Vacation in Cancun Mexico -safety concerns

[Happinow]

We are talking about different places to vacation and are looking at resorts in Mexico. Many of them are breath taking and would be a trip of a lifetime. However, we are a bit concerned about our safety while there. Has anyone visited resorts in Mexico before and if so did you feel safe? Any places you would recommend?

[Chi-Town]

The safest resort area that I know is Ixtapa which is on the Pacific side. Just beach, hotels, condos and restaurants. And sunsets, of course.

[SisalPhil]

We are talking about different places to vacation and are looking at resorts in Mexico. Many of them are breath taking and would be a trip of a lifetime. However, we are a bit concerned about our safety while there. Has anyone visited resorts in Mexico before and if so did you feel safe? Any places you would recommend?

Just sent you a PM

[tippyclubb]

We have been all over Mexico and our favorite place is the Riviera Mayan area. The beaches are beautiful and you can swim in front of the resorts. When we stayed in Cancun we were not able to enter the water 6 out of 7 days. Cancun is about 45 minutes from Riviera Mayan.

We preferred RM area because it was closer to Cozumel, Xcaret, and many of the tourist attractions. We felt safer in RM than we did in Cancun. When we went to downtown Cancun there were armed police holding machine guns scattered along the street. Very intimidating and nerve wracking. Downtown RM is not like that.

Be forewarned anywhere you go in Mexico once you get into shopping areas you will be hounded relentlessly by vendors selling their goods. After a few days of this its very aggravating. The best way to handle the vendors is don't look at them and just keep walking.

As for your safety the resorts are very safe. Almost all of them are gated and patrolled by armed guards. Once you leave the hotel area stay on the beaten path and don't venture off too much. Its not much different than going to any large American city. There are boundaries and one should not cross them. Use common sense is the best approach.

When choosing a resort or which area to visit try using Trip Advisor. Lots of good information on there and some good reviews also. Trip Advisor has a forum and they are always eager to answer any questions.

One last thing when you get to Mexico you MUST go to Xcaret and see the live evening show. It last for 2 hours and it is spectacular.

We love Mexico and hope you will enjoy your trip.

[Indydealmaker]

We are talking about different places to vacation and are looking at resorts in Mexico. Many of them are breath taking and would be a trip of a lifetime. However, we are a bit concerned about our safety while there. Has anyone visited resorts in Mexico before and if so did you feel safe? Any places you would recommend?

This website has some useful insight for tourists planning travel to Cancun.
Cancun: Health & Safety - TripAdvisor (http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g150807-s206/Cancun:Mexico:Health.And.Safety.html)

[Barefoot]

We've visited Mexico a few times, different destinations each time, I feel safe in the resorts which are usually gated and patrolled. PV was a fun town. I'm not sure if I'd rent a car and drive to the mountains.

Of course the more expensive resorts offer luxury, more amenities, and hopefully they are more demanding and stringent when hiring security staff.

[Blessed2BNTV]

Just got back from Fairmont Mayokoba in Riviera Maya two weeks ago - 30 minutes from Cancun. Drove 30 minutes from airport and yes there were armed guards going to to gated communities.

Resort was beautiful and food and drinks were very expensive. Trip was for business.

[senior citizen]

We are talking about different places to vacation and are looking at resorts in Mexico. Many of them are breath taking and would be a trip of a lifetime. However, we are a bit concerned about our safety while there. Has anyone visited resorts in Mexico before and if so did you feel safe? Any places you would recommend?

I'll check with my daughter's brother in law who just returned from a trip to the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico (to visit anthropological sites, etc.)

Our son travels to Mexico City on business as a consultant. He said it was old, obviously, but so far his visits have been fine. He flew down on the Dreamliner. I think that plane has some issues.

My husband has a friend who returns to Cancun often and our N.J. nephew, ditto. They also traveled to see ancient ruins while on vacation in Cancun.

As long as you stay in resorts, you probably will be fine. I have heard warnings that people should NOT drive , say from Arizona down through Mexico.....as one never knows what might happen on the highways.

I'll check re the Yucatan Peninsula.

[graciegirl]

Florida man killed while on spring break in Cancun - FOX 13 News (http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/story/24900726/2014/03/06/florida-man-killed-while-on-spring-break-in-cancun)

[OBXNana]

Cozumel can't be beat if you snorkel or you dive.

