Although there are plenty of cheap airplane tickets, discount hotel rooms, and cheap vacation packages available to Mexico, bad press concerning drug cartel violence has made some travelers think twice about visiting. The reality is that while some areas of Mexico are dangerous, far more are not.
The San Francisco Chronicle recently printed the five safest Mexican states for travelers, based on per capita drug related homicides: Tlaxcala, Yucatan, Puebla, Queretaro, and Baja California Sur.
Drug related violence has largely been concentrated along the U.S Mexican border in non-tourist areas.
In April the U.S. State Department expanded its Mexico travel warning to include tourist spots such as Acapulco, parts of the west coast states of Jalisco and Nayarit, and Rocky Point on the Gulf of California.
Lonely Planet recently came out with recommendations as to the eight safest tourist spots in Mexico:
Mexico City is famous for its many cultural attractions. Its drug related murder rate in 2010 was 2.2 per 100,000. Washington, D.C.s rate was more than 10 times higher in 2009.
Merida is well known for its colonial charm and archaeological wonders while only being four hours from Cancun.
Todos Santos is a quiet and quaint town in Baja California Sur (one of Mexicos safest states).
San Miguel de Allende is an American ex-pat enclave known for its great hotels and restaurants.
Huatulco offers 12 miles of some of Mexicos most pristine and less frequented beach front.
Playa de Carmen is the Mayan Riveras pedestrian friendly party central town.
Guanajuato is a 16th century hill town with a decided bohemian vibe only 30 minutes from the Leo airport.
Puebla is referred to as a mini Mexico City packed with arts and culture. www.cheapfares.com