Please please do not let yourself get talked out of it! I know many many people who have travelled to Mexico and Central America and they are the ones who's opinion and advice you should listen to! Outsiders are so misguided in the sense that they only know what they choose to believe/have learnt from the media, which is NEVER the be all and end all to a places reputation. These countries are very safe most of the time, rarely did I feel uncomfortable or question my surroundings.. Only ever due to a poor sense of judgement on my own human error behalf making a silly decision for example ie walking around alone late at night. Lke I did, you would be travelling along and around a super popular tourist path where I promise you will be pleasantly surprised by how many other travellers you will come across! There are bulk western hostels ALL over Mexico and Central American countries owned and run by Australians, Canadians, Americas etc who have come over to start a business. You will meet SO many people. And you will not be going to any of the dangerous locations or doing anything ridiculously stupid which have tainted there's beautiful countries image. These places are only unsafe if you are... Travelling absolutely anywhere always comes with a danger, anywhere and anything does.. You could get abducted in the eye of London if you weren't careful, the same goes with these places too. Just be sensible and you will be fine. I thoroughly implore you to consider travelling to the countries, you won't regret it and you will be so pleasantly surprised at how at home you feel. Take the plunge!!! Also, yes I would recommend at least learning some basic Spanish before you go, you do pick a lot up a long the way, especially if you are alone. But the locals really appreciate you're efforts if you do make them!
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