We found armed guards in Cancun too and it's a bit unsettling. We stayed in a hotel that was gated and we felt secure within the resort. We ventured out on buses several times to see the area. We didn't go out at night on the public transportation and felt safe. Yes, the drivers do start abruptly when you're going to your seat and we sat toward the front of the bus. The buses would "forget" to stop at your stop and we did have to walk once or twice from the next stop. Never felt unsafe. We went into town one evening, but went back to the hotel by 9:00 and enjoyed the night life before the more rowdy crowd arrived. My husband walked from the hotel every day to the down town and in the morning, there was nobody there except the people cleaning up after the crowds from the previous night. Never felt unsafe.

We wanted to see downtown, the ruins, and take a boat ride. We decided not to rent a car and paid to take guided tours. We did this 4 times, the expense was greater, but we were with other tourists and the guides took good care of us

Unfortunately, the times have made it that you have to be cautious when you travel to areas, even within the US. Our theory was to travel to the Mexico regions before safety issues got any worse.

[red tail]

We are talking about different places to vacation and are looking at resorts in Mexico. Many of them are breath taking and would be a trip of a lifetime. However, we are a bit concerned about our safety while there. Has anyone visited resorts in Mexico before and if so did you feel safe? Any places you would recommend?

I go to cancun at least twice a year and always stay on the hotel strip. its only 8 miles from the airport and very safe. safer than downtown Orlando !!!

[Parker]

Why would you vacation where armed guards are required? I must be missing something.

[red tail]

I have never seen an armed guard on the hotel strip in cancun. I have been there numerous times.
ps...all cities have armed guards.

[red tail]

there is a lady lake armed guard assigned to the square at spanish springs! I just read about a bunch of armed police officers all over wildwood last night. does that mean one shouldn't visit wildwood?

[mickey100]

Statistically, Orlando is rated a very high crime area, among the top 5% in the country. Does that mean we don't visit Orlando? Of course not, certain areas of the city are safer than others. And so with Cancun. We've been to Mexico several times, and staying in the hotel areas, we never felt unsafe.

[BarryRX]

The U.S. Department of State warns U.S. citizens about the risk of traveling in Mexico due to threats to safety and security posed by Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs) in the country. U.S. citizens have been the target of violent crimes, such as kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery by TCOs in various Mexican states. For information on security conditions in specific regions of Mexico, which can vary, travelers should reference the state-by-state assessments further below.

This Travel Warning replaces the Travel Warning for Mexico, issued July 12, 2013, to update information about the security situation and to advise the public of additional restrictions on the travel of U.S. government (USG) personnel.

General Conditions:

Millions of U.S. citizens safely visit Mexico each year for study, tourism, and business, including more than 150,000 who cross the border every day. The Mexican government dedicates substantial resources to protect visitors to major tourist destinations, and there is no evidence that Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs) have targeted U.S. visitors or residents based on their nationality. Resort areas and tourist destinations in Mexico generally do not see the levels of drug-related violence and crime that are reported in the border region or in areas along major trafficking routes.

Nevertheless, U.S. travelers should be aware that the Mexican government has been engaged in an extensive effort to counter TCOs which engage in narcotics trafficking and other unlawful activities throughout Mexico. The TCOs themselves are engaged in a violent struggle to control drug trafficking routes and other criminal activity. Crime and violence are serious problems and can occur anywhere. U.S. citizens have fallen victim to criminal activity, including homicide, gun battles, kidnapping, carjacking and highway robbery. While most of those killed in narcotics-related violence have been members of TCOs, innocent persons have also been killed. The number of U.S. citizens reported to the Department of State as murdered in Mexico was 71 in 2012 and 81 in 2013.

Gun battles between rival TCOs or with Mexican authorities have taken place in towns and cities in many parts of Mexico, especially in the border region. Gun battles have occurred in broad daylight on streets and in other public venues, such as restaurants and clubs. During some of these incidents, U.S. citizens have been trapped and temporarily prevented from leaving the area. TCOs have used stolen cars, buses and trucks to create roadblocks on major thoroughfares, preventing the military and police from responding to criminal activity. The location and timing of future armed engagements is unpredictable. We recommend that you defer travel to the areas indicated in this Travel Warning and exercise extreme caution when traveling throughout the northern border region.

