Mexico

It is absolutely no secret that Canada has terrible weather during the winter months. In the dead of winter, January and February, temperatures have fallen as low as -40℃, and that is not accounting for windchill. As someone who has spent many years enduring the brutal cold, I can tell you that the worst part is not the cold itself, the worst is that it is business as usual. Meaning that even though it is so cold you could suffer frostbite in seconds or if your car dies on the highway you could actually freeze to death, you still have to be at work on time. Regular errands like buying groceries or putting gas in your vehicle must also be done no matter how cold it is. But even during this time of year there is a glimmer of hope for many Canadian: Mexico. 

Mexico is one of the most popular destinations for Canadians during the winter months. Spring break in Cancun, Mexico has become one of the most infamous holidays across Canada and the United States for young people ready to party. But, over the last two decades the appeal of Mexico has turned to the older generations looking to escape the cold. These older generations are not about partying but about getting away from the brutal cold. The people who leave the country during the winter and return in the spring or summer are called snowbirds. These snowbirds can be in the country for a week or two, or even up to six months of the year.

There are many different opinions on Mexico. Many people adore everything the country has to offer. And many find the poverty to be disheartening. Safety is also an issue. Some say that because of the drug cartels it is not safe under any circumstances. Others say that because of corruption, cartels make money off of tourists and therefore would not intentionally harm anyone. However, stories break every year of foreigners getting caught in the crossfire.

The massive influx of tourists to Mexico has had some bad impacts on the country. While millions of dollars are put into the Mexican economy, many of these resorts, restaurants and hotels are foreign owned and the Mexican economy sees very little benefit. The presence of foreigners does encourage bilingualism, but it also encourages children and teenagers to stop going to school and sell trinkets to the tourists. Teenagers and young adults in tourist dense areas would rather make easy money off the foreigners than invest in their own futures.