Is anyone second guessing?

[Kevrumbo]

From the LA Times, 3/01/09:

The area is a well-established transshipment point for cocaine smuggled by air from South America or overland through Central America on its way to the U.S. A former Quintana Roo governor, Mario Villanueva Madrid, awaits extradition to the United States on charges that he took payoffs in exchange for helping Mexican traffickers move tons of cocaine through his state.

Killings uncover a seamier side of Cancun - Los Angeles Times

 

[Diver Kat]

From the LA Times, 3/01/09:


Killings uncover a seamier side of Cancun - Los Angeles Times

The article references Cancun, not Cozumel, and with no comment, I'm not sure what you're pointing out.

Having lived in TX for years, we are always aware of security issues, especially in the border towns of Mexico. However, we've traveled to and stayed on Cozumel at least 8 or 9 times the last few years, and I would consider Coz safer than many areas of the US I've been in. I've never been offered drugs for sale on Coz, as has happened on other Caribbean islands I've visited. We have to trips planned to Coz this year, and I have no worries about going there. I hope others don't get frightened off by the crime in other areas of Mexico. It would be like canceling a trip to the Adirondacks because of the crime in New York City.

 

[Kevrumbo]

The point is that Quintana Roo happens to be the region which encompasses all Scuba Diving interests --from the Yucatan Cenotes/Caves, to the resort Isle of Cozumel. Just something to be aware of especially for the cavedivers who go traipsing off into the jungle to access their favorite cave system. . .

 

[ScubaTony]

If you really think the media is a good basis for making your travel plans than you should not enter any major US city. I just finished a 7 day motorcycle tour from Cozumel to Merida, then south and all around Chiapas. My girlfriend and I stayed in tiny towns, paid $18 for our rooms and were way out in the boonies on many occasions. Never once did we even get a cross eye or strange feeling. We had a great time.
I am not sure how Mexico got the bad rap. I think it came from the 60s but today it is surely one of the safest places you could travel. Yes the border towns surely have high crime. Yes it probably is worse now than in years past. But in comparison to any major city in the US, (except Mexico City) I would far prefer Mexico and the Yucatan for just feeling safe. I stopped believing what the press was saying a long time ago and have lead a happier life ever since.

 

[Kevrumbo]

State Dept, internet reports and the general media are all good bases for making informed decisions about travel to Third World Countries, especially during times of civil unrest.

How much you want to make yourself potentially vulnerable to major crime, or dependent on corrupt Gov't Officials & Civil Authorities --that's your own personal rationalization/decision.

 

[cowdog77]

Think I'll avoid diving in Juarez for a while ;>}

 

[1KWIK_69]

I just finished a 7 day motorcycle tour from Cozumel to Merida, then south and all around Chiapas. My girlfriend and I stayed in tiny towns, paid $18 for our rooms and were way out in the boonies on many occasions. Never once did we even get a cross eye or strange feeling. We had a great time.

I want to hang with you Tony! Every time I'm there I wish I could bring my R1! Combine the diving, the people, the beautiful scenery and a bike to ride too and you've got the trifecta perfect trip!

 

[1KWIK_69]

Think I'll avoid diving in Juarez for a while ;>}

 

[parrotheaddiver]

Living in Texas all my life this is not news....they always talk about it more when Spring break is near...young college kids go there to get snot slinging drunk and doing who know what and the trouble starts....

I visit the border towns occasionally and I am not going to stop because of the recent news.....and I will never stop going to Cozumel...I feel safer there than I do here..FWIW.....YMMV...

my neighbor just got back this weekend from Progresso Mexico (border town) he had a great time no problems at all....

 

[ggunn]

State Dept, internet reports and the general media are all good bases for making informed decisions about travel to Third World Countries, especially during times of civil unrest.

How much you want to make yourself potentially vulnerable to major crime, or dependent on corrupt Gov't Officials & Civil Authorities --that's your own personal rationalization/decision.

Have you ever been to Cozumel? The information in here is (mostly) directly from folks who have been traveling there. I have been there many, many times since my first trip there in 1978, and I have another trip planned there in May. I feel very safe there; I do not know of a single drug war related incident involving a US citizen on Cozumel.