I’ve been to most of the lower 48, Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico over the years, however there are still way too many places right here that I haven’t visited and want to for me to want to go north or south of our borders very bad. I like my money spent domestically for the most part.
I’ve been to Canada several times and have been un-awed….in larger Canadian cities it feels like Chicago and when crossing the border from MN to Canada if it wasn’t for the border guards I wouldn’t have known I changed countries. I haven’t been to Mexico and if I feel the urge to do so a quick trip to Cub foods on Saturday morning or a stop or two at garages sales will give me plenty of Mexican exposure. Sure, some of these gated resorts are probably safe but maybe there’s stuff outside the gates to be seen in areas not so safe.
We have friends in Mexico right now that own a condo in a gated resort community and spend a month, home a couple weeks, then back for a month, home a couple again, then back again….all winter they do this. We are [well, Ma is really] looking at package they’ve offered for next winter for two weeks. The flights aren’t that bad and the room and food costs for the two weeks is about 1/3 of what it would cost state-side on the gulf or in Florida or Hawaii. This is in Puerta Villarta so maybe….
I still prefer my a%% on American soil, but as Frydog mentions, trouble can crop up anywhere and at any time and right here at home we are not exempt from it..
Find me a place with beautiful beaches, endless reefs to dive, fantastic fishing, beautiful weather, respectful friendly staff, great food, unlimited booze and great entertainment for $1300/ea for the week and I am in ! 
(that’s why Mexico for a lot of people)
If the US had something to offer like Mexico then I would definitely stay. But Mexico is just an awesome country. I love everything about it (except the cartel of course). The bass fishing is the best in the world and I will keep going down there.
I’m with you on the bass fishing in Mexico. I’ve been going to Mexico since ’96, fishing Guerrero, El Salto, Baccarac and Sugar lakes. 77 bass over 10 lbs. and the biggest at 14-7, so it’s been worth any perceived risks. I’ve never felt like I was in danger while down there, but I never go anywhere unless accompanied by one of the personnel from the lodge facility or one of the fishing guides.
We’ll be making our 5th trip to Mexico this spring since 2014. Three will be family trips with our son (15 yo now), and two were anniversary trips for my wife and I.
Nuevo Vallarta, Akumal, Cabo, Puerto Aventuras area, and Cozumel this spring.
Four stays were at all-inclusive’s with a day trip outside the resort. In Cabo, we stayed at my sisters timeshare and walked everywhere for lunch and dinners while we were there. Never felt uneasy in any of them, but also wasn’t roaming the streets all hours of the night. Just use your head and be aware of your surroundings.
And I’ll third the DR/Punta Cana remarks. Was there spring 2016 and will never go back. Service was terrible compared to Mexican resorts too.
There are just too many cool places to see in this world to confine myself to the US only.
This has been a very difficult decision for my family.
I personally have been to a number of places in Mexico, and never felt unsafe. It is a beautiful country. And as mentioned, my Grandparents used to own a condo in Manzanillo.
The idea or perception was that something had changed. The US unveiled a new ratings system just this week, placing this region of Mexico in a Level 4 – Do Not Travel. (take a quick google search you’ll find tons of articles) Other Level 4 countries include Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, North Korea, and Somalia to name a few. Now…. I’m not afraid to leave the country…. and I don’t know about you…. but I would never even consider travelling to those places.
After letting this sink in for a day or two, I’m inclined to side with Bassfshin24. Most likely nothing has changed down there. This is a result of the “new” ratings system – use common sense and you’ll be fine.
But perception and reality can be different. Unfortunately, the perception for most of my family has changed. It has become a source of anxiety instead of a fun vacation. Most of my family members are now looking at options to cancel flights and lodging and I’m not sure if it can be salvaged at this point.
Just a sad deal all around.
After letting this sink in for a day or two, I’m inclined to side with Bassfshin24. Most likely nothing has changed down there. This is a result of the “new” ratings system – use common sense and you’ll be fine.
Even if something has changed it’s how many cartel members are killing other cartel members. It’s never been particularly dangerous to be a tourist and it still isn’t.
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