Spring Break is finally here, and after the last couple of years, we all need it.
Mexico has long topped the charts as a spring break destination of choice with their extensive beaches, affordable entertainment, and luxury resorts.
However, this year, you may want to steer clear of this warm oasis because as nice as it is – you don’t want it to be the last vacation you ever take.
With options limited on where you can travel as a US citizen who may – or may not – have taken the COVID-19 vaccine, Mexico seems like a prime choice to spend your spring break.
There are even family-friendly cities like Riviera Maya that aren’t swarming with young women wearing way too little (and men with egos way too big).
Unfortunately, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the State Department are telling travelers to stay away and “avoid travel to Mexico.”
The sunny country is said to have “very high levels of COVID.”
…but that’s not even the biggest danger.
The US Consular authorities in Mexico are urging Americans to be careful after two Canadians were killed by gunshots at their luxury resort in Playa Del Carmen, USA Today reports.
“In light of recent security incidents and criminal activity in popular tourist destinations including Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, and Tulum, U.S. citizens are reminded to exercise increased caution when traveling to the state of Quintana Roo,” the U.S. Consulate General Merida wrote in a travel alert.
Sadly, a California woman and another tourist were killed after getting caught between a gang-related gun fight in Tulum.
The US Consulate General Merida also announced, “Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state, including areas frequented by U.S. citizen visitors.”
Of course, there have always been areas in Mexico more dangerous than others, just like visiting Detroit would be a bit more dangerous than spending a weekend in Cherokee, North Carolina.
But no matter where you go, you should always take safety precautions and have a plan of action.
Check the latest news of the area you’ll be visiting, stay aware of your surroundings, avoid big crowds, research where the bad areas of town are and avoid them, and have the contact information for the closest embassy and police station on your person.
No one is going to pay you to not take spring break like colleges were last year, so you need to be aware of the risks.
But also, don’t lose sight of all the wonderful destinations right in your backyard.
