Joebon: Ke is right!! I know everyone longs for paradise, free from ALL worries, but you can't bury your head in the sand-- Just like anyplace else, you will always, always have to use some common sense.
I've traveled alone or w/another female a number of times all around Mexico and once to Honduras. My 2 daughters, both now in their early 20's,have traveled w/a group of medical missionary's--nun's during summer breaks. Among a few of their longer trips have been to Russia each x2, & my eldest just returned from Guatamala before the fall semester began.
Traveling as single females, they (& I) know that many of the small towns they are in have many fewer "threats" than our city. We have also taken precautions & educated ourselves. There's plenty of info on travel sites.
Things that have worked for me so far besides the obvious mentioned above is to BLEND IN & NOT look like a target! Study all you can, maps, etc. so you don't bumble around too much & draw a lot of unwanted attn.
I traveled alone a year ago this past June to Cabo San Lucas to get a break from my grumpy husband & marriage woes. I had no trouble at all. BUT--I listened to my instincts & talked w/a number of locals & hotel staff on which places to avoid. The best advice came from a real estate agent. It was well worth it!
I was in San Pedro last DEC.'04 (hmmm) but only for a day after snorkling at Shark Ray Alley. My husband was tired & I left him at the bar while I spent the whole day walking around town & meeting the kindest Belizians! I exhanged addresses & ph # w/a family & I just happened to save it!
Last wk, after reading Capt.Jeffs health report, which his words hit me down to the core of my soul...yes, better than Dr. Phil... I made the final decision to make the move. So I found that little piece of paper, took the chance & called their cell ph# & spoke w/both the husband & wife--they remembered me! (I think this is how all of this has been miraculously set in place...)
When I met my new friends in SP last Dec, I had given them "grumpy's" inexpensive dive watch because it had rubbed his wrist too much & he had put it in my pocket. My new Belizian friend didn't know I had it, but happened to mention that he would sometimes "free-dive" for lobsters to sell. I said it sounded dangerous & his wife said only because the face on his watch was white & she worried about it attracting Barraccuda's! The watch in my pocket had a dk blue face! You would have thought I had given them the most precious gift in the world! He's still wearing it and something I didn't think was a big thing, meant so much to him and his wife!! They & their 3 children (2 of whom I got to speak w/on the ph. & I just fell in love with them!) now call me part of their family! Wow!
(Ok, I got off on a long rabbit trail, but I wanted to share w/ Joebon that the people are truly gracious & warm. Expect good things; just be safe.)
I felt so much safer in SP than I do here in Austin! I am almost single again & will be making a fresh start in AC by late Jan. My divorce will be final in DECEMBER '05!! (Is'nt that odd? I didn't file either! But I still think it's a blessing--Somebody must be trying to trying to tell me something being that it will be final the same week I was in SP last yr!!)Hmm
I need to find an apt. or buy a hm very soon afterwards anyway. So, w/ it being only a 2 hr. flight, why not go there vs. the same 'ol thing here? I am soooo excited! At first my family thought I was nuts, now they are thrilled & incredibly supportive!
Belize was always my dream, not his.(I was ready to moved down to AC almost 25 yrs ago but found out I was pregnant just 3 wks before I was to leave!)
Now I get to really do it!...following my dreams...I'm just going solo is all!!
And being safe like Ke said!
I hope to see all of you soon! Send me any info or advice--I welcome it all! And thanks for all the support many of you have sent my way! Divorce isn't easy at all-- even when you know it's best. & starting over alone even if doing it in your own home town is scary. I don't like this "in-between part", and I am scared as hell! But, following my dream gets my heart beating, and best of all, it renews in me love again...for life!!! Wow, I thought that was long gone...guess not!