What would you do ?

[coastermom]

My DH and I are celebrating our 20th anniversary in Feb. We really want to go away someplace nice . We were offered a time share in Mexico from my parents at an all inclusive place that is adults only . I am nervous to travel to Mexico it is in River Maya . We could take this OR pay for a room and air fare and go anywhere else we wanted .... I was thinking a trip alone to WDW in a nice resort with no kids or even a trip to Key West . he was also considering Vegas .... I also wanted to look into St Thomas as well .. Now considering we only have 5 days what direction should I go I am so CONFUSED !! I keep thinking Mexico is the answer to do it Cheaply but I wonder if it is safe ??? Keep in mind I also need to pay for passports as our last trip anywhere was Aruba and that was over 7 years ago and we didnt need a passport !! UGH

 

[cvjw]

Which all inclusive in Mexico? Is it one of the Palace resorts? I would still feel safe going to an all-inclusive in Mexico, if it were one of the bigger resorts. I haven't ever felt unsafe at a Palace resort, or a Sandals/Beaches resort. They usually have guys with machine guns stationed at the edge of the properties in Jamaica and Mexico.

I love my Walt Disney World, but a trip to an all-inclusive is awesome.

 

[mdsoccermom]

I send clients to all-inclusives in Mexico, specifically the Cancun/Riviera Maya areas, all the time. That area is very safe. I wouldn't hesitate to go.

 

[AmandaRG]

For our 20th, we did a DCL cruise, with kids. I do hope that you are able to have a fabulous time, whatever you choose!!!

 

[coastermom]

It is a palace resort and I am thinking that the cost is going to be so much less then anything else I do ... My sister and mother both loved it there . My sister went on her honeymoon there and my parents go almost every year .

I guess it is more butterflies then anything else about going to mexico ....

Thanks for the input !! going to talk to mom again and see what all the details are before I commit to something !

 

[mdsoccermom]

Palace Resorts are very good and quite safe.

 

[wtpntigger2]

I've gone to Mexico (Riviera Maya & Isla Mujeres) the last two summers both times flying into Cancun. Not once did I ever not feel safe. They have guards at the resorts so the property is very safe, and even when we went off property to "tourist" areas, we felt safe and we had our dd8 with us.

 

[dimimi]

I was in Mexico, Playa del Carmen, 2 years ago and felt 100% safe.

 

[Darcy03231]

DH and I have traveled extensively throughout Mexico over the last 20 years and have made lots of friends there. About the only way I would even contemplate going would be to go to one of the bigger resorts in Riveria Maya. Its about the safest place in Mexico. If you leave the resort just stay to well lit, well traveled tourist areas and stay aware of your surroundings. Personally, I would stay in the resort at night, but that's up to you.

Have a great trip!

 

[hipchickie]

we went to Riviera Maya earlier this year (Puerto Morelos) and never at any point did we feel unsafe.
We rented a car and did all our own stuff, driving to Tulum, Coba, a bunch of different cenotes, Akumal...absolutely no problem. Nothing to worry about.

 

[sookie]

i went a month ago and it felt very safe. we went off resort several times. we never go out at night.

we stayed at a place called "le blanc". the service was amazing and completely blew every other resort place we had stayed out of the water. it was great!


i think that le blanc is a palace resort - adults only. not completely sure but if it is - it was wonderful!

 

[gower525]

We just got back from Mexico (Cozumel) yesterday. I wouldn't worry at all. It seemed very safe.

 

[Princesca]

I think I would go. Just be alert and aware, and read up a little on travel safety before you go.

Mexico's economy is hugely reliant on tourism and, from what I've read, this leads to incredibly strict penalties and punishments against people who prey on tourists, so you should be just fine if you stay close to the resort.

Just remember the basics... stuff like avoiding walking alone, stick to well-lit areas, don't take many valuables on your trip, try not to look like you have anything on you worth stealing. For instance, I left my wedding rings at home. Be sure that if you get transportation from the airport that you use a legitimate provider for that service. Our hotel arranged it for us, and we were picked up with some other tourists.

Google travel safety. It never hurts to be prepared.

 

[lsherry]

I live in Az. and we drive into Mexico as often as possible to go to the resorts along the Sea of Cortez. We have never had any problems. Yes the Federales have their machine guns with them, and I was scared at first, but now I feel comfortable knowing they are there. Just don't go to unpopulated areas and stay on the resort at night. Basically, just use common sense. You'll have a terrific time...

 

[canadianjovigirl]

We love Mexico and go once or twice a year and never felt unsafe or threatened in any of the resorts we go to. We go to Cancun and the riviera and love it as do our kids...........

 

[LovesTimone]

Congrats on your upcoming anniversary.

I have some friends that just got back from there. Not the trip that they had hoped for. She said that she did not feel safe and they cut their trip short by 3 days and came how early. She and her DH have traveled all over the world and several times to Mexico. I know that they have always really enjoyed it. I asked her if something happened, She said no.. that they just felt uneasy and they were not able to relax this trip..

If you are this worried now, are you sure if you went you would be able to relax and enjoy your trip? This is a special anniversary, I would want to relax and enjoy each other. Just my thoughts

 

[momofrrr]

We have been to Mexico a couple of times. Most recently Playa Del Carmen. We stayed at an Iberostar All Inclusive and loved it. I never felt uncomfortable and we had our kids with us. It was beautiful and the staff was very kind and helpful. We also stopped in Cozumel on a cruise and had a wonderful day. We did not leave the tourist areas but that was what we were there for.

Hope you have a wonderful anniversary.

 

[coastermom]

Thanks for all the input guys !! Have not spoken to mom yet but am thinking that it will all depend on the price of everything else we are looking at . We are heading out this week on our Family Vacation to OHIO !!! Cedar Point and then me and DD are heading for her Sweet 16 trip to WDW so I really need to stick to a budget for this anniversary trip !! I also need to see when school is off as DH and I both work in the schools ...

Thanks again everyone !!

 

[brettgirl]

Been to all inclusive Barcelo in Riviera Maya-was off and on property-NO PROBLEMS at all! I did not go into town,(Playa del Carmen?) but would take the advice of others-any place is unsafe at night, by yourself and if you are not careful.

I also learned from reading on forums it is NOT a good idea to rent a car-there are numerous great services to take you from the airport to where you want to go. Yes, the police have VERY big guns and have no problems searching cars traveling on their highways.

The airport is so very clean and newer.

My 20th anniversary is also in February-Valentine's day, but can't afford anything to celebrate as we have a daughter going into college and we think we would like to go to Disney near the summer........have a blast!!!!!

 

[cmjaffe]

I'd go to Mexico over St. Thomas which has gotten worse in crime over the last couple of years. An all -inclusive sounds great.
We're kind of in the same "boat" as you... we've only got a week's window to go away in August me and the 2 kids, DH's going for surgery and we really need to get away, I'd like to take the kids to an all inclusive (14 & 18 yo) but DH doesn't want us to go to Mexico...