We just cancelled a trip to Cancun using our travel insurance, even though we had a great deal, and here’s why.
1. Fourteen deaths took place this week during the most violent 36 hours ever in Cancun. Having spent a lot of time there previously, we were shocked to see this latest escalation.
2. While tourists haven’t exactly been direct targets yet, another recent incident was also concerning. On February 21, an explosion on a tourist ferry between Cancun and nearby Cozumel suffered an explosion which injured 24. As a result, friends report the boat dock is now lined with armed police and soldiers using bomb-tracking dogs. At the same time, BOH friend Amanda who just returned from Cancun and said they had a great and uneventful time.
3. The U.S. Department of State updated their travel warning for many visitor areas of Mexico. “Violent crime, such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery, is widespread. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas of Mexico as U.S. government employees are prohibited from travel to these areas.” Travelers are advised to understand the risks in Mexico, in light of increasing violence in that country, primarily associated with drug cartels.
4. Beat of Hawaii visitor Dee said: “If you google Mexico tourist assaults or blackouts, you will see that there has been an increase of reports of people blacking out after drinking only one or two drinks, and waking up having been assaulted. There have been several drownings related to this at pools at all-inclusive resorts. Others have been charged thousands at hospitals before being treated…. The local police/Mexican government are of virtually no help. It’s a serious problem that people need to be aware of. Hawaii does look (and is) very good by comparison (minus the really long flights for some of us!).”
Here in Hawaii the overall crime rate is the lowest level ever recorded.
In 2015, the Hawaii crime rate which was already low, was 25% below the what had been reported a decade earlier. In 2016, the last year reported, state of Hawaii indicates crime was at “the lowest on record since statewide data collection began in 1975. The total Index Crime rate in 2016 was 6.2% below the rate reported in 2015, and
27.1% below the rate reported a decade earlier (2007).”
This made us think how Hawaii not only offers overall reasonable prices and tropical beaches but also provides a safe and domestic destination. To us that adds up to unprecedented value.
Tips for staying safe in Hawaii
1. Like anywhere else, you need to be aware of your surroundings to stay safe. For example, in a parking garage or at the beach, you may not want to open your trunk if there are any valuables. It’s better to wait until you are ready to drive off.
2. Don’t forget to lock your car and hotel/condo windows and other points of entry too.
3. Practice diligent water safety and swim where there is a lifeguard. Understand ocean safety in Hawaii. Read top 10 Hawaii beach safety tips.
4. Drive defensively and don’t make U-turns on the highways. This happens frequently on Kauai. Our two lane road may look like a country back-road, but it’s our major thoroughfare with all the dangers of a freeway.
Be sure to comment with your tips for staying safe in Hawaii.
It’s not just the violence. The water is much safer in Hawaii. My brother went there for his honeymoon and his wife had explosive diarrhea the last few days as well as on the plane on the way home. She had to wear diapers. Lots of fun and not very romantic.
We’ve never had a bit of interest in Cancun, although we love our annual 3 week vacations in Mazatlan, and have never felt the least bit unsafe in 17 years.
I’m very sorry Cancun and Acapulco are experiencing such troubles.
Hi Honey.
Unfortunately when we saw this you came to mind. https://globalnews.ca/news/4086237/alberta-man-carjacked-abducted-in-mexico-offers-harrowing-warning-for-canadians/.
Aloha.
I wish lodging in Hawaii was not so expensive. $400 to $500 per night for a decent hotel plus paid parking is required. Go to Mexico and maybe die, go to Hawaii and get fleeced.
Lodging in Hawaii doesn’t have to be that high if you use vacation rentals… full kitchen for eating breakfast and other meals which saves money and your diet!! ….snorkel gear, beach chairs and umbrellas, bikes, golf clubs, an a full size washer and dryer.
Hawaii is known for its fresh produce at farmers markets which give you a real flavor of the island. Beaches and parking are free everywhere! So as you can see, you can do Hawaii without spending an arm and a leg.
The fact that you seem to be trying to capitalize on the misfortune of another country whose economy also heavily relies on tourism does not seem appropriate. It’s fine to warn travelers but then to advertise how much better Hawaii is (even if I agree) seems wrong. Maybe I’m being overly sensitive but it is something to consider.
Thank you,
Danielle
We have traveled to Mexico (mainly Cancun/Isla Mujeres/Playa areas. We have had no problems. Am I concerned about recent reports? Of course! Especially since our youngest son is planning a destination wedding there next Spring. He will Honeymoon in Hawaii :0) He chose MX for the wedding since it is closer for guests and costs much less than Hawaii. But chose Hawaii as their honeymoon destination due to ‘rave reviews’ from family and friends.
My suggestions for safety in MX is NOT to travel alone and don’t drink alone. As much as one hates to, you may want to stick closer to beer drinking rather than mixed drinks. (I know, I know…………..) Just sayin……….. Harder to contaminate.
We love coming to Hawaii and instead of the “one and only trip of a lifetime” that we thought it would be – we have happily returned four more times and will make our sixth trip and first visit to Kauai later this year.
As we grow older – one must consider medical care in case of an emergency, etc. Traveling to MX always entails the purchase of a costly Med/Evac policy (they are NOT all created equal) – even though we are quite healthy. We would never leave the USA without it. Too big of a gamble. Medicare does not cover in MX.
We are just hopeful that if medical care is ever needed in Hawaii, that we receive good care. I really don’t know how well the hospitals are staffed or rated, etc. But, at least it is good ole USA and they accept our insurances. We have received ‘watered’ drinks in Hawaii a time or two but never been poisoned.