article so stick round!
Ixtapa: Mexico’s Diamond In The Rough
Ixtapa is a basic instance of “don’t believe everything you read”.
Being a ‘Level 4′ no-go zone based on the U.S. State Department, Ixtapa is a well-protected resort paradise in crime-riddled Guerrero (not less than from a statistics standpoint).
The reality is, Ixtapa feels extra genuine than Cancun, is prettier than Cabo, and does not really feel sketchy in any respect.
Even should you’re the sort to enterprise exterior the resort (like I am), Ixtapa could not have felt safer, whether or not venturing to Isla Ixtapa or being compelled to take a cab since there isn’t any Uber providers right here.
Plus, does not it say one thing that Ixtapa and neighboring Zihuatanejo have grow to be one in every of Mexico’s trendiest holidays spots?
It’s time for an advisory downgrade should you ask me…
Current advisory standing: Level 4: Do Not Travel
Rosarito: Turns Out Tijuana Isn’t That Sketchy Either…
As a San Diegan, I cannot resist temptation dwelling so shut to a different nation.
I have crossed the border properly over 200 occasions.
Tijuana will not be the way it’s depicted both. Yes, there are crime-ridden, run-down neighborhoods, however there are additionally components of Mexico City’s Polanco and what I take into account to be a microcosm of Cabo in close-by Rosarito.
Tijuana is so misportrayed, it’s possible you’ll not even understand it’s a beach city with a vibrant ‘Playas’ district lined with ceviche shacks, oceanfront Airbnbs, and a stunning Pacific seascape.
But the perfect trip spot is Rosarito, a roughly 30-minute Uber trip from the border.
It’s a protected haven for retirees spending their pension properly and Californias in search of low cost meals and drinks and a special occasion scene.
There are good beachfront resorts, enjoyable bars, arguably higher seafood than Tijuana, sometimes swimmable waters and little doubt feels impeccably protected in any respect hours.
Current advisory standing: Level 3: Reconsider Travel
Mexico City: Easily Blend In With The City Buzz
If there’s ever a metropolis that feels prefer it’s on auto-pilot, it is the metropolis of Mexico City.
That’s to not say you may really feel bored such as you’re on a treadmill — removed from it, really. CDMX is a blast!
There’s a tangible buzz to town the place it virtually feels such as you’re unnoticeable and that works in your favor.
Crazy or not, I’ve walked round quite a few neighborhoods properly previous midnight and by no means felt misplaced.
No matter should you’re driving the insanely low cost metro, venturing all the way down to Xochimilco, or treating your self to cocktails in Polanco, it feels oddly European for a metropolis with taco stands on each nook.
There’s a myriad of causes digital nomads like to name Mexico City dwelling — and security could prime the checklist.
Current advisory standing: Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
Aguascalientes: Mexico’s Biggest Surprise
Aguascalientes will not be on many vacationers’ radars, however I’m a weirdo and determined to attempt it out on a whim.
My girlfriend and I had been blown away with how inexpensive and protected it was. This inland metropolis identified for colonial allure and San Marcos Fair could also be off the vacationer path, however we had been all the time handled like houseguests and lots of locals surprisingly spoke fluent english.
It did not matter if we had been wandering the principle plaza, getting misplaced a number of occasions looking for a rooftop bar, or taking filth roads to attractive wineries on the outskirts of city, there wasn’t one second we felt like we should always flip round.
Current advisory standing: Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
Cancun: An Extension Of America
Cancun could lack authenticity, however its primary promoting level past its Caribbean magnificence is security.
I’ve visited Cancun twice now and perceive why so many Americans single out this resort paradise as their annual go-to for solar, sand, and cervezas.
It’s Mexico’s most secure wager to really feel such as you’ll get again dwelling to liked one unscathed, and rightfully so.
Cancun’s hospitality is contagious from downtown bars to resort omelette stations. Plus, there’s all the time a heavy safety presence for additional peace of thoughts, which I skilled firsthand throughout Puerto Vallarta’s surprising string of violence this week.
You’ll see quite a few guards making rounds all through your resort and police on 4-wheelers cruising by on the seashore sometimes, particularly within the Hotel Zone.
Current advisory standing: Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
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