If you watch the evening news or read dramatic posts on social networks, you might get the impression that the main danger for tourists in Mexico — this is crime. However, the real statistics look different. Violent crimes against travelers occur much less frequently than is commonly believed. Much more often, problems arise due to quite ordinary things: the sun, alcohol, the ocean, unfamiliar infrastructure and ordinary human carelessness. Most injuries during holidays at Mexican resorts are not associated with crime at all, but with the fact that people are accommodated in a relaxed «vacation mode».
Here are some of the most common situations where visitors to the state get injured while vacationing in Mexico, and simple ways to avoid them.
Ocean and strong currents
The most serious category of incidents on the coast — These are accidents in the water. The Caribbean Sea looks calm and safe in promotional photographs, but strong rip currents periodically occur on many beaches. They are capable of dragging a person away from the shore in a matter of seconds.
Most people don't know how to behave in such a situation. Instinctive reaction — try to swim back to shore. But this is precisely what leads to rapid exhaustion of strength. As a result, a person simply cannot float on the water anymore.
A few simple rules will greatly improve safety. Pay attention to the color of the flags on the beach: do not enter the water if the flag is red or black. Swim only during hours when lifeguards are working on the beach, in other words, until it gets dark. If the current is carrying you out to sea, swim parallel to the shore rather than directly towards it.
Experienced rescuers note that it is panic that causes most tragedies on the beach.
In addition, we hope that you have not forgotten about the protective cream — The sun in Mexico is blazing mercilessly.
Falls on hotel grounds
The second most common cause of injury — banal falls. At first glance this sounds unexpected. But the combination of three factors often leads to trouble: hot climates, alcohol and wet surfaces. Polished marble floors, pool tiles and wet sandals make for a pretty dangerous combination. Such situations occur much more often than is commonly thought.
A separate category of incidents — falling from balconies. In almost all cases they are associated with excessive alcohol consumption. It's not uncommon for people to sit on the railing, try to climb onto a nearby balcony, or lean too far.
Drink more water, especially in hot weather, to prevent dizziness. Don't run near the pool. Do not sit on balcony railings or try to climb between balconies.
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Stomach infections
Stomach problems — one of the most typical «souvenirs» from any foreign trip. Travel consultants estimate that up to 30-40% of tourists in new countries experience some form of eating disorder.
The reasons can be different: unusual bacteria (traveler's diarrhea), poor sanitary conditions, food left at room temperature for a long time, contaminated water.
Especially dangerous are huge buffets, where dishes can sit on display for a long time, or sandwiches that you took with you to the beach for the whole day.
Follow a few simple rules. Don't drink tap water. Use bottled water even for brushing your teeth. Eat only well-cooked hot food. Wash and peel the fruit yourself. Avoid foods that sit at room temperature for long periods of time.
The good news is that most of these disorders go away quite quickly.
Injuries during excursions
Mexico is famous for active entertainment. ATV rides, zip lines, hiking, swimming in cenotes and other forms of outdoor activities are popular in the jungle. But this is where injuries often occur.
Safety standards may vary greatly between operators. The cheapest excursions sometimes offer equipment in questionable condition. In addition, slippery limestone surfaces are often found in natural areas. Falls on such stones often result in sprains, fractures or dislocations.
Before purchasing an excursion, you should pay attention to several things: availability of an operator’s license, travel insurance, condition of equipment. Reviews from other travelers will also be useful.
In addition, it is recommended to use closed shoes with good tread and not dive into natural bodies of water if the depth is unknown.
Alcohol poisoning and counterfeit medicines
This problem is less common, but still occurs. Cheap alcohol of dubious origin can cause severe poisoning. In addition, counterfeit medicines are sometimes sold in tourist areas.
Order drinks only from trusted establishments, give preference to alcohol in original packaging. Avoid suspiciously cheap drink offers.
Buy medications only from large chain pharmacies. There are large pharmacy chains in Mexico, such as Farmacias del Ahorro and Farmacias Guadalajara, where the likelihood of counterfeiting is much lower. There are such pharmacies at every step, and many work around the clock.
Another point that visitors sometimes forget about is — cost of medical care in resort areas. Private clinics in Mexico are equipped with modern equipment and operate to high standards. However, most of them are not cheap at all and require advance payment for treatment. If a serious injury is involved, the bill can run into thousands of dollars.
In this regard, take out medical insurance before your trip. This will eliminate the need to urgently look for money in an emergency.