A common question these days involves whether or not it is safe to travel to Mexico. A long-popular tourist destination, Mexico is suffering from a bit of bad PR lately and it's understandable that potential visitors would be concerned.

There's good news! The vast amount of recent feedback - from visitors to Mexico, travel writers, experts and agents - seems to be positive. The consensus is that Mexico is very safe and should not pose any safety hazards to tourists, provided they use a little common sense (as with any foreign destination).

The following are some tips to help you have a happy and safe holiday in Mexico:

• Book with a reputable hotel company and/or travel agent. International chain hotels especially are recommended, as they must maintain certain standards and are carefully monitored, as well as offering an international rather than local management and customer resolution services.


• Consider booking an to all-inclusive style resort, where you can find anything you need under one roof and the security of guests is of paramount importance. Also, pay attention to the quality and star level of the resort or hotel and stick to the upper end.


• Ensure you have a safe, reliable ride to your hotel before you go. Purchase your airport-to-hotel transfers ahead of time, or book with a travel company which includes hotel transfers. There are many taxi and limo services at the airport whose sole purpose is to pitch you on a timeshare or other local project while you are their captive audience, and you may find yourself taking the very long route to your hotel.


• As with any traveling, keep your passport and other valuables with you at all times. If you have an in-room safe, use it (with one small caveat: certain hotels have guests who reported staff theft, even from in-room safes. Try a review site such as TripAdvisor to see if this an issue at your hotel of choice - even if the hotel doesn't acknowledge it - and if so you may be better off to carry your important documents with you). Lock away your passport and any other valuable paperwork, money, jewelry, etc..


• When planning and booking excursions, ensure the provider is reputable (and ideally recommended by your hotel or travel agent). Look for a professional set-up and many happy previous customers, if possible, and use common sense at all times. Do not leave the group, watch your belongings, and follow any safety guidelines given.


• As in any unknown locale, don't go out alone at night and don't venture into neighborhoods you are unfamiliar with. Ask your hotel manager or concierge for restaurant and club recommendations, and stick to designated and well-known tourist areas.


• Know the address and phone number of your hotel in case you get lost, and possibly leave a note in your room as to where you are going when you venture out. Also, leave your travel information with a trusted person back at home.