simpleeb
Shy Member
Posts: 42 
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Post by simpleeb on Jul 12, 2017 3:40:43 GMT
The Peas were a great help a couple years ago for my NYC trip planning so I come to you again. I may be going to Mexico City with a 6 year old and a 3 year old and I am looking for fun, yet safe options of things to do. I will likely be solo with the kids for a number of days and I have heard of safety concerns in Mexico City. When I did NYC on my own I had a 4 and 1 year old and we went all over and rode the subway - so I am ok with being solo as long as I am in a safe area. We will probably be there 7-10 days. I am looking for any tips, tour group suggestions, must sees, must eats, and things or places to avoid.  Right now I am thinking the zoo and checking out some of the parks, and pyramids. Thanks! |
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Post by shescrafty on Jul 12, 2017 4:12:07 GMT
I have no advice but please be careful. My second cousin was a successful plastic surgeon in Mexico City. He worked on many of the "telenovela" stars.
He was kidnapped, tortured, and murdered. All helped along by one of his assistants.
My mom (raised in Mexico City) has traveled back a year or so ago and our family there had a personal driver/security for her and she was always with other people from our family as well.
I have a lot of family there and will not travel there. Please be careful.
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Post by mommc23 on Jul 12, 2017 5:09:27 GMT
Sadly, Mexico City is not somewhere I would be traveling...especially with two small children. It is a dangerous place right now.
Recently, a friend of mine went to Mexico City with her husband and her in-laws. They were stopped TWICE by the police and had to give money to keep from being arrested. It was uowards of $1,000.
There are other places in Mexico that would be a better choice...but, Mexico City? Not for me.
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Post by freecharlie on Jul 12, 2017 5:26:20 GMT
I hope someone here can help you, I would not risk my children there.
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Post by andreasmom on Jul 12, 2017 5:29:31 GMT
Go to the Papalote Museo del Niño. (Children's museum).
You might enjoy the zoo. Castillo de Chapultepec is a beautiful historical place. The Anthropology museum is my fave.
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Post by **GypsyGirl** on Jul 12, 2017 5:34:40 GMT
I hope someone here can help you, I would not risk my children there.  I have friends with family in Mexico City and they won't travel there because it is too unsafe. I am a seasoned expat and have lived in several rough spots and don't shy away from adventure travel. There is no way I would travel to Mexico City alone, much less with two young children. Would it be an option for you to travel to another location in Mexico with them instead? |
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Post by andreasmom on Jul 12, 2017 5:34:59 GMT
Forgot to add, Kidzania is a must with kids. It is sooo much fun. It is in a big shopping mall in a safe area.
You didn't say what area you will be staying at. It might help with restaurant recommendations.
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Post by andreasmom on Jul 12, 2017 5:37:46 GMT
I hope someone here can help you, I would not risk my children there. I have friends with family in Mexico City and they won't travel there because it is too unsafe. I am a seasoned expat and have lived in several rough spots and don't shy away from adventure travel. There is no way I would travel to Mexico City alone, much less with two young children. Would it be an option for you to travel to another location in Mexico with them instead? We go back (with kids) 3-4 times a year. It is safer than you think, but also agree that it is important to stay within the safe/touristy areas if you are not a local. |
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Post by Basket1lady on Jul 12, 2017 6:01:08 GMT
I didn't "like" any of the answers because it seems wrong. But I completely agree with them. I would not go to Mexico right now unless it was one of the all-inclusive resorts. And I definitely would not take small children. DH (active duty military) works with threat assessments and refuses to even talk about vacationing in Mexico. It's just too dangerous. The State Department has numerous warnings out about travel to/in Mexico, but nothing specific about Mexico City. Travel Advisory-Mexico |
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Post by cmpeter on Jul 12, 2017 6:01:14 GMT
My sister just went with her husband and two teens. They were lecturing at the university. I'm not sure where they stayed. I know they had an escort of sorts (another professor). I asked if she felt unsafe and she said not at all
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Post by christine58 on Jul 12, 2017 10:11:20 GMT
Do NOT leave the resort. Nope...it's not safe there at all.
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garcia5050
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,815
Location: So. Calif.
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Post by garcia5050 on Jul 12, 2017 14:00:43 GMT
There is a huge annual music festival (think lollapalooza/Coachella). I have 3 co workers who've gone for the past 3 years and feel completely safe. 2 of these guys cannot tell their parents where they are at.
They said the city is very cosmopolitan, and they had no idea the first time they went. There is a huge Chinatown, little Italy, and other global areas.
