With spring break on the horizon—typically in March or April—many travelers reconsidered plans to visit Mexico after cartel-related violence broke out last weekend in parts of the country, prompting renewed debate over travel safety, particularly for destinations in or near Jalisco.
The violence included retaliatory attacks in about 20 states after the killing of Mexico’s most powerful drug lord on Sunday, identified by the U.S. and others as Oseguera Cervantes and better known as “El Mencho,” the Associated Press reported. Security and travel-risk experts said tourists were understandably concerned but warned that risks can vary widely by destination, transportation choices and day-to-day activities.
The U.S. and Canada said they had lifted “shelter in place” advisories they briefly issued for their citizens in parts of western Mexico, including Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta in Jalisco state. Both governments said travelers should exercise caution, stay aware of local conditions and monitor updates before and during travel, according to the AP report.
Michael Johnson, president of Ensemble Travel, a U.S. and Canada travel-agency association, said travelers should not make a single yes-or-no decision at once. “It’s important to understand where the risks are highest and know what options are available if conditions quickly change,” he said, adding that travelers should “take it step by step.” Johnson also said risk uncertainty is not unique to Mexico, noting, “there’s always something that can come up,” whether someone is traveling domestically or abroad.
Johnson suggested that destination choice and movement patterns can matter as much as overall headlines. He said Mexico is roughly three times the size of Texas and that some popular tourist spots, such as Cancun or Tulum, are more than 1,200 miles (1,900 kilometers) from Jalisco, where the recent violence was focused. He said staying within major resorts and tourist zones can simplify transportation once travelers arrive, while also limiting how much they must move around.
For U.S. and Canadian travelers, preparation included reviewing official travel guidance and building flexibility. The U.S. State Department warned against travel to six Mexican states and urged reconsideration of visiting seven others, including Jalisco, the AP reported, while Global Affairs Canada said citizens should avoid nonessential travel to 13 states and Lagunas de Zempoala National Park in Morelos. Rich Davis, a senior security adviser with risk-mitigation company International SOS, said travelers who continue their plans should also build buffers such as packing enough essential medications to last longer than the trip in case conditions change.
Davis and Johnson also recommended steps that can help before departure: U.S. travelers can enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive safety updates and help in emergencies; Canadians can register through Registration of Canadians Abroad, known as ROCA. Johnson said travelers may still benefit from consulting advisers even if a trip is already booked, noting advisers may have on-the-ground insight from clients currently traveling and can adjust itineraries. For travelers who cancel, Johnson said they should do so if they are uncomfortable, warning, “Don’t go on vacation if you’re uncomfortable. It’s one thing to get there, but another if you’re looking over your shoulder the whole time.”
The AP report included a perspective from travelers who said they planned to continue their trips despite the news. Vancouver resident Scott Leaf and his wife were headed to Mexico in two weeks to celebrate his 60th birthday, with stops in Mexico City and Cancun and travel south to Akumal on the coast, according to the report. Leaf said they learned of the recent violence but didn’t see a need to cancel, saying they were not traveling close to Jalisco and adding, “we’ve never, ever felt unsafe in a tourist area in 33 years.”
For people who decide to go, experts said habits on the ground can reduce uncertainty. The recommendations included traveling with at least one other person when possible, sharing itineraries with friends or family and checking in regularly, and using a hotel or resort as a hub by arranging transportation through a concierge to add predictability. Davis also advised confirming driver information and destination before getting into a vehicle and avoiding unsolicited rides.
Finally, experts said travelers should plan for how to get help locally. Because emergency numbers vary by country, the report said the U.S. State Department maintains a list of emergency contacts for different countries and advises travelers to save it in their phones before departure.