Is Mexico dangerous?

I get asked the question so often: “Is Mexico dangerous?” or “Oh my god, you live in Mexico, that’s dangerous!” to listen.

Of course, when I told my parents that I would fly to Mexico alone to go on vacation, they were not thrilled. It was precisely these worries that almost everyone has told me that has never been before in the country. Strangely enough, I really only got to anyone who was already in Mexico, “Have fun!” and “Oh God, I’m jealous and want to join!” to listen.

Of course, I was well informed about my destination and knew what to expect and especially how to behave.

What was waiting for me in this terribly dangerous country?

About 25 degrees water temperature, crystal blue water and long white sandy beaches with many lovely and above all helpful people! And tacos in all corners and in all variations! No more and no less. That you should not walk in the darkest corners and streets and the best still alone and not with strangers people should go, I have already been learned by my parents in Germany. This should not be done anywhere in the world and has absolutely nothing to do with Mexico.

You can be robbed in any country, if you are unlucky and at the wrong time in the wrong place. Good friends that happened in New York, another friend in Germany and many in Cologne on New Year’s Eve at the Cologne Cathedral, in the middle of the city! The fact is, unfortunately, it can always happen anywhere in the world!

Of course, I do not walk alone through the streets

at night, but unfortunately you can not do that in Germany today either. Also in Germany I drive by car or take a taxi when I am traveling at night.

What many understandably are afraid of is the “drug war” in Mexico. It’s a big and scary theme here on the ground. Currently, I read a lot in the Mexican news, where, what, how and who was found and distributed throughout the country criss-cross. From Cancun to Los Cabos via Acapulco and so on and immediately.

However, I have to say that there are always cartel wars with each other and very few outside people are affected, as it is unfortunately more likely from a terrorist attack in Europe or shot by a deranged person in the US on the street or in a school because they want to harm as many people as possible at once.

I live in Mexico for almost 2 years and was already in Mexico City. Nothing has ever happened to me before, nor have I ever felt insecure. I think many are afraid of the “unknown” or “the great foreign land”. Mexican friends have really made their will before they started their tour in Europe. No kidding, even Mexicans are scared when traveling to other countries.

In the end, I think that every country has its own problems. What terrorism is in Europe is the mafia in Mexico or the madmen with their weapons in the US on the street or in schools. Something can happen anywhere in the world and you should always be vigilant. Unfortunately, the world has changed everywhere.