Understanding the Risks and Safe Practices When Traveling to Mexico
In recent news, at least one person has been arrested in connection with a high-profile case of kidnapping in the Valley. With Mexico being a popular place to go for many, especially around Spring Break, it is imperative to shed some light on the safety considerations when visiting the country. Some main tourist spots carry warnings at this time, suggesting travelers may want to reconsider their travel plans.
Mexican Government Stance on Kidnapping Cases
Late in the afternoon, officials from Mexico’s government held a press conference, rightfully condemning the occurrence. However, there was no direct mention or advisory from the officials for Americans intending to visit their country. The absence of such guidance has left some families feeling uneasy, while others are keeping a close eye on the happenings over the border before making their final decisions.
Families Continues to Travel amidst Warnings
Kasey Thomason and her family are among the ones still planning to spend their Spring Break in Mexico, specifically in Rocky Point. Owning a home in the area, they assert that they feel safe. The family’s sentiment is, should they feel unsafe, they would never go ahead with the trip, especially with their kids.
However, they have never encountered an issue previously. According to them, the State Department has issued different warning levels for Mexico, which have been in place for some years. This includes Sonora, encompassing Rocky Point or Porto Pena, which currently sits at warning level 3. This level urges families to reconsider their travel due to potential crime and kidnapping risks.
Different Warnings for Different Regions in Mexico
Contrarily, parts of Mexico such as Cabo and Cancun have lower level warnings in place, instructing tourists only to exercise increased caution due to reported crimes. Some families circumvent potential dangers by following simple safety rules, such as sticking to daytime travel and operating within close proximity of their accommodations during the evenings.
Staying Safe: Advice from the FBI
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Phoenix branch, in conjunction with KTVA news partners, offers telling advice for those still set on traveling to Mexico. The key point includes avoiding nighttime travel, and not showing off wealth or possessions that could potentially make you an attractive target for criminals.
Furthermore, the FBI suggests only using authorized taxis, as some passengers have unfortunately been victims of robberies or kidnappings when using illicit taxi services. The agency also advises visitors to always maintain a keen awareness of their surroundings, sticking with familiar people whenever possible.
Monitoring Safety Measures and Adapting as Needed
For Cass and her family, planning for a safe trip involves closely monitoring travel warnings from both, the Mexican and American governments, as well as staying informed about the crime scenario in their destination, Rocky Point. Despite some persistent issues, they believe that safety lies in being vigilant, adapting to the environment and staying abreast with official travel advisories.
Despite the rising concerns, many visitors insist that with the right precautions, traveling within Mexico can be as safe as visiting any other country. But it’s always essential to research, understand the risks specific to different regions, exercise caution and follow the latest developments and warnings. Traveling should be a joyous experience, but safety should always be a priority.