Travelers Urged to Take Extra Precautions as Mexico Issues New Safety Advisories for U.S. Visitors
With the summer vacation season in full swing, Americans are being advised to take extra caution when planning trips to Mexico, as the U.S. State Department has raised the travel advisory for several popular tourist destinations, including Baja California Sur, La Paz, and Cabo San Lucas. The advisory, issued in conjunction with the U.S. Embassy in Mexico, highlights the rising threat of cartel violence, theft, and scams in these areas, especially for foreign tourists.
Sandra Awodele, founder of COI Traveler, emphasized that despite the allure of Mexico’s beaches and culture, travelers should be wary of potential dangers. She pointed out that while Mexico remains a popular destination for celebrities and tourists, the current safety conditions require careful planning and heightened awareness. “People love Mexico because it’s a good time, it’s affordable, and it’s driveable,” she said. “But they should be cautious of theft, scams, and cartel violence.”
The advisory notes that cartels have made threats against officials, and travelers in the affected regions should expect increased security presence and restrictions on public transportation. The U.S. State Department issues travel advisories for each of Mexico’s 32 states based on varying safety conditions, with Baja California Sur being raised to “exercise increased caution.” Other popular destinations such as Mexico City, Quintana Roo, and Nayarit are also under similar advisories.
Travelers planning to visit Mexico in the near future, particularly those heading to Baja California Sur, are urged to heed the advice provided by the embassy and local officials. Awodele recommended using designated safety corridors in Mexico’s highway system, which are monitored more closely and have frequent security checkpoints that may provide tourists with an extra set of eyes during their trip.
In addition, the travel expert advised bringing multiple payment cards to prevent being stranded if one is lost or stolen. “Don’t travel with one card. If you’re going somewhere, you need a credit card and at least two debit cards,” she said. “The credit card gets locked, or the debit card gets stolen. You need a third card to make sure that you’re good.”
Awodele also emphasized the importance of bringing a power bank and downloading offline maps that include your hotel, the nearest police station, and other key locations in case of emergency or poor cell signals. She also recommended using anti-theft bags and carrying cash in small amounts to avoid being targeted by thieves.
Safety measures, she explained, extend to behavior as well. Travelers should be aware of their surroundings and avoid looking lost, as this can mark them as a target. Women travelers should consider using drink covers like scrunchie lids, carrying a whistle or personal alarm, and storing valuables in different places. In the event of being scammed or robbed, she advised contacting the U.S. embassy immediately, canceling compromised cards, and getting to a safe, populated area.
Despite the growing concerns, Mexico remains a popular destination for celebrities and tourists, with locations like Tulum, which has been frequented by stars like Jennifer Aniston and Paris Hilton, and Punta Mita, where celebrities like the Kardashians, Lady Gaga, and Beyoncé have been known to frequent. However, the recent advisories highlight that travelers must take greater precautions to avoid potential dangers and ensure their safety while visiting these destinations.
As the travel season continues, both travelers and tourism experts urge visitors to remain vigilant and take all necessary precautions to enjoy their summer trips in Mexico safely.