Americans planning summer vacations to Mexico are being urged to stay vigilant due to rising violence and cartel threats in popular tourist destinations like Cabo, Tulum, and La Paz. The U.S. State Department, in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy in Mexico, has issued an urgent travel advisory for these regions, highlighting increased security concerns and the dangers of theft and scams.
Sandra Awodele, creator of COI Traveler, offered safety tips for travelers heading to Mexico’s coastal areas, which are often visited by celebrities. She emphasized the need for caution, noting that while Mexico remains a popular and affordable destination, travelers should be wary of security issues that could disrupt their trips.
According to the travel advisory, cartels have made threats against officials in regions such as Baja California Sur, and travelers in these areas may encounter heightened security presence and restrictions on public transportation. The Department of State issues travel advisories for each of Mexico’s 32 states based on varying safety conditions, with some areas like Mexico City, Quintana Roo, and Nayarit also under similar advisories.
Awodele recommended that travelers use designated safety corridors, which have more monitored highway systems and frequent security checkpoints, to mitigate risks during their journeys. She advised bringing multiple credit and debit cards to avoid being stranded if one is lost or stolen, and suggested carrying U.S. dollars and an anti-theft bag to protect valuables.
She also shared a personal experience of being scammed by a man who falsely claimed that her water taxi would be delayed, leading her to pay $250 for an unnecessary private flight. This incident, she explained, is not uncommon and underscores the importance of staying alert and cautious when traveling in Mexico.
Additional tips include carrying a power bank and downloading offline maps with essential locations, such as police stations, and avoiding situations that could mark a traveler as a target. In emergencies, she recommended contacting the U.S. Embassy, canceling compromised cards, and heading to a safe, populated area as quickly as possible. Despite these risks, celebrities often visit these destinations for their luxury and privacy, underscoring the allure of Mexico as a travel destination, even amid current safety concerns.
As American travelers finalize their summer vacation plans, growing safety concerns in Mexico have prompted a travel warning for popular tourist destinations like Cabo, Tulum, and La Paz. The U.S. State Department, in conjunction with the U.S. Embassy in Mexico, has issued an urgent travel advisory for these areas, citing increasing security risks and the prevalence of scams and cartel-related threats. This alert is part of a broader effort to ensure that travelers are well-informed about the current conditions before embarking on their journeys.
Sandra Awodele, founder of COI Traveler, a travel blog and platform, provided insights for Americans planning trips to Mexico’s scenic beaches, which are also popular among celebrities. She emphasized the need for caution, noting that while Mexico remains a sought-after destination for its affordability and scenic beauty, travelers must be mindful of the security challenges that exist in certain regions.
According to the travel advisory, cartels have made threats against local officials in areas such as Baja California Sur, prompting increased security presence and potential restrictions on public transportation. The U.S. Department of State issues travel advisories for each of Mexico’s 32 states, with varying levels of caution, including the recent designation of Baja California Sur as