Mexico or Jamaica

A woman got kidnapped in a shopping center near where I live last week and we had a serial killer for a couple of weeks....I live near DC CONSTANT crime on the news about us...but I am not in fear in my neighborhood at all and wouldn't advise people to not visit DC ever, you just should always been cautious when being a tourist, period. There is no country in the world that does not have these issues. Poor Mexico gets the babd wrap. The times I've been there I'm so impressed with the security they have in place at all the resorts, airports, travel to and from, etc....they really take care of their tourists because it's the life blood of their economy. I heart Mexico

FS parents have gone to Cancun many times in the past few years, and this last time they got really scared. They took a local bus to get to some market, and they got off at a wrong place in town, and they are the type that really stand out and look like tourists, and the people gave them some weird looks, and they run back to the bus! Honestly that should teach them not to wander off. Common sense people.

Laura I never been to a nice area in mexico ever because I always was in rural and ghetto areas in Mexico so many times. I just get scared when I am there because I once saw a man holding a shotgun in his truck, he was staring at a house, we were behind him that the driver honked to make him move out of the way. It was scary. But I met some really loving mexicans who welcomed us to their home and cooked us lunch while we were teaching the children about the Bible.

But for our safety, we had a guard in every group and we had a few guards at camp to protect our things and us as well.

Oh my gosh Jass you are right because one night I decided to walk 3/4 mile alone from church service to camp and BAD idea. I was wearing my raiders baseball cap and two young mexican boys came up to me and wanted my cap, I said no. They tried to reach it until a group of my friends caught up and told them to get out of here in spanish. Whew I was scared. and crazy lol.

@Laura- You said it best! I love Mexico!!! It's really frustrating to see it get such a bad reputation. I was also very impressed with their airport security, our resort security, and our excursion to Chichen Itza. Can't wait to go back to Mex!!!! I'm counting down, Little over a year and half.

I had a blast in both locations. Jamaica was prettier but way more expensive. I didnt get off the resort though. Mexico was super cheap for an all inclusive resort and I had a ton of fun shopping at the markets! I would go back to either, so let your budget decide!

I've been to both, and it really depends on what you want to do, and what part of Mexico you go to. For me, I'd steer clear of Cancun - way, way too touristy for my liking. (But then, I remember going there when no knew where the Yucatan was, so go figure)

Personally, I like Jamaica, mon! As long as you get out of any resort you are staying at, explore the island (except for Kingston, of course!), and get to meet a few of the locals. There's a lot to do in either place, but Jamaica just seemed less humid (and I went to both places in July of each year I went), more beautiful, and a happier place to be - without all the drunks. Nothing is a cheap as Mexico, but for a time worth remembering? I'd pay a little more.

We are both from Puerto Rico and visited last year...we were just seconds away from gunshots fired at Old San Juan but I love it there & would never discourage ppl from visiting our beautiful island...I guess anywhere you go there is some sort of crime you just have to be aware...so it does sound a lil scary...lol

It seems the only people one must fear in the resorts in Mexico are TV producers.

Still, I'm not one to spend all my time living in resorts while on vacation. Or having a resort tell me what to do. I like to get out and explore on my own. Used to be one could do that in Mexico and feel safe using reasonable common sense. No màs.

I'd stay away from places like Cancun, Puerta Vallerta etc. I spoke to our Wedding Planner after all the stuff went down last year and Cabo doesn't have the issues that Cancun was having.

I have never been to Jamaica and would love to go!

@ Jass when are you going back? We are planning for the first week of December 2011, depending on how the baby stuff goes....and just for the record I actually prefer the Riviera Maya area, which is south of Cancun...but not cozumel, those places are a bit too touristy for me too.