While I personally have not recommended travel to Mexico for the past 18 months because of very disturbing occurrences some shared by media, some not, I don’t feel that way about the Dominican Republic.
The incidents being reported are eerily similar and all have one thing in common: drinking from an item in the room’s mini bar.
While the FBI is investigating, this is almost a common sense precautionary tale.
* If a bottle is not sealed, or seems to have been tampered with, DO NOT DRINK ITS CONTENTS!!
*watch your servers make your drinks...if in doubt, DO NOT DRINK IT
*NEVER leave your drink unattended.
The above advice is for ANYWHERE in the world you happen to be.
In Mexico, one of the major issues was much more subtle and difficult to pinpoint ; some resorts were caught buying cheaper, imitation liquor which had been tainted, and when served to guests, they got violently ill.
This was a way for those resorts to save money, and it backfired greatly.
Then, to make matters worse, when ill tourists were taken to a medical facility, they were extorted by being asked for large amounts of cash before being cared for.
For this and other reasons I am still not recommending Mexico as a destination. Drastic changes must occur before I do once again.
There is also another factor which is difficult to speak about....
The erratic and sometimes risky behavior of some travelers, who lose all sense of propriety and self preservation while abroad. From trying illegal substances, to engaging in behavior they would not dare try at home.
Basically, in all cases, in any country......... travel judiciously.
