by Ray Fauteux

Created on: May 26, 2007   Last Updated: May 30, 2009

There are many calls from other countries to put Mexico on the travel ban list unless something is done to deal with crimes involving tourists. It's simply getting out of hand because the perpetrators of crime in Mexico often get off without any serious punishment. Over the years there have been several unexplained deaths in Mexico involving tourists. That in itself is a good reason why Mexico is considered unsafe for travelers.

Mexicans only see dollar signs when it comes to tourism and often the biggest complaint against Mexican officials is that there always seems to be an excuse when a tourist ends up dead. Police may claim that the victim fell off a balcony or was hit by a car, when in reality it may be obvious that the person had been beaten. The Mexican police only give lip service to any investigation and that is what is so irritating to most other governments. They are more concerned with covering up incidents for the sake of the tourism dollar than they are in finding out what really happened when a tourist is involved in a serious incident. Obviously they don't want the rest of the world to know there are murderer's and robbers running free in Mexico, even if it is true.

There is one reality that travelers must take into account if they are determined to visit Mexico. Tourists must realize they will virtually be left to fend for themselves if they end up in a serious situation. Remember that the local police are unlikely to help you in a very timely manner, if at all. It would be a serious blow to their tourism dollar if Mexico is perceived as being unsafe.

You have heard the warnings everywhere. If you still insist on traveling to Mexico it will be totally at your own risk. Remember that the local police are unlikely to help you in a very timely manner, if at all. Tourists have also complained of police harassing them in order to get money from them. It seems to make so little sense for countries to treat tourists in this manner. There are many Mexicans who might be friendly, but it's the ones who are not who are driving tourists away for good.

For safety's sake, it's best to avoid the bars and all the rest of night scene for that matter as that seems to be where the trouble usually starts. In the event that a person feels the overwhelming desire to visit Mexico for some reason, it would be much wiser and safer to book an all-inclusive package and upon arrival, stay within the confines of the

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