Is it safe to travel to Mexico?Things to know when visiting Cabo, Cancun, Playa del Carmen and more


Mexico’s mild climate, beautiful beaches, and proximity to the United States make it a popular destination for many Americans.

However, some may reconsider their travel plans afterward. Four Americans were kidnapped and two of them were killed last week while traveling to Matamoros, Mexico. They were caught in a shootout by rival cartel groups in the border city of Tamaulipas, according to Governor Americo Villarreal.Death of a US citizen who traveled south of the border What the Mexican authorities called “medicine.”

“I’m sure people will stop for a moment after such a graphic and horrific incident,” he said. Gaby Beckforda prominent Seattle-based travel influencer, A two-month excursion across Mexico last year. “This is a reminder to stay safe and always be aware of your surroundings.”

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Mexico remains one of the top travel destinations for Americans.Nearly 29 million Americans will travel to Mexico in 2021, data researchers say StatistaBy contrast, about 75 American citizens died in homicide in Mexico in 2021, according to the latest data. U.S. Department of State statistics.

and in the last few months Taxi drivers are harassing Uber in Cancun and 3 Americans dead in Mexico City Updated October 2022. Recommendation to refrain from traveling Warn about crime and kidnapping.

“Especially if you haven’t traveled much, never left the country, or have read the article ‘Mexico is dangerous’ but realize that Mexico is a big and diverse country. We hear this issue a lot from people who are not familiar with it, just like us,” said Jack Benoff, President Vacation EaseMany of Benoff’s clients plan trips to Cancun and the Riviera Maya, known for their turquoise beaches and countless resorts, he told USA TODAY, which specializes in destination weddings in Mexico.

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The State Department Mexico travel advisories Regularly on October 5th. Several tourist destinations such as Mexico City, Sayulita and Cancun have issued warnings related to cartel-related crime.

A State Department spokesperson said, “The safety and security of U.S. citizens abroad is one of the State Department’s top priorities, and we provide relevant information to U.S. citizens to help them make informed decisions before travel. I am.”

Read below for travel recommendations for some of Mexico’s most popular tourist destinations, as well as safety tips when visiting those areas.

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What are the latest travel advisories for Mexico?

Tourists enjoy the beach in Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico, Wednesday, August 18, 2021.

Tourists enjoy the beach in Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico, Wednesday, August 18, 2021.

Because some areas have a higher risk of crime and kidnapping, we rate each state individually rather than providing one overall rating for the entire country.

► Government agencies have issued “no travel” warnings to the states of Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas due to violent crimes.

► The states of Baja California and Jalisco, which includes Puerto Vallarta, have been issued a “reconsider travel” warning.

► Mexico City, Nayarit, Baja California Sur, Quintana Roo and Oaxaca have been issued with an “extended travel precautions” warning. Baja California Sur includes Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo and La Paz. In Nayarit, many tourists visit the surf town of Sayulita. Quintana Roo includes Cancun, Tulum, Riviera Maya, Cozumel and Playa del Carmen. Surfers also visit Puerto He Escondido, Oaxaca.

Travelers can “take the usual precautions” when traveling to Yucatan, including the popular attraction Chichen Itza. According to the State Department, Yucatan is right above Quintana Roo and people should be more vigilant due to crime and kidnappings.

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What are your safe travel tips when visiting Mexico?

The State Department has several resources to help keep travelers safe.Agency Encourages US Travelers to Read the Whole Mexico travel advisories and the Traveler’s checklistLet’s take a closer look at international travel.

again, Smart Traveler Enrollment Programis a free service that allows US travelers to receive real-time safety alerts about their destination from the US Embassy.

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“Generally speaking, if you’re in a reputable location in a resort town, the risk is much lower,” travel agent Benoff said.

Most resorts have security guards and gates, so it’s fairly safe to stay at the property. “If you are leaving a resort property, please make sure your destination address is correct and let the front desk know you are leaving and planning to return,” he said.

“Take the same safety precautions as you travel anywhere.”

Some of his key tips are:

  • Don’t show off your cash.

  • Please use ATMs at banks and resorts.

  • Please use the safe in your room.

  • Bring two printed copies of your passport and other important documents such as medications and driver’s license.

  • please considerlabel insurance To protect personal property from theft or loss.

Kathleen Wong is a Hawaii-based travel reporter. You can reach her at [email protected]

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY. Is it safe to travel to Mexico? What about Cancun, Cabo and Playa del Carmen?