Mexico Travel Warning: All you need to know

The recent travel advisory issued by the U.S. State Department has many travelers on the edge who are considering Mexico for their upcoming vacation.  Updated on August 22nd, the latest advisory warns Americans of the risks when visiting several states within Mexico, specifically calling out two of Mexico’s finest resort destinations: Cancún and Los Cabos. It also states that visiting these select locations has been deemed unsafe due to a rise in homicide and gang violence.

I would like to clearly state that it is the opinion of All Inclusive Outlet that Mexico has been and will continue to be one of the best locations in the world to visit for any occasion and we feel confident that our customers will be safe when traveling to the hotels and resorts that we highlight throughout our website.  We remain diligent in keeping up-to-date with the facts of news stories and advisories and we are working directly with hoteliers and suppliers to understand the specific measures they are taking to ensure the safety and comfort of our clients.

All Inclusive Outlet has been helping guests go on their Mexican vacations for many years and Mexico continues to be our most popular travel destination. We stand by the quality and safety of the wonderful Mexican resorts we offer, which is why Mexico will continue to be a favorite locale to many of our staff for traveling with family and friends, and we hope our valued customers too. These resorts are among the highest-quality we sell, with exceptional food, service, and accommodations, and we wish for everyone to feel comfortable choosing Mexico as a vacation spot.

Regarding the Travel Advisory

When reading the U.S. State Department’s travel advisory, we believe there are several points that need to be read carefully and placed in context with travel to other places, even within the U.S.  A recent Miami Herald story points out that even with increased violence, homicide rates in most Mexican regions remain well below those in several United States cities. While Los Cabos has a murder rate of 14 per 100,000 residents, figures from New York University’s Brennan Center for Justice indicates a far higher rate of 52 per 100,000 residents in Baltimore, and 50 per 100,000 residents in Detroit.

Resorts are among the safest locations in Mexico, and arguably far safer than tropical travel destinations in other countries. Resort staff take security seriously, and make every effort to ensure the full safety and comfort of all guests. In return, our guests heap abundant praise on their favorite resorts, with many claiming that they’ve never felt unsafe while visiting Mexico.

Preparing For a Safe Vacation

Mexico presents its own unique risks, but travelers should remember that no vacation comes risk-free. There’s no need to abandon all plans for a Mexican resort vacation at this time. However, proper preparation can minimize the risks highlighted by the U.S. State Department. For example, the latest advisory recommends avoiding driving on highways at night or driving past any security checkpoints without stopping.  

Violence levels vary considerably throughout Mexico (as is the case in any country), so it’s important to be aware of local conditions before traveling. The latest travel advisory includes a state-by-state assessment of the country’s security conditions, highlighting areas of particular concern.  

In the aforementioned Miami Herald story, Andres Oppenheimer reminds would-be vacationers: “No place is entirely safe, including any major U.S. city or any small town where…you run the risk of being an innocent bystander caught in the wrong place.” Perceived threats should not keep aspiring vacationers locked up at home; they just need to be cautious while abroad.

In Closing

Please know that Mexico is a place full of beauty and adventure. As with every destination, exercise caution in places that you feel uncomfortable. If you see anything worrisome, go with your gut instinct. Most of all, trust that your all-inclusive resort has your best interest in mind. They will be there with you every step of the way.

Thank you,

Anthony Tucker

Vice President and General Manager, All Inclusive Outlet