I’ve Visited 18 Destinations In Mexico: Here’s Where I Felt The Safest

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It is not simply Mexico’s surprising chaos this week that has drawn further eyeballs south of the border.

Mainstream information has lengthy depicted Mexico as a sketchy vacation spot, regardless that a majority of violent crime takes place in choose areas most vacationers would not dare go to within the first place.

That stated, what occurred throughout the state of Jalisco and sprinkled into different areas is an ideal instance of how crime is a fickle matter 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.

Fortuitously for you, most of our group has ventured far and broad throughout Mexico, together with calling cultural cities and seaside paradises residence long-term.

In my case, I’ve had the true pleasure of traversing 18 locations with only a few incidents, so minimal they are not even value mentioning.

However 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 should say.

This is the place I felt most secure in Mexico so as of surprising to apparent:

PLUS: We have 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 Tough

Ixtapa is a basic instance of “do not consider all the pieces you learn”.

Being a ‘Degree 4′ no-go zone in accordance with the U.S. State Division, Ixtapa is a well-protected resort paradise in crime-riddled Guerrero (at the very least from a statistics standpoint).

The reality is, Ixtapa feels extra genuine than Cancun, is prettier than Cabo, and would not really feel sketchy in any respect.

Even in case you’re the kind to enterprise outdoors the resort (like I’m), Ixtapa could not have felt safer, whether or not venturing to Isla Ixtapa or being pressured to take a cab since there is not any Uber providers right here.

Plus, would not it say one thing that Ixtapa and neighboring Zihuatanejo have turn into one in every of Mexico’s trendiest holidays spots?

It is time for an advisory downgrade in case you ask me…

Present advisory standing: Degree 4: Do Not Journey

Rosarito: Turns Out Tijuana Is not That Sketchy Both…

As a San Diegan, I can not resist temptation residing so shut to a different nation.

I’ve crossed the border properly over 200 instances.

Tijuana just isn’t the way it’s depicted both. Sure, there are crime-ridden, run-down neighborhoods, however there are additionally parts of Mexico Metropolis’s Polanco and what I take into account to be a microcosm of Cabo in close-by Rosarito.

Tijuana is so misportrayed, you could not even understand it’s a beach city with a vibrant ‘Playas’ district lined with ceviche shacks, oceanfront Airbnbs, and a stunning Pacific seascape.

However the excellent trip spot is Rosarito, a roughly 30-minute Uber experience from the border.

It is a protected haven for retirees spending their pension properly and Californias searching for low cost meals and drinks and a unique social gathering scene.

There are good beachfront lodges, enjoyable bars, arguably higher seafood than Tijuana, often swimmable waters and little question feels impeccably protected in any respect hours.

Present advisory standing: Degree 3: Rethink Journey

Mexico Metropolis: Simply Mix In With The Metropolis Buzz

If there’s ever a metropolis that feels prefer it’s on auto-pilot, it is the metropolis of Mexico Metropolis.

That is to not say you will really feel bored such as you’re on a treadmill — removed from it, really. CDMX is a blast!

There is a tangible buzz to town the place it virtually feels such as you’re unnoticeable and that works in your favor.

Loopy or not, I’ve walked round quite a few neighborhoods properly previous midnight and by no means felt misplaced.

Regardless of in case you’re using 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 is a myriad of causes digital nomads like to name Mexico Metropolis residence — and security might high the record.

Present advisory standing: Degree 2: Train Elevated Warning

Aguascalientes: Mexico’s Greatest Shock

Aguascalientes might not be on many vacationers’ radars, however I am a weirdo and determined to attempt it out on a whim.

My girlfriend and I have been blown away with how inexpensive and protected it was. This inland metropolis identified for colonial appeal and San Marcos Truthful could also be off the vacationer path, however we have been at all times handled like houseguests and plenty of locals surprisingly spoke fluent english.

It did not matter if we have been wandering the principle plaza, getting misplaced a number of instances looking for a rooftop bar, or taking dust roads to attractive wineries on the outskirts of city, there wasn’t one second we felt like we should always flip round.

Present advisory standing: Degree 2: Train Elevated Warning

Cancun: An Extension Of America

Cancun might lack authenticity, however its primary promoting level past its Caribbean magnificence is security.

I’ve visited Cancun twice now and perceive why so many People single out this resort paradise as their annual go-to for solar, sand, and cervezas.

It is Mexico’s most secure guess to really feel such as you’ll get again residence to beloved one unscathed, and rightfully so.

Cancun’s hospitality is contagious from downtown bars to resort omelette stations. Plus, there’s at all times a heavy safety presence for further peace of thoughts, which I skilled firsthand throughout Puerto Vallarta’s surprising string of violence this week.

You may see quite a few guards making rounds all through your lodge and police on 4-wheelers cruising by on the seaside often, particularly within the Resort Zone.

Present advisory standing: Degree 2: Train Elevated Warning

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Author & Journalist primarily based in San Diego has visited 36 international locations and written over 1000 articles with a give attention to sharing his personal journey experiences and shining a lightweight on lesser-known gems.