I’ve been and traveled to Mexico quite a lot (not Cancun resort style, more like backpacking in Chiapas style) and I always felt safe. Sure, there are problems in Mexico and actually quite a lot of tension in Chiapas because of the Zapatistas but I had the feeling that it’s more intellectual disagreements than pure violence. I could communicate with people just fine anyway.

That said, my experience doesn’t mean much. I agree.

But I remembered wondering, reading all the warnings about Mexico, if there were as many warnings about let’s say downtown Chicago or SC LA, where I really didn’t feel safe (for Chicago, didn’t try LA). I mean, these places look way more dangerous to me!