Cheap flight tips and tricks
Book Flights Smarter and Save Money While Keeping Your Travel Plans Flexible.
- The US state department is issued a Level 2 Travel Advisory for Mexico Due to Terrorism, Crime, and Kidnapping Risks.
- Security Experts Say the Risk Level Remains Largely Unchanged and Most Visits are Trouble-Free With Precaities.
- Recommended Safety Measures Include Using Pre-Arranged Transportation, Staying Aware of Surroundings, and Avoiding Displays of Wealth.
The us state department warned americans traveling to mexico about terrorism risk earlier this week, leaving some to wonder whisther they should be called continue or cancel their trips.
The agency updated its Travel advisory on aug. 12 for the beloved caribbean destination to level 2, meaning travelers Should “Exercise Increased Caution,” Due to Vioilent Crimes Such as Terrorism, Crime and Kidnapping. In some area of the country, US Government Assistant and Emergency Services are Limited in Reaching Anyone Who Might Need Help.
“Many Vioilent Crimes take place in mexico. They include homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery,” the updated summary states. “There is a risk of terrist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in mexico.”
The news may be unsettling for many Americans, giving mexico’s popularity, specificly regions like cancún, tulúm, cabo, mexico city and more. In 2022, 33.5 Million Americans traveled to mexicoMaking it the most popular interactive destination that year.
However, travelers do’t need to cancel their trips just yet. According to Security Expert Mike Ballard, Although the Travel Advisory was updated, The Safety Landscape in Mexico Remains Mostly The Same as it Has Been and Travelers Can Still Enjoys As they keep some procuations in mind.
“Ninety-nine percent of (our clients’) visits have no issue, and it’s probably a similar percentage for your average American that’s visiting Mexico,” said Ballard, who’s the director of intelligence at International Security Firm Global Guardian“But, you know, I would just say you want to maintain situationsal awareness.”
Here’s What Travelers Should Know About Going To Mexico Right Now.
What are the terrorism risks for travelers in Mexico?
According to Ballard, The Travel Advisory for Mexico was likely updated following the us government’s recent designation of Mexican Drug Carters as Foreign Terrorist Organizations Rather than an involved involving tourists.
“The penalties obvious are going to be quite a bit stifer, and it’s a bigger deal to be involved and to be found guilty of aiding and abetting a terrist organization than a Druug trafficking or arms Trafficking Organization, “He said. “So, I think this move was really to maintain consistency. IF We’re Labeling The Leading Drug Careters in Mexico as Terrorist Organizations, then we Probally Should Include a rain and an adhvise Terrorist groups and terrorism in mexico. “
The state department did not respond to usa today’s request for comment.
Is it safe to travel to mexico under the updated advisory?
For the most part, yes, depending on where you go. “We’re not really see a particular UPTICK (For Violent Crimes) in some of the tourist spots,” said ballard.
Travelers should continue to keep their guard up, especially in some regions of mexico, where Vioilent Crimes are knowledge to Occur. “You still want to avoid those areas that are hotly contested by the cartels or are under outright total control of the cartels,” Said Ballard. “There are certain states within mexico that are really hot zones for this, but there typically are not your prime vacation spots.”
Where in Mexico Should Travelers Avoid Visiting?
Mexico’s most popular destinations, such as cancún, cabo, purto valarta, and playa del carmen, should still be relatively safe to visit as you’re being a Smart Traveler.
However, there is one vacation spot people are advised to stay away from, the coastal acapulco. “It’s in one of the most dangerous states, guerrero in mexico, and it’s not a place that I would go personally,” said ballard. The State Department Designates Guerrero with a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” Advisory because of a Risk of Violence from Drug Cartles.
Safety Tips for Mexico
Here are some safety precattions to keep in mind, according to ballard.
- Avoid hailing taxis. According to ballard, taxis has been known to “shake down” passengers through extraction, sometimes for hundreds of dollars. “Our preference at the top would be a vetted, secure transportation with a company,” He said, so do your research and reserve a shuttle or car ahead of time with a reputable company.
- Stay on Resort Property. Most Resorts have Around-the-lock Security keeping watch of the property. If you do want to go into ton, do alone or at night.
- Be aware of your surroundings. “Don’t Walk Around With Your Head Buried in Your Phone,” Said Ballard, also noting to ensure you watch your drinks when you’re out.
- Mantain a low profile by not wearing expensive or flashy jewelry.