MILWAUKEE, WI — The U.S. State Department expanded its travel warnings for Mexico, this time including regions that are home to some of the country’s most popular tourist destinations.
An updated Mexico travel warning issued by the U.S. State department encourages travelers like Parker Trepanier to stay on their toes. The warning suggests U.S. citizens have been victims of violent crimes including homicide and kidnappings.
“I definitely research crime rates [and] stuff like that," Trepanier said. "And I recommend taking Ubers instead of taxis just because you’re monitored through satellite.”
The advisory replaces a previous warning for Mexico issued back in December of 2016, and includes some of the country’s most popular tourist destinations.
“Traveling to Mexico would kind of worry me a little bit," Trepanier said. "I guess with statistics and stuff it would be hard for me to travel out there.”
Tuesday The agency warned:
U.S. Citizens should be aware that according to government of Mexico statistics, the state of Quintana Roo [which includes both Cancun and Playa del Carmen] experienced an increase in homicide rates compared to 2016.” What’s more, Baja California Sur, home to both Los Cabos and La Paz, has also experienced elevated levels of crime. According to the U.S. State department, “Criminal activity and violence, including homicide, remain an issue throughout the state… Shooting incidents, in which innocent bystanders have been injured, have occurred during daylight hours.
However, local travel agents maintain a different opinion.
“I think Mexico is as safe as any other destination," said Devon Beckes. “You do need to be aware of your surroundings, but honestly that’s anywhere you go.”
According to Beckes, the warnings do have people reconsidering booking a trip to Mexico and some have canceled their trips altogether. Regardless, Beckes suggests travelers employ the same kind of caution in Mexico as they would anywhere else.
