I CAN decide what the risk/reward benefit is for MY child. I haven't heard of a Child Protective Services policy that prohibits travel. FWIW - she has never been sick and uses tap water to brush teeth, eats from street vendors, has drinks with ice in it when we visit the small west coast Mexican towns.

I respect your opinion on your travels and I hope you would mine. We disagree.



[This message has been edited by drtravels (edited 01-22-2002).]

I guess the object here is not to be "too American".

Do what the kids do when they go backpacking in Europe... stick a Canadian flag to their backpack and pretend to be someone they're not.

I travel to Canada quite often. I'm always struck by the level of assurance of Canadians. Whether it's Vancouver or Toronto you see women walking on dark streets at night with seemingly no fear. It kind of reminds me of Tokyo.

[This message has been edited by VicOsaki (edited 01-22-2002).]

I've been to Fiji five times since the coup in May 2000, and I can promise you that it is completely safe, and one of the nicest places to visit in the South Pacific. The people are genuinely friendly, the islands are incredibly beautiful, prices very cheap (we're talking from US$20 a day to rent a hut on the beach incl. 3 meals), and the few fights that did break out ended almost two years ago. We have just fininished building a holiday house on Taveuni, so I really can say that Fiji is safe, and a place it would be a shame to miss out on

Cheers, Zac

"Whether it's Vancouver or Toronto...It kind of reminds me of Tokyo."

Yeah, but a latte at Starbucks will only set you back C$2.25 -- US$1.45 -- over here!

I just got back from Bali two days ago. It is a shame that Bali is getting the wrath of the bad wrap going on in Indonesia. Bali is perfectly safe. Case closed. First, it is the only island in Indonesia that is 90% Hindu. Their religion is based on peaceful coexistence. It is embedded in their culture to be peaceful in that they believe they get back that which they give to others. Also, from just a plain business motive, they can't afford for anything to happen there in that most of their economy relies on tourism.

Don't be scared off by the unrest in Indonesia. You will be doing the biggest injustice to yourself if you don't go to Bali. The people are the nicest in the world and they really need you to visit their incredible Island.

I can't agree more with Zaco as far as Fiji goes. It's as safe as it can get. I have been there and can't wait to go back. What an awesome place to visit or even have a vacation home at!

The so-called coup did not affect any other areas apart from the capital Suva and even this only occurred thanks to the western media hype. If you ask the locals then they'll tell you that this "coup" was just a small fallout over a backyard cookout where two neighbours had a difference of opinion. In any case, it is all now back to the relaxing fijian lifestyle and 'fiji time'.

Topic: How safe are vacation spots in the Pacific?

It seems we've digressed. We went from Bali and Fiji (in the Pacific) to Mexico and Canada (nowhere near)!

How about stopping in Kauai, Maui or Hawaii and not having to worry about a thing? Seems we've forgotten that we have a State smack dab in the middle of the Pacific and no State Department advisories!

Actually, Bali is in the Indian Ocean and Mexico & Canada do have Pacific Ocean beaches.

VicOsaki - You are very blunt and strong in your opinions, yet, I must agree with you and note that I know some people, those with houses in Mexico, that won't even bring their dogs down with them.

Your quote above says it all. While I love Mexico - having been to about 20 different areas of the place, over a period of about 20 years - and the kindness of the people, the gallantry of the men, the sweetness of the native indians, the freedom it brings, the rock collecting, private beaches, diving and shell shopping, I must admit that before water was sold everywhere, in convenient bottles, I relied very often on beer or margaritas for breakfast, so I know what you are saying.

The available everywhere water bottles have helped, but back when I was a teenager, while others around me fell ill constantly (it was part of being in Mexico), along with having beer for breakfast, I think hating fish and exercising my thigh muscles over the toilet helped.

My point is, if you are a regular there, going on a true country trip, not just stopping in the generisized, cleaned up, reverse osmosis, tourist areas, you would have to agree with VicOsaki, knowing its not a big deal, nothing to get adamantly upset about, or to judge as a putdown of Mexico, its just the way it is and you deal with it as most always have - you're careful with yourself and those in your charge. And, since you can't watch them every second (small kids and dogs), knowing exactly where their hands (or paws) have been, its just best not to bring them down and risk it.

[Edited to say, "over the toilet," not "on."]

[This message has been edited by lisamcgu (edited 01-23-2002).]

lisamcgu thanks for your agreement.

To say something nice, it seems to me that the area from the border to Cabo. and Mazatland on the mainland are harmless enough. The area is very dry and seems cleaner and more sanitary than further south.

This is just my theory, but it seems to me that areas like PV would be a problem even in the States. It's surrounded by the most unhealthy looking jungle, full of who knows what that's coming down to the coast.