The number of kidnappings throughout Mexico is of particular concern and appears to be on the rise. According to statistics published by the Mexican Secretaria de Gobernacion (SEGOB), during the first 11 months of 2013 kidnappings nationwide increased 32 percent over the same period in 2012. While kidnappings can occur anywhere, according to SEGOB during this timeframe, the states with the highest numbers of kidnappings were Guerrero, Tamaulipas, Michoac�n, Estado de Mexico, and Morelos. Additionally, according to a widely publicized study by the agency responsible for national statistics (INEGI, the National Institute of Statistics and Geography), Mexico suffered an estimated 105,682 kidnappings in 2012; only 1,317 were reported to the police. Police have been implicated in some of these incidents. Both local and expatriate communities have been victimized. Almost 90 kidnappings of U.S. citizens were reported to the U.S. Embassy and consulates in Mexico between April and November of 2013.

U.S. citizens are encouraged to lower their personal profiles and to avoid wearing conspicuous jewelry or clothing bearing logos of U.S. sports teams or military themed apparel which that may identify them as U.S. citizens. U.S. citizens are encouraged to maintain awareness of their surroundings and avoid situations in which they may be isolated.

Kidnappings in Mexico have included traditional, "express" and "virtual" kidnappings. Victims of traditional kidnappings are physically abducted and held captive until a ransom is paid for release. "Express" kidnappings are those in which a victim is abducted for a short time and forced to withdraw money, usually from an ATM, then released. A "virtual" kidnapping is an extortion by deception scheme wherein a victim is contacted by phone and convinced to isolate themselves from family and friends until a ransom is paid. The victim is coerced (by threat of violence) to remain isolated and to provide phone numbers for the victim's family or loved ones. The victim's family is then contacted and a ransom for the "kidnapped" extracted. Recently, some travelers to Mexico staying at hotels as guests have been targets of such "virtual" kidnapping schemes.

Carjacking and highway robbery are serious problems in many parts of the border region, and U.S. citizens have been murdered in such incidents. Most victims who complied with carjackers' demands have reported that they were not physically harmed. Carjackers have shot at vehicles that have attempted to flee. Incidents have occurred during the day and at night, and carjackers have used a variety of techniques, including roadblocks, bumping/moving vehicles to force them to stop, and running vehicles off the road at high speeds. There are indications that criminals target newer and larger vehicles, especially dark-colored SUVs. However, even drivers of old sedans and buses coming from the United States have been targeted. While violent incidents can occur anywhere and at any time, they most frequently occur at night and on isolated roads. To reduce risk when traveling by road, we strongly urge you to travel between cities throughout Mexico only during daylight hours, to avoid isolated roads, and to use toll roads ("cuotas") whenever possible.

The Mexican government has deployed federal police and military personnel throughout the country as part of its efforts to combat the TCOs. U.S. citizens traveling on Mexican roads and highways by car or bus may encounter government checkpoints, staffed by military or law enforcement personnel. TCOs have erected their own unauthorized checkpoints, at times wearing police and military uniforms, and killed or abducted motorists who have failed to stop at them. You should cooperate at all checkpoints.

The Department imposes restrictions on U.S. government employees' travel in Mexico. Since July 2010, USG employees are prohibited from driving on non-official travel from the U.S.-Mexico border to or from the interior of Mexico or Central America. One exception is that personal travel by motor vehicle is permitted on Highway 15 toll road between Hermosillo and Nogales during daylight hours.

USG personnel and their families are prohibited from personal travel to all areas to which it is advised to "defer non-essential travel". When travel for official purposes is essential, it is conducted with extensive security precautions. USG personnel and their families are allowed to travel for personal reasons to the areas where no advisory is in effect or where the advisory is to exercise caution. While the general public is not forbidden from visiting places categorized under "defer non-essential travel," USG personnel will not be able to respond quickly to an emergency situation in those areas due to security precautions that must be taken by USG personnel to travel to those areas.

[OBXNana]

There are armed guards in Costa Rico, Barbados, St. Lucia, and many other Caribbean country's. The difference is in Cancun they are dressed like ninjas riding around in jeeps. Why do we go to a place that has armed guards? The ruins, the rain forest, the history, culture, beauty, the reef, and the list goes on. It is our personal choice to travel to these areas and it may not be for everyone. I wouldn't want to go to Egypt for safety reason and know I will never see the Pyramids. This is my choice and wish I were more brave. I envy and respect those that make the trek to experience the Pyramid of Khufu first hand.

