So I'm finally off! 6 weeks in Guat, Mexico and maybe Belize.
However my mom doesn't want me to go because of the danger issues. She called and begged me "please don't go! you'll DIE! It's a lawless jungle!" (which it is partially).
After I had the idea to go to Guat, I looked at the US govt site that listed all the horrible assualts against tourists. I said no way am I going there.
Then I read all the posts from travelers on this site who were of course as concerned, but ultimately felt very comfortable while there.
So I decided it was not so alarming, be cautious and have a positive outlook, it'll be fine.
I am psyched to go in two days but now that mom is terrified calling me, I am back to being nervous myself!
Any parting words?
quicksand
1
wendy79
You'll be fine. That State Dept site is laughable--while I'm sure all those incidents actually occurred, the site makes it sound like Guatemala is nothing but constant gunfire and stonings. Email your mom every couple of days, and email pictures of yourself if you can. Guatemala isn't a "lawless jungle", in whole OR in part.
3
diobahn
Hie thee to a nunnery.............
tell your mom that at least you won't be standing on Bourbon Street in da French Quarter eating a mercury-laden tuna fish sandwich while you play with a lead-paint toy from China after you leave an internet café to answer the latest 419 Nigerian scam that was sent to your inbox.
5
oldrifter
The Pana, Antigua, Xela backpacker circuit is about as dangerous as Podunk, Iowa but not as dangerous as Kalamazoo, mi!
LA, Chi or NY=10 times more dangerous!
Drifter
6
ticotim
Tell her church groups and high school field trips go there, why cant you?
In my 5 years on this forum, there have been a few reports of assualts per year in the entire region...million go every year....
8
jbershad
I'm a 54 year old woman who just returned from a ten-day trip to Guatemala with my fifteen year old daughter. When I read the travel advisory before I left, I was nervous too- especially since I was travelling with my daughter. However, after a day or two in Guatemala, I began to relax and everything went really smoothly. I can understand your mother's concern, but honestly, I felt safer in Guatemala than I do in New York City. I was trying to imagine how frightening travel advisories for some American cities would be. Use common sense- as you would when traveling anywhere- and then enjoy!! Our trip was absolutely wonderful- people were kind and helpful- and the colorful scenery is incredible. Moms seem to have a built-in need to worry. I know my 80-year-old mom was relieved when we returned home. There are internet cafes everywhere and there are also places where you can easily make long-distance phone calls. Have an absolutely wonderful trip and enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of Guatemala!!
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