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queenofkings
Full Member
Posts: 283
Jun 26, 2014 15:26:41 GMT
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Post by queenofkings on Jul 12, 2017 14:29:54 GMT
Sorry, but my first thought was that there would be no way I'd take small children there with me and be solo with them on top of that. I've heard too many things about how dangerous a place it is. I would be scared for our safety. I know that's not the answer you are looking g for though.  |
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GiantsFan
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,704
Site Supporter
Jun 27, 2014 14:44:56 GMT
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Post by GiantsFan on Jul 12, 2017 14:39:14 GMT
Sorry but I had my worst travel experience ever very near Mexico City. I'm tesring up just thinking about it. I really thought I was not going to make it home safe. After that my company banned travel to Mexico and we had an office there.
No way would I take children.
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Post by Kate * on Jul 12, 2017 17:54:49 GMT
We were just there in March. To my surprise, I did not feel ill at ease at all. We went to a huge indoor mall with nice stores; one called Liverpool had tequila tastings and interesting stuff not found in the states. It would be better if you have a local who speaks fluently escort you. Much better for getting around and seeing interesting things.
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Post by questioning on Jul 12, 2017 19:21:04 GMT
Most of the posts so far are counter to responses when I recently asked. 2peasrefugees.boards.net/thread/63607/mexico-city-touristsSince that time I've done a lot of research and it seems the kidnappings and violence is either out of date, or not applicable to typical tourists and families travelling in Mexico City. The country also gets painted with a broad brush, not all areas are created equal. I hope this is true because we decided to go! Pick Pockets seem to be a concern. This doesn't discount the pain and fear felt by those posting on this thread. I was robbed in a major US city. I know it can make you question your smallest action and alter your thinking about future situations. |
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Post by littlemama on Jul 12, 2017 20:20:28 GMT
Not a place I would feel safe going under any circumstances.
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Dalai Mama
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Jun 26, 2014 0:31:31 GMT
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Post by Dalai Mama on Jul 12, 2017 20:33:20 GMT
I would go in a second. No advice here, though. My parents have been a number of times but I tend to stick to places closer to the ocean.
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smartypants71
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,992
Location: Houston, TX
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Post by smartypants71 on Jul 12, 2017 20:37:59 GMT
I don't have small children so I can't answer your question there, but I would not hesitate to go. In fact, SO just got back a few weeks ago, and we'll be going again in October.
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Post by Leone on Jul 12, 2017 20:43:53 GMT
Stay away. I have been to Mexico City numerous times. Terrible pollution..only China is worse. The Mexico City airport is horrible and I speak quite a bit of Spanish...it is horrible. Even my Mexican cleaning lady avoids it as she feels it is dangerous. My traveling companion got shaken down by authorities there and was forced to pay big money to fly back to the US. Mexico is dangerous these days. I would never take two kids there.
i have done graduate work there, traveled there on my honeymoon, and have taken numerous vacations there...I will not go there now.
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simpleeb
Shy Member
Posts: 42
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Post by simpleeb on Jul 12, 2017 21:12:10 GMT
I really appreciate all the advice. I am really torn about going - on the one hand I think it would be a great experience seeing a part of Mexico I haven't seen before (I have only done tourist/coastal cities prior) but I am very concerned about the safety issues. Sometimes it is hard to really know because the news can be sensationalized so I really appreciate the candid responses I have received. To add a little more information - we will be staying at a hotel in the metro area. My spouse is going down for work so we will be traveling together as a family but I will have a few days (3-5) were I am on my own with the kids and then we will have a few days likely at the beginning and end of his work assignment where it will be all of us. When we went to NYC I did a hop on/hop off bus for the first couple of days until I felt comfortable venturing out on my own. My plan for Mexico City was to do something similar but I am open to also hiring a local tour guide (especially if that would be easier, safer, plus I don't speak Spanish). I would stay (as best as possible) in the high tourist areas but I know there are risks anywhere. One option would be for me to fly down with the kids after my husband has completed his work and then I wouldn't be solo at all in Mexico City. Does that change anyone's opinion? Also I don't know Mexico City very well but based on the map my guess is we would be staying in the Benito Juarez area. And please don't take this as I want to be convinced that I should go. I just want to put all the information out there as best as I can. Also I want to say thanks again - this shy pea doesn't post a lot so I appreciate the responses. |
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Post by freecharlie on Jul 12, 2017 21:15:25 GMT
Do you speak fluent Spanish?
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simpleeb
Shy Member
Posts: 42
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Post by simpleeb on Jul 12, 2017 21:27:04 GMT
Do you speak fluent Spanish? No - I don't speak Spanish at all. I know only a handful of words. |
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Right now I am thinking the zoo and checking out some of the parks, and pyramids.
I have friends with family in Mexico City and they won't travel there because it is too unsafe. I am a seasoned expat and have lived in several rough spots and don't shy away from adventure travel. There is no way I would travel to Mexico City alone, much less with two young children. Would it be an option for you to travel to another location in Mexico with them instead? 
