Whilst Susan Ripley from Brooklyn Tropicali definitely convinced us to visit Mexico City, we are still wondering whether it is safe to visit the country right now. Following surges in violent gang-related crime, the State Department has issued new “do not travel” advisories for five Mexico states, including Colima, Guerrero, Michoacán, Sinaloa and Tamaulipas states.
American tourists are conflicted. On one hand-side, they are trying to escape the crowds with cheap getaways to Mexico, but on the other, the travel advisory for Mexico came at a bad time, as travelers are planning their winter vacations. Viral videos of violence in the country don’t help to ease the perception that it is currently unsafe. Beginning of January 2018, almost 20 were killed in violence near beach tourist resorts.
Though there are no known reports of American tourists being specifically targeted, you should take some precautions as mentioned by the State Department:
- Use toll roads when possible and avoid driving at night
- Be cautious when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos
- Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry
- Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs
- U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations
If you have any safety tips you would like to share with us or any travel stories, please feel free to comment on this post.
Visited over 50 countries Traveled by foot, train, bus, plane, bicycle, boat, scooter… Social Media Addict Looking forward to new adventures