4sammy

Hi all,

I don't see any posts about this topic, and I really actually hate to even start it, but I want to make sure I'm not the only one! My facebook feed is full of reports about tourists being drugged in Mexico (Cancun primarily); rumors of bars and hospitals working in cahoots to take advantage of unsuspecting tourists. Friends posting left and right that they will never go to Mexico again, etc.

Now - media coverage of crime in Cancun and Mexico in general is nothing new - we have gone many, many times over the years and never had a problem. We live in Texas, so Cancun is a really great ,easy, close vacation destination for us. We don't party it up, we stick with our hotel (we like the Marriott in Cancun and often use points there) and enjoy the beach / pool / activities there onsite for 3 nights or so. It's a quick trip for some sun and relaxation, not the adventurous trip we would take elsewhere, like Hawaii or Europe.

I don't live in fear, realize media has a purpose and that is to sensationalize isolated incidents to generate hysteria. Crime happens everywhere ,and there are details to every story that we may never know. If I banned any location that ever had a reported crime, we would never leave the house .

BUT. I want to make sure I'm not being naïve. We have a trip planned this fall with our school aged kids.

What are your thoughts?

SambaChula

My thoughts? Purge your Facebook feed. Tell your friends that you hope they enjoy the view from under the bed.
Then go enjoy your vacation in Cancun. No reason not to make it an adventurous trip if you wish. The Yucatan is still about as safe as it gets for tourists.

suze

http://www.jsonline.com/story/news/2...sts/490429001/

suze

There IS something going on imo, but I don't think it would effect you and the trip you are planning to take.

maried11

These things fly around every few years and affect all of Mexico. I see no reason to not go and I myself am going to back to the Mayan this winter. Not worried at all and I have kids. Go with confidence to Mexico but be careful as you would anywhere.

cybor

It's always good to take in the news of where you're planning on traveling. We all get lazy and it's good to be reminded that you do need to keep your eyes open for strange goings on.
That said, not sure how long the phrase slipping one a mickey has been around but I think that people have been doing this sort of thing for ages.

4sammy234

Thanks all - these are all in line with what we think as well. It does seem every couple of years we hear a flurry of stories like these, worry a little, and proceed as normal with caution and good sense.

Rohelio

As in any good size city, one should be aware of their surrondings and areas to frequent and does that need to be avoided. Cancun, is a world destination that accomodates thousands of tourists. People publish and support all kinds of negativity in regards to Mexico, these should be taken with a grain of salt and just apply common sense. We have been to Cancun many many times as we had a condo in Playa del Carmen and have never witnessed any kind of violance or aggresivity towards tourists.

tom42

The story is about tainted alcohol at all inclusive resorts so it has nothing to do with being aware of your surroundings or areas to frequent or avoid.

"The Mexican government has long acknowledged that the nation has a problem with adulterated alcohol. A 2017 report by Euromonitor International found 36% of the alcohol consumed in the country is illegal, meaning it is sold or produced under unregulated circumstances and potentially dangerous.

The study, done in collaboration with the nation’s Tax Administration Service, found that was an improvement from two years earlier, when 43% was illegal.

The national health authority in Mexico has seized more than 1.4 million gallons of adulterated alcohol since 2010 — not just from small local establishments, but from hotels and other entertainment areas, according to a 2017 report by the country's Federal Commission for Protection against Health Risks.

“We are concerned as an industry,” said Geraldo Ancira, director of the Commission for the Wine and Spirits Industry. “Tackling illicit alcohol trade in Mexico is one of our most important tasks.”

The market for counterfeit alcohol in Mexico is driven in part by steep taxes on spirits —more than 53% in excise tax alone — and, in the case of tequila, the expense of producing it, Ancira said. "

http://www.jsonline.com/story/news/i...rts/519101001/

suze

This is not about "violance or aggresivity towards tourists".

It is more than one report of people being slipped "a mickey" or similar. And it's not one person but repeat incidents at specific AI Resort chains.


"support all kinds of negativity in regards to Mexico"

It is not that either. Did you even read this story?

jamie99

The reports I read talked about a brother and sister (sister died) who each had 4-5 shots of alcohol on an empty stomach (they were supposed to meet the parents for dinner), girl had a BAC of .25 when she died. This was at Iberostar Paraiso, not in Cancun. Very sorry for the parents, whether the booze was tainted or not.

tom42

<<The reports I read talked about a brother and sister (sister died) who each had 4-5 shots of alcohol on an empty stomach (they were supposed to meet the parents for dinner), girl had a BAC of .25 when she died.>>

Apparently, many more people spoke up about their experiences after the incident you describe became public.

suze

What tom42 said.

cybor

Many people in Mx will only drink liquor from establishments they know and trust. I learned this from my friends here.
Slipping one type of booze for another happens here. If it tastes strange, someone in your party gets drunk faster than normal or gets sick report it immediately.
There's really no perfect solution that I know of. I personally opt for beer in unfamiliar establishments.

Whathello

People should be aware that booze kills.

As for what one can read on FB or even in the newspapers.
If I did believe all is said I would never go to US anymore.
Shootings happen daily in schools or between drug barons kids play with firearms and customs detain you for no good reasons.

Newspapers love to write shocking stories - it sells.

AllenJohn77

My family and me have visited Cancun for years, since our teenage sons were kids, and we have never had a problem of robbery or violence.
Most of the years we've gone to Cancun, we've stayed in Club Regina Cancun due to our Raintree Vacation Club membership, also at Sandos and Oasis, Cancun is very protective with tourists, even at the streets they are friendly with you. It's all about having care and be prudent.
Media says a lot of things, but I suggest you to relax and have a great time in your trip.

tdunnusa

This issue and concern is not light-hearted. It is being investigated. It's not something that comes up every few years. Here is another article. http://www.whas11.com/news/nation-no...tice/465063167
This is local news from WI
Don't be complacent. It's at all inclusives, it's related to resorts, police and hospitals.

johanna_lee

Hello, I live in Cancun since 2012. I am aware of the news, but I think they are just scaring tourists. Cancun is one of the safest places in Mexico, I always travel by the hotel area which is 20 min from where I live, and I have not seen any danger, the news are horrible! Also, last week I went to this nightclub called Han, which is more for the people that live here but I had a good time and It was very safe, the reps verify each person that comes in and it is not dangerous. Hotel Marriot in Cancun is a very nice hotel. Maybe you just got to be careful when drinking at night and keep your family with you.

Hope this helps!

If you are looking for airport transfers to Marriot Hotel you can book it here https://www.discoverymundo.com/cancu...ott-casa-magna