When we return to the US we have a renewed respect for our freedom, way of life, and the things we take for granted every day.

[Parker]

I have never seen an armed guard on the hotel strip in cancun. I have been there numerous times.
ps...all cities have armed guards.


Well, I guess that's true. Hadn't thought of it that way. Still...

[Barefoot]

Why would you vacation where armed guards are required?

I used to visit resorts for the warm Caribbean water, palm trees, snorkelling, and fun! That's back in the day when I thought Florida was a boring destination. Now I know better!

The guards usually patrol the perimeter of the property to keep out intruders. It's not just Mexico resorts ... there have been guards at every resort I've ever visited. You don't really notice them walking through the guest areas, they are quite discreet.

[shcisamax]

Most has been covered above. That said, do NOT wear jewelry that is ostentatious. Actually the less the better. The chance you will have a problem is the same as any other place...in fact, I would be more concerned about a drive by in Orlando. BUT if you appear to have money, you might be considered a convenient target for a 24 hour kidnapping. They take you and ask for a couple hundred thousand instead of a couple million so they can return you very quickly. Just use your head and you'll be fine.

[philnpat]

We've had so-so luck with Mexico and the western Caribbean. Have you considered the eastern Caribbean? We loved St. Johns and St. Thomas. Had a wonderful time and never felt uneasy about our safety.

[red tail]

crime rates vary island to island. east and west.

[senior citizen]

We are talking about different places to vacation and are looking at resorts in Mexico. Many of them are breath taking and would be a trip of a lifetime. However, we are a bit concerned about our safety while there. Has anyone visited resorts in Mexico before and if so did you feel safe? Any places you would recommend?

Just received an answer to my earlier question, on your behalf, (from daughter's brother in law....a senior citizen).
''When in Mexico, I felt very safe. I know some areas are dangerous or perhaps un poco peligroso. My trip was an escorted excursion with Trafalger Tours to the Mayan ruins in the Yucatan. Felt very safe and had fun. At two of the more famous ruins, Chichen Itza and Uxmal, our hotels were so close we walked to them. The tour guide and driver gave us water from Costco (Costco has a location in Cancun) every time we got on or off the bus. They could consider an excursion rather than spending time at a resort. I could also recommend Costa Rica as per my trip last year. We saw so much of interest.''

[Matzy]

We would recommend a place in Mexico which is save, no traffic, excellent conditions, very clean....... it is a resort in Holbox, an island north of Cancun (2 hrs to drive, then water taxi or ferry), you'll find that on internet when you google "Holbox". Not very cheap but worth the price.

[DouglasMo]

I would google something like Mexico safe for tourists--I read stories on some websites�I will never go there..Drug wars, and now there are a lot of accidents--people falling off balconies in hotels..people getting slipped drugs and passing out� It's in the news about US citizens ending up in jail..and don't get hurt and go to a hospital there� read the stories..choose someplace else�.

[Happinow]

Thanks for the valuable information and opinions. Certainly a lot to consider. Haven't made our minds up yet but now we have food for thought.

[KayakerNC]

My choice would be Playa del Carmen, in the Riveria Maya.
A ferry runs to Cozumel from Playa, so you have great night life and shopping. The mainland has Mayan ruins to visit, and 5th Avenue. Some really nice resorts in the area, away from the Cancun crowds.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6UzqRzUWu8

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/46/Terminal_Maritima_Playa_del_Carmen.JPG

[billethkid]

Why would you vacation where armed guards are required? I must be missing something.

I don't need to finish reading any of the remaining posts as this one states my thoughts exactly.

[KayakerNC]

Originally Posted by Parker View Post
Why would you vacation where armed guards are required? I must be missing something.

I don't need to finish reading any of the remaining posts as this one states my thoughts exactly.

Funny, I've seen armed guards at the pier terminals in Miami, Ft Lauderdale, Tampa, and Canaveral. Not to mention at international airports all over the world.

[NIPAS K-9]

the u.s. Department of state warns u.s. Citizens about the risk of traveling in mexico due to threats to safety and security posed by transnational criminal organizations (tcos) in the country. U.s. Citizens have been the target of violent crimes, such as kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery by tcos in various mexican states. For information on security conditions in specific regions of mexico, which can vary, travelers should reference the state-by-state assessments further below.

