Destination wedding in Mexico - Is it safe?

[haring]

One of my clients wants me to photograph her wedding in Cabo, Mexico. Is it safe?

Is there anybody who has visited the place recently?

Thanks!

 

[ChadHillPhoto]

The State Dept does have an active travel warning against traveling to Mexico.

I remember hearing about some violence just outside of Cabo recently but remember it was outside the normal tourist area.

I would contact the embassy and inquire

Good luck & be safe if you decide to go.

 

[Josh66]

We get periodic travel memos from the State Department at work ... from what I've been hearing - the tourist areas are safe in the daylight hours. They advise that you don't go out at night, or leave major tourist areas.

Try to stay with a large group if you go out at night.

 

[Big Mike]

A few (major) incidents and everyone's up in arms. There are probably still many thousands of tourists going to Mexico everyday with no problems.

Actually, if you compare the stats, it's probably less safe to travel to many of the largest cities around the world. Just as an example (no offense meant) the three posts above are from Miami, L.A. and Texas (lets say Houston). Each of which, I'd guess, has a higher violent crime rate than Cabo.

 

[Stradawhovious]

The big problem is that lots of people (especially American tourists) have eliminated common sense from their braincase while on vacation.

For example..... if you get into a car that doesn't look like a taxi, it probably isn't. Don't be surprised if that ends badly.

If you see someone that looks like they are going to hurt you, trust your instinct and avoid them. Don't ask them for directions. It will probably end badly.

If someone on the street stops you and offers to sell something to you, they probably aren't looking to move quality merchandise. I bet it ends badly if you buy it.

The guy drinking at the bar isn't a tour guide, and the drop dead gorgeous local girl flirting with you doesn't think you're attractive.

The list is endless, but those are a few. People (especially us Nanny coddled dumb-ass Americans) expect that when on vacation everything is supposed to go our way, and the locals are supposed to cater to our every whim. When it doesn't, and someone gets hurt or killed doing something stupid, it turns into a national incident where the country is dangerous, rather than the traveller maknig an error. Granted there are exceptions to this but then again I have heard of people getting mugged and killed in Fargo ND as well........

Can Mexico be dangerous? Absolutely, but so can Minneapolis or Milwaukee.

Do your homework. Find out where the safe and not so safe areas of town are. Stick with the first, and avoid the latter. Talk to the manager at the hotel/resort you are staying at to see what the local customs are (read where the tourists shouldn't go). They are usually pretty honest on those accounts. Also, as recommended previously, contact the Embassy.

Above all, remember that you are a guest, and don't do anything stupid. Use common sense.

My .02, FWIW, IANAL, and all that.

 

[c.cloudwalker]

A few (major) incidents and everyone's up in arms. There are probably still many thousands of tourists going to Mexico everyday with no problems.

Actually, if you compare the stats, it's probably less safe to travel to many of the largest cities around the world. Just as an example (no offense meant) the three posts above are from Miami, L.A. and Texas (lets say Houston). Each of which, I'd guess, has a higher violent crime rate than Cabo.

:thumbup:

More brainwashing from Washington. Fear keeps people in line.

If you're scared don't go, you might spoil a pair of fine pants.

If you do go, just use some common sense. Don't walk into a dark alley where you can't see a single person...

My last residence in the US was Augusta, GA and if you listened to the people who lived in the rich, white county there was no way to go downtown (part of the poor, black county) without getting raped, assaulted or killed. :lmao:

My wife was there everyday at ungodly hours because that's where her company was located and she worked insane hours. I was there regularly because I liked the businesses there better. Amazingly enough, we survived 5 years of this...

 

[Vinny]

I grew up in NYC and have worked around here all my life. Once, years ago I had to do a service call in the "backwoods" of Kentucky, I was afraid I'd run into the KKK and never be seen again. The service call was to an elderly woman whose niece was in NYC and they were afraid for her life ... it's funny how perception is!

Being aware of your surroundings is the most important element.

 

[wendyalana]

Hi there,

My husband and I love Mexico and we were married there last January. I've been ten times in my lifetime, all different parts including Acapulco and the Mayan Riviera. I'm well aware of the dangers and warnings in Mexico, however I also lived in Toronto for ten years and heard the nightly news of shootings.

Our photographer/cinematographer Studio 67 were hesitant to bring all their gear down and they had never been to Mexico. They managed to bring all their equipment, steadi cam and all in those hard cased golf bags. I as the bride did some research with the Mexican Consulate to ensure we didn't need some sort of business permit to be shooting on Mexican soil. If you're only there for a few days you do not need one but to be on the safe side, I printed that email from the Mexican Consulate in case there were any issues with their equipment through Mexican customs.

The Mexican people as a whole are loving, very catholic oriented and love their families. They are warm and kind hearted but I am aware of the dangers that can happen there. That being said, our family and friends had the most amazing time and I will never forget our experience there.

Here is the final result of our wedding in Mexico. These people trained with Still Motion...not sure if you're aware of them but they are the Steven Spielberg of wedding photography. You need a password to get in...the password is: mexico

Enjoy!

This is a password protected video on Vimeo