Americans planning Mexico vacations face new safety concerns as US raises travel advisory
Share this @internewscast.com

As Americans start settling their summer vacation plans, a travel advisor is providing safety recommendations for those visiting Mexico’s beautiful beaches, often visited by Hollywood celebrities.

Fox News Digital chatted with Sandra Awodele, the founder of COI Traveler, an expanding travel blog and platform, regarding what Americans should be mindful of before their summer trips to Mexico.

“People love Mexico because it’s enjoyable, affordable, and accessible by car,” she mentioned. “However, they should be vigilant about theft, scams, and cartel violence.”

The travel expert’s tips come as the U.S. State Department, in conjunction with the U.S. Embassy in Mexico, has issued an urgent travel warning for Baja California Sur, La Paz, Los Cabos, Cabo San Lucas due to escalating security concerns in these popular tourist destinations. 

Baja California

An aerial view of a storm approaching Bahia Concepcion in Mexico’s Baja California state in July 2021. This region of Mexico is a popular destination for tourists. (Photo by Guillermo Arias / AFP) (Photo by Guillermo Arias/AFP via Getty Images)

When packing, bring at least one credit card and two debit cards to prevent being stranded if one is lost or stolen, she said. 

For Awodele, the issue is personal after she was robbed and scammed out of $250 while traveling in Tulum, Mexico.

She explained that she arrived at the port well ahead of her flight to take a water taxi to the airport, but missed one that had just left. A man approached her and claimed that, due to COVID-related changes, the next water taxi wouldn’t arrive on time, and she would miss her flight. 

The man, she said, insisted that she needed to take a small private aircraft—and that it required $250 in cash.

Despite her suspicions, Awodele complied, because she was panicked about missing her flight. She withdrew the money from an ATM and was rushed onto a small aircraft. Notably, she was the only passenger, which added to her discomfort. 

Upon arriving at the airport, with plenty of time left, she realized that the urgency may have been fabricated.

After looking into it, Awodele found out this type of scam, where fear and urgency are used to trick tourists into overpaying for transportation, is not uncommon. Since the payment was in cash, she had no recourse to get the money back.

North-west view of the El Castillo (Temple of Kukulkan). El Castillo, also known as the Temple of Kukulcan, is a Mesoamerican step-pyramid that dominates the center of the Chichen Itza archaeological site in the Mexican state of Yucatán. Chichen Itza was a large pre-Columbian city built by the Maya people of the Terminal Classic period. The archaeological site is located in Tinúm Municipality, Yucatán State, Mexico.

Mexico is a popular vacation destination for Americans, but one travel advisor warns that travelers should take precautions. (Chichen Itza- iStock)

She suggests that, along with multiple credit cards and debit cards, travelers carry some U.S. dollars and invest in an anti-theft bag to secure valuables.

“Don’t travel with one card. If you’re going somewhere, you need a credit card and at least two debit cards. The credit card gets locked, or the debit card gets stolen,” she said. “You need a third card to make sure that you’re good.”

She also suggested bringing a power bank and downloading offline maps that include your hotel, the nearest police station and other key locations in case of emergency or poor cell signals.

On the ground

While in Mexico, stay aware of your surroundings and avoid looking lost, as this can mark you as a target. Women travelers should consider using drink covers like scrunchie lids, carrying a whistle or personal alarm and storing valuables in different places. 

If something goes wrong

If something goes wrong—like being scammed or robbed—contact the U.S. embassy immediately, cancel compromised cards, and get to a safe, populated area, Awodele said.

Celebrities have long flocked to Mexico for its luxurious resorts, stunning beaches, and private retreats. 

Tulum, located on the Caribbean coast, has been frequented by stars like Jennifer Aniston and Paris Hilton. Celebrities like the Kardashians, Lady Gaga and Beyoncé have been known to frequent Punta Mita, a private peninsula on the Pacific coast.

jennifer aniston on a beach next to rows of seats on an airplane

Mexico hot spots are popular travel destinations for celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston. (Instagram/@jenniferaniston; iStock)

Fox News Digital has reached out to the State Department for comment. 

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Thieves steal several pieces of French Crown Jewels collection inside the infamous Louvre in Paris, France

Heist at the Louvre: French Crown Jewels Stolen in Bold Theft

In a daring heist that unfolded in mere minutes, thieves targeted the…
'Dr. Antifa' fled US after doxxing, but infamous handbook promotes tactic and violence against 'Far Right'

Controversial ‘Dr. Antifa’ Escapes USA Amid Backlash Over Handbook Encouraging Tactics Against Far-Right

Dr. Mark Bray, a Rutgers University professor colloquially known as “Dr. Antifa,”…
Chicago Bears game today: Teams seeks fourth straight win, look to avoid letdown against NFC-worst Saints Sunday at Soldier Field

Chicago Bears Aim for Fourth Consecutive Win Against Struggling Saints at Soldier Field

CHICAGO — This Sunday, the Chicago Bears aim to continue their winning…

Remembering Sam Rivers: Limp Bizkit Bassist’s Impactful Legacy Lives On at 48

Sam Rivers, the bassist and a founding member of the iconic band…

Felony Charge Against California Labor Leader for Immigration Protest Downgraded

In Los Angeles, the head of a Southern California labor union, arrested…
'Untold damage': Global assisted suicide movement targets children

Rising Concerns: Global Assisted Suicide Movement Sparks Debate Over Inclusion of Minors

In the spring of 2022, Canadian teenager Markus Schouten expressed a heartfelt…
Teen killed by stray bullet while playing video games inside St. Louis home: 'Horrible nightmare'

Tragic Incident: Teen Fatally Struck by Stray Bullet While Gaming at Home in St. Louis

In a tragic incident, a 14-year-old high school freshman from Missouri lost…
The Great Lakes: Protecting Our Natural Wonder from pollution, climate change, invasive species, overuse

Safeguarding the Great Lakes: Tackling Pollution, Climate Change, and Invasive Species for a Sustainable Future

Chicago’s Lake Michigan is often hailed as a natural marvel, offering residents…
Convicted child killer of Etan Patz must be retried by June deadline or walk free from custody: judge

Urgent Retrial Deadline Looms for Convicted Child Killer of Etan Patz: Freedom at Stake

In a significant development, a federal judge has ruled that a man…
Driver plows into child's birthday party in Maryland killing woman, injuring 13 others

Tragic Incident at Maryland Birthday Party: Vehicle Collision Claims Life and Injures 13

Tragedy struck at a child’s birthday celebration in Maryland on Saturday night…
'No Kings' protests take place in Jacksonville, Florida

Jacksonville Protests Ignite: ‘No Kings’ Movement Challenges Authority

Protesters took to the streets in Jacksonville on Saturday, showcasing an array…
Brandy and Monica Chicago news: Brandy walks off stage during United Center concert for 'The Boy Is Mine' tour

Brandy’s Unexpected Exit at United Center: ‘The Boy Is Mine’ Tour Takes Dramatic Turn in Chicago

CHICAGO—During a Saturday night performance at the United Center, acclaimed singer Brandy…