This travel warning replaces the travel warning for mexico, issued july 12, 2013, to update information about the security situation and to advise the public of additional restrictions on the travel of u.s. Government (usg) personnel.

General conditions:

Millions of u.s. Citizens safely visit mexico each year for study, tourism, and business, including more than 150,000 who cross the border every day. The mexican government dedicates substantial resources to protect visitors to major tourist destinations, and there is no evidence that transnational criminal organizations (tcos) have targeted u.s. Visitors or residents based on their nationality. Resort areas and tourist destinations in mexico generally do not see the levels of drug-related violence and crime that are reported in the border region or in areas along major trafficking routes.

Nevertheless, u.s. Travelers should be aware that the mexican government has been engaged in an extensive effort to counter tcos which engage in narcotics trafficking and other unlawful activities throughout mexico. The tcos themselves are engaged in a violent struggle to control drug trafficking routes and other criminal activity. Crime and violence are serious problems and can occur anywhere. U.s. Citizens have fallen victim to criminal activity, including homicide, gun battles, kidnapping, carjacking and highway robbery. While most of those killed in narcotics-related violence have been members of tcos, innocent persons have also been killed. The number of u.s. Citizens reported to the department of state as murdered in mexico was 71 in 2012 and 81 in 2013.

Gun battles between rival tcos or with mexican authorities have taken place in towns and cities in many parts of mexico, especially in the border region. Gun battles have occurred in broad daylight on streets and in other public venues, such as restaurants and clubs. During some of these incidents, u.s. Citizens have been trapped and temporarily prevented from leaving the area. Tcos have used stolen cars, buses and trucks to create roadblocks on major thoroughfares, preventing the military and police from responding to criminal activity. The location and timing of future armed engagements is unpredictable. We recommend that you defer travel to the areas indicated in this travel warning and exercise extreme caution when traveling throughout the northern border region.

The number of kidnappings throughout mexico is of particular concern and appears to be on the rise. According to statistics published by the mexican secretaria de gobernacion (segob), during the first 11 months of 2013 kidnappings nationwide increased 32 percent over the same period in 2012. While kidnappings can occur anywhere, according to segob during this timeframe, the states with the highest numbers of kidnappings were guerrero, tamaulipas, michoac�n, estado de mexico, and morelos. Additionally, according to a widely publicized study by the agency responsible for national statistics (inegi, the national institute of statistics and geography), mexico suffered an estimated 105,682 kidnappings in 2012; only 1,317 were reported to the police. Police have been implicated in some of these incidents. Both local and expatriate communities have been victimized. Almost 90 kidnappings of u.s. Citizens were reported to the u.s. Embassy and consulates in mexico between april and november of 2013.

U.s. Citizens are encouraged to lower their personal profiles and to avoid wearing conspicuous jewelry or clothing bearing logos of u.s. Sports teams or military themed apparel which that may identify them as u.s. Citizens. U.s. Citizens are encouraged to maintain awareness of their surroundings and avoid situations in which they may be isolated.

Kidnappings in mexico have included traditional, "express" and "virtual" kidnappings. Victims of traditional kidnappings are physically abducted and held captive until a ransom is paid for release. "express" kidnappings are those in which a victim is abducted for a short time and forced to withdraw money, usually from an atm, then released. A "virtual" kidnapping is an extortion by deception scheme wherein a victim is contacted by phone and convinced to isolate themselves from family and friends until a ransom is paid. The victim is coerced (by threat of violence) to remain isolated and to provide phone numbers for the victim's family or loved ones. The victim's family is then contacted and a ransom for the "kidnapped" extracted. Recently, some travelers to mexico staying at hotels as guests have been targets of such "virtual" kidnapping schemes.

Carjacking and highway robbery are serious problems in many parts of the border region, and u.s. Citizens have been murdered in such incidents. Most victims who complied with carjackers' demands have reported that they were not physically harmed. Carjackers have shot at vehicles that have attempted to flee. Incidents have occurred during the day and at night, and carjackers have used a variety of techniques, including roadblocks, bumping/moving vehicles to force them to stop, and running vehicles off the road at high speeds. There are indications that criminals target newer and larger vehicles, especially dark-colored suvs. However, even drivers of old sedans and buses coming from the united states have been targeted. While violent incidents can occur anywhere and at any time, they most frequently occur at night and on isolated roads. To reduce risk when traveling by road, we strongly urge you to travel between cities throughout mexico only during daylight hours, to avoid isolated roads, and to use toll roads ("cuotas") whenever possible.

