Trave OK

PL

Quote:> I am in the process of  pursuing a house swap for San Miguel de
> Allende,Mexico for 2 weeks in the fall.Will I find lots to do and see in
the
> area?How safe is driving in the surrounding area for day trips. Any advice
> will be very much appreciated.

The state of Guanajuato is relatively safe.  The most dangerous area in
Mexico is probably Mexico City, with Tijuana close behind.  The southern
states, such as Guerrero, Oaxaca, and Chiapas also have some security
issues.  More info below.

As far as driving in the area, realize that the colonial cities are hard
to navigate in, especially Guanajuato.  Driving at night is never
recommended anywhere in Mexico.

Richard
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There are several web sites with security information for travelers
and tourists.  The ones that I am aware of are listed below.  I urge
people to review the information on these web sites, compare the
recommendations of the various countries to each other, and compare
the various government recommendations to any personal opinions
expressed on the internet.

The four government web sites below include security and other travel
information for virtually all the countries in the world, including
each other.

USA  -  http://travel.state.gov/travel_warnings.html

UK - http://193.114.50.10/travel/default.asp

Canada - http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/graphics/cosmos/cntry_e.htm

Australia - http://www.dfat.gov.au/consular/advice/

The Mexican government has their own web site on tourist security
in Mexico - www.safemexico.com

The following web sites offer personal or other views on security.

Mexico Mike talks about security on Mexico's highways on
www.mexicomike.com

Personal reports for some countries in latin america are available
from the South American Explorer's club - www.samexplo.org

A commercial site with security information is www.realworldrescue.com

Some travel agents and some employees of large companies may have
access to private security report services.  Some travel web sites
will also have some limited security information, such as
www.latinamericatravel.com.  Note that most good guidebooks will also
discuss security, and may offer security advice specific to the town
or area.

If you are aware of any other english-language security information on
the web, please let me know.  The Canadian information is also
available in French.