I've got a few friends who spent time in Kabul and weren't shot or kidnapped. Doesn't mean that I would assume I would be ok to take a road trip through there. It is plain stupid to ignore US / UK / Canadian (and other reputable foreign office guidance) advice to avoid ALL non-essential travel, because 'you had some friends who did it and were ok'. Aside from ANYTHING else, YOU have no experience. \

Do you think driving through a war zone is a good idea? Because most SOLDIERS I know would rather not if they can avoid it! Because that part of Mexico is described as indeed that, albeit the war being over drugs and territory rather than politics etc.