The mexican government has deployed federal police and military personnel throughout the country as part of its efforts to combat the tcos. U.s. Citizens traveling on mexican roads and highways by car or bus may encounter government checkpoints, staffed by military or law enforcement personnel. Tcos have erected their own unauthorized checkpoints, at times wearing police and military uniforms, and killed or abducted motorists who have failed to stop at them. You should cooperate at all checkpoints.

The department imposes restrictions on u.s. Government employees' travel in mexico. Since july 2010, usg employees are prohibited from driving on non-official travel from the u.s.-mexico border to or from the interior of mexico or central america. One exception is that personal travel by motor vehicle is permitted on highway 15 toll road between hermosillo and nogales during daylight hours.

Usg personnel and their families are prohibited from personal travel to all areas to which it is advised to "defer non-essential travel". When travel for official purposes is essential, it is conducted with extensive security precautions. Usg personnel and their families are allowed to travel for personal reasons to the areas where no advisory is in effect or where the advisory is to exercise caution. While the general public is not forbidden from visiting places categorized under "defer non-essential travel," usg personnel will not be able to respond quickly to an emergency situation in those areas due to security precautions that must be taken by usg personnel to travel to those areas.
why would anyone in there right mind travel to mexico then........... So many other places in the world, think out of the box...............

[JourneyOfLife]

The U.S. Department of State warns U.S. citizens about the risk of traveling in Mexico due to threats to safety and security posed by Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs) in the country. U.S. citizens have been the target of violent crimes, such as kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery by TCOs in various Mexican states. For information on security conditions in specific regions of Mexico, which can vary, travelers should reference the state-by-state assessments further below.

....

Did you bother to page down on the web site to look at the State-by-State Assessment... specifically for the Yucatan???

[red tail]

as this thread goes on and on you will get all kinds of crap about the drug gangs in the mountains etc etc etc. the bottom line is the Yucatan is safe and great place to visit and you will find the Mexican people sweet and polite.

[Indydealmaker]

https://www.osac.gov/pages/ContentReportDetails.aspx?cid=14351

[JP]

I have been vacationing in the Yucatan Peninsula for the last 15 years and have never felt unsafe. In contrast, I would never consider a vacation in many of our US cities like Detroit, St. Louis, Cleveland, etc.

[Matzy]

"Statistically, Orlando is rated a very high crime area, among the top 5% in the country. Does that mean we don't visit Orlando? Of course not, certain areas of the city are safer than others. And so with Cancun. We've been to Mexico several times, and staying in the hotel areas, we never been to Mexico several times, and staying in the hotel areas, we never felt unsafe."

It looks like that I am missing something. FBI reports and Forbes as well see Orlando on place 81 right now on the crime statistics (February 2014) with crime falling tendency since 20 years.

[Indydealmaker]

"Statistically, Orlando is rated a very high crime area, among the top 5% in the country. Does that mean we don't visit Orlando? Of course not, certain areas of the city are safer than others. And so with Cancun. We've been to Mexico several times, and staying in the hotel areas, we never been to Mexico several times, and staying in the hotel areas, we never felt unsafe."

It looks like that I am missing something. FBI reports and Forbes as well see Orlando on place 81 right now on the crime statistics (February 2014) with crime falling tendency since 20 years.

In Orlando you do not have to worry whether the roadblock ahead of you is manned by police or by criminals.

[mickey100]

"Statistically, Orlando is rated a very high crime area, among the top 5% in the country. Does that mean we don't visit Orlando? Of course not, certain areas of the city are safer than others. And so with Cancun. We've been to Mexico several times, and staying in the hotel areas, we never felt unsafe."

It looks like that I am missing something. FBI reports and Forbes as well see Orlando on place 81 right now on the crime statistics (February 2014) with crime falling tendency since 20 years.

This website says Orlando is safer than 2% of cities in the U.S. Orlando crime rates and statistics - NeighborhoodScout (http://www.neighborhoodscout.com/fl/orlando/crime/) Your chance of becoming a crime victim in Orlando is 1 in 97. In Florida it is 1 in 205.

I think you did miss my point - it's not whether Orlando is in the top 2% or 5% of crime ridden cities - its that there are areas of any city that are safer than other areas, and when you go on vacation, you use a little common sense and go to the safer parts.