We are planning a vacation in August to Mexico. Partly touring the major sites between Mexico City and the Yucatan and part beach holiday. Is it safe to drive from town to town? I have read stories of kidnappings and bandits. We like to tour individually and not in tour groups, but I am concerned whether it will be safe or not.<BR>Thanks for help.<BR>Vicki

Vicki, go to the following website and read about travel in Mexico (don't just stop at the first mention of car travel because it's mentioned in several spots...keep reading):<BR>http:/travel.state.gov/tips_mexico.html

Hello,<BR>Been all over the Yucatan coast from Cancun down to Tankah without any problems.<BR>The main area with trouble was Chiapas, but that has calmed down some now with the new President of Mexico making some headway with the rebels.<BR>Would not recommend interior or close to US/Mexico border, but I agree with the previous poster to do some reading/research.

Over the past 10 years we have driven in 20 Mexican states, in our own vehicles and in rental cars. When we are in D.F. we use public transportation, then pick up a car and head out. <BR>We have driven west to Acapulco and east as far as Puebla and Tlaxcala with no problems. Also have driven the Baja, the Pacific coast from Nogales to Manzanillo and all over the Yucatan. We have never had any kind of a problem. <BR>Here are a couple of suggestions. Rent from the major companies. Cars seem to be newer, and they have offices in more cities, if you do have a problem. <BR>Carry Mexican insurance. Laws in Mexico are very different. Drive only during day light hours. Keep most of your your luggage in the trunk. Stay close to the speed limits, watch out for topos (speed bumps that appear out of nowhere) and don't drink and drive. If I can be of assistance, eme.

Four things to keep in mind while driving in Mexico:<BR><BR>1. Avoid driving at nights. Signs may not be as plentiful or as clear as they should be, so it is easy to get lost. If there's something blocking the road, don't get out of your car to move it. Turn around and go to the nearest town. This used to happen a few years ago, I am not sure if it still goes on.<BR><BR>2. Whenever you have the choice of a free (libre) or a toll (cuota) highway, ALWAYS take the toll. <BR><BR>3. Unless you are very familiar with it, DON'T DRIVE IN MEXICO CITY.<BR><BR>4. Don't drive in Mexico City. Take registered (radio taxi) cabs.