By now, we've all read about the increase in horrific violence in Mexico. On my recent trip to Guatemala, when I had access to a TV, I saw news stories on CNN, the BBC and Central American stations, and they are nothing less than harrowing. The interviews with Mexican police were worrying, and the stories of Mexican families and other everyday people who have lost loved ones in this metastasizing crime wave were heart wrenching. But as I watched, I kept being reminded that, in truth, you can only do so much to be safe. The rest is out of your hands, so you might as well enjoy life.
Being in one of Mexico's neighbor countries, and one that has an all-too-fresh memory of bloodshed, made me think a lot about safety. By nature, I'm a wary person, and I've been cursed with a heavy supply of inherent anxiety. It may one day cause me an ulcer, but I think it's helped me to avoid (knock wood) bad situations. But one thing that I've learned through travel, and which has been reiterated to me time and time again, is that there are no absolutes. It does no one any good to paint societies, nations or governments in bold strokes. It's not realistic and, in fact, it's detrimental and potentially destructive.
I have been a victim of crime in my hometownmy home was broken intoand there was nothing that could have been done about it. In fact, I tried to prevent it. We had a security system, but that was the first thing that the intruder took care ofit was my dog that evidently sent the person running. The sense of powerlessness that I felt after that was difficult to overcome. I felt exposed, vulnerable and, well, unsafe. I was sure that the person would come back, and worried about being home alone whenever that was. I felt cheated that the security system failed so easily.
But after a while, I came to the realization that there is no safety. There is no infallible security. I can never control or predict what other people are thinking or doing. Would I be shattered if something really bad did happen (heaven forbid)? You know it. But with this realization came the understanding that I did not want to live my life worrying about every single possible bad scenario, fastened forever to my couch with a sawed-off shotgun in my hand, worrying about a million could-happen situations. All I can do is understand that crime is random and keep my wits about me. It also doesn't hurt to keep in mind that in many places, even those that have a reputation as being dangerous, crime is usually relatively rare. As an inveterate traveler, the same thought applies wherever I go in the world, though I'm not going to be feckless and tempt fate by going to places that are seriously risky. Spring break in Kandahar? No thanks.
I certainly don't mean to make light of the situation in Mexico (and other Central American countries), and by all means, a trip to Juarez or other border towns is probably best avoided right now. I hope with all my heart that the situation can be conquered by a convergence of forces of good. But at the same time, saying that Mexico should universally be avoided is, in my opinion, sensationalist and counterproductive. Countless families depend on tourism for their income. In many places, it's the main source of income because of a lack favorable agricultural, mineral or other conditions. It's important to support them, because they are the people who have a vested interest in keeping Mexico safe for travelers.
So go forth, be aware and travel. You can't prevent everything, but you can always take preventative measures that will increase your chances of having an incident-free trip.
Here are five tips that I've learned from years of travel:
1. Be a good student: Study your destination and study it hard. Don't cram at the last minute (unless you're going on a short-notice trip). In the weeks and months before you go, spend your lunch break or at least an hour in the evening, a minimum of a few days a week, researching where you're going. Mash together search terms on Google, read travel boards, peruse travel guides and other literature.
2. Start speaking in tongues: Develop a rudimentary vocabulary, including numbers, personal pronouns, salutations, and words associated with the activities in which you plan to participate. It never hurts to learn a call for help or "go away" or "I'm watching you" (in case of potential pickpockets) phrases, either. A lot of people feel ridiculous by trying to imitate other accentsdon't. Speak out loud and don't be shy.
3. Think about how you look: In a lot of places, you're going to stick out like a sore thumb no matter what. Even so, you can dress appropriately and wisely. In some places, it's easier to blend in by wearing nicer, more formal clothing. In others, you might want to dress down to appear less-than-flush with cash. In that case, skip jewelry entirely, unless you want to wear your wedding band, which you can switch out for a cheap, ultra plain, thin bandI have one that cost $4 that I picked up from a kiosk at the Mall of America. Other ideas: Don't carry an overflowing day pack, and when riding in taxis, put your bag on the floor between your feet (and lock the doors); Wear a money beltand if you spend the extra few dollars for a silk one, you'll be a much happier traveler.
4. Have a planor look like you do: Familiarize yourself with street maps of the cities you be visiting. Each morning before you head out, know where you're goingbeyond the first stop of the dayespecially if you're walking. If you find yourself lost, keep walking intently while noting the street you're on and the streets you pass. Pull into a restaurant, shop or church and discretely consult your map.
5. Keep your wits about you: Partially, this means to always be aware of the activity going on around you. But since we're in Spring Break season, this also means "don't party too hard." Call me a spoilsport, but it's just a bad idea. Don't do drugsjust don'tand limit yourself to one or two drinks. You'll make better decisions, and yes, Virginia, you can still have fun. Who wants to be hungover on vacation anyhow?
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