U.S. tourists think twice about spring break in Mexico due to cartel violence

Spring Breakers Rethink Mexican Vacations Amid Cartel Violence

As spring break approaches, many travelers are reconsidering their plans due to ongoing cartel violence in Mexico, leaving some American tourists stranded. Discussions on the r/AllInclusiveResorts subreddit have sparked debates about the safety of vacationing in Mexico during this turbulent time.

One user expressed concern, stating, “If the violence continues and spreads, we will likely cancel our trip. I can’t risk exposing my kids to this.” Another traveler, drawing from personal experience, urged others to reconsider trips to Jalisco, stating, “This is not a typical spring break in Puerto Vallarta.”

However, other opinions suggest a more nuanced view. One commenter pointed out that cartels typically don’t target tourists, as doing so would jeopardize their businesses. The complex dynamics of safety and tourism in Mexico are difficult to navigate.

With March and April being peak months for spring vacations, Airlines for America expects around 173 million passengers to fly during this period. Mallory Dumond, a travel advisor from North Carolina, noted that many clients are looking for alternatives, suggesting Caribbean all-inclusive resorts as safer options.

Dumond highlighted the Dominican Republic as a promising alternative, given its strong safety measures and appealing offerings for travelers seeking to change their plans without compromising on quality.

Meanwhile, some travelers are still dealing with the fallout of the violence. U.S. authorities have issued multiple warnings, advising Americans to shelter in place, complicating the travel plans for many. Wendy Pucetti from Wisconsin mentioned she and her husband had meant to leave Punta Mita after a weeklong stay but found themselves waiting for further instructions.

Pucetti stated that while her travel agency communicated primarily through email, they provided a link for updated travel options. Luckily, she managed to extend her stay at their hotel as she awaited new flight arrangements.

Dumond reminded travelers to review their resort’s cancellation policies if they are considering refunds. She emphasized the importance of contacting airlines promptly to understand their options amidst safety concerns and urged travelers to collaborate with their advisors for potential rebookings or refunds.

As a note of caution, Dumond advised the consideration of travel insurance to cover unexpected issues during trips, pointing out that proactive yet polite communication can aid in navigating these challenging situations.