As spring break approaches, some travelers might be reconsidering their vacation plans to Mexico following recent cartel-related violence in certain areas of the country.
Retaliatory violence erupted in approximately 20 states following the killing of Mexico’s most influential drug cartel leader on Sunday, coinciding with many families and university students finalizing their arrangements for spring break, typically held in March or April.
Safety and travel risk specialists indicate that travelers are naturally worried, but highlight that potential threats can differ significantly based on their location, the means of transport they use, and the activities they intend to undertake.
Regardless of location or time, travel often brings unpredictability, as Michael Johnson, president of Ensemble Travel—a network of travel agencies in the U.S. and Canada—explained, “there’s always something that can happen.”
The United States and Canada have removed the “shelter in place” alerts they temporarily issued for their citizens in certain areas of western Mexico, such as the cities of Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta in Jalisco state, where the former drug cartel leader Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho,” operated. Both countries are advising travelers to remain cautious, stay informed about local situations, and check for updates before and while traveling.
The U.S. Department of State advises against traveling to six Mexican states and recommends reconsidering visits to seven additional ones, such as Jalisco. Global Affairs Canada suggests that its citizens avoid non-essential travel to 13 states and to Lagunas de Zempoala National Park in Morelos.
What to consider
It is crucial to recognize where the greatest risks lie and be aware of the available choices if circumstances shift rapidly, Johnson stated. Instead of deciding yes or no right away, travelers should “proceed gradually.”
— Official recommendations: Travel advisories from the U.S. Department of State and Global Affairs Canada can assist travelers in understanding overall risk levels. Travelers are also advised to keep an eye on local news coverage regarding current situations in the specific areas or regions they intend to visit, Johnson mentioned.
— Mexico is approximately three times the size of Texas. Popular tourist spots such as Cancun or Tulum are over 1,200 miles (1,900 kilometers) away from Jalisco, which has been the site of recent conflicts. Staying in major resorts and tourist areas can make travel arrangements easier and reduce the amount travelers need to move around upon arrival.
— Flexibility: Those who are traveling should examine the cancellation rules of their airline, hotel, and tour providers. If they have travel insurance, make sure to carefully read the details regarding what is and isn’t covered.
— Risk tolerance: Anxious travelers might consider canceling their trip. “If you’re not comfortable, it’s best not to go on vacation. It’s one thing to arrive, but another if you’re constantly looking over your shoulder,” Johnson stated.
A Vancouver resident named Scott Leaf and his wife are set to travel to Mexico in two weeks to mark his 60th birthday, with planned visits to Mexico City, Cancun, and the coastal area of Akumal. Upon hearing about the recent incidents of violence, Leaf mentioned they don’t feel compelled to cancel their trip to a country where they have spent their vacations every year for thirty years.
They are not visiting near Jalisco state, he stated, and “we have never, not once, felt unsafe in a tourist area in 33 years.”
“Canceling a trip to Cancun is similar to canceling a visit to Disneyland due to events in Minnesota,” Leaf stated, alluding to the Trump administration’s recent immigration enforcement actions in the state, which included two and a half months of protests, 4,000 arrests, and two fatal shootings by immigration officers.
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Rich Davis, a senior security consultant with the risk management firm International SOS, notes that being prepared can have the most significant impact on travelers who choose to proceed with their journey.
— Create a reserve: Individuals requiring necessary medications should bring sufficient quantities to last beyond the scheduled trip duration, in case of unforeseen changes.
— Sign up with your government: U.S. travelers may participate in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, enabling embassies to provide safety alerts and contact travelers during emergencies. Canadians can register via Registration of Canadians Abroad, referred to as ROCA.
— Speak with a travel consultant: Even if a trip has already been reserved, seeking advice from a travel consultant can still be beneficial. Johnson mentioned that consultants might have real-time information, including updates from clients who are currently in the region, and can recommend changes to your schedule. For those who haven’t made a booking yet, he noted that consultants can assist in creating plans that are adaptable and take location into account — and for those who book via a consultant, this relationship can offer an extra level of assistance if circumstances change or issues occur.
On the ground
Upon arrival, some simple routines can assist travelers in exploring a new place with ease, according to specialists.
— Travel in pairs or groups: When possible, going with at least one other person can make navigating an unfamiliar area simpler and more pleasant, while also assisting travelers in remaining alert to their environment.
— Keep someone informed: Share your travel plans and daily schedule with a reliable friend or family member, and stay in touch frequently, Davis advised.
— Utilize the hotel as a central point: Arranging transportation directly through the hotel or resort’s concierge can provide a sense of reliability, particularly for transfers and tours. Before entering a vehicle, verify the driver’s name or information and the destination. Refrain from taking unexpected rides, as Davis advised.
— How to seek assistance: Not all countries use “911” as their emergency phone number. The State Department provides a list of emergency contacts for various countries, and it advises travelers to store it in their phones.
READ MORE:Authorities recommend careful preparation for spring break in Mexico following incidents involving drug cartels.
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