By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Editor & Publisher
It is a constant question and now it’s relevant again: is it safe to travel to Mexico right now? And what does this mean for spring breakers, just as many are planning to head from chilly college campuses to warm beaches and lively nightlife?
The cartel violence after the killing of drug loard leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes (“El Mencho”) happened in Jalisco state, which includes the very popular tourist town of – and desired spring break destination – of Puerto Vallarta. It is certainly reasonable to ask if still safe to go there or any other place in Mexico.
The U.S. and Canada have lifted the “shelter in place” advisories they briefly issued for their citizens in parts of western Mexico, including the cities of Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta in Jalisco state, where the former cartel kingpin Oseguera Cervantes, better known as “El Mencho,” was based. The U.S. State Department and Global Affairs Canada are recommending that travelers exercise caution, stay aware of local conditions and monitor updates before and during travel. The State Department warns against any travel to six Mexican states, and urges travelers to reconsider visiting seven other states including Jalisco.
Only the one area is affected. Cruise ships are still going to other parts of Mexico and the Cabo Instagram page posted a video on Monday after the Sunday incident stating: “Everything is operating normally.”
So if you’re going to Baja, you are likely to be safe and things are certainly calming down in Puerto Vallarta. The Mexican government is certainly well aware of the tourism and spring break impacts from the incident and are doing everything they can to reassure travelers things are okay and that it’s safe to visit the country.
Would I Go To Mexico Now For Spring Break?
The answer is yes, as long as it’s Cabo San Lucas. I really would not take the chance that violence could break out again in Puerto Vallarta or some other parts of the country. Baja seems pretty much immune to the cartel issues but of course you can’t ever be sure. Frankly, I would not cross the border now to go from here in San Diego to Tijuana right now until things cool down a bit. I would not, however, hesitate to go to Ensenada or Cabo.
If I were to somehow find myself in a trouble spot, I would certainly be looking over my shoulder a lot, be completely aware of my surroundings at all times and curtail my drinking to the point I have my wits about me at all times as opposed to staggering around in an over inebriated state.
Of course, I tend to do those things anyway.
Kevin Wilkerson has been to Baja, Mexico several times, as well as Tijuana, and has been perfectly safe on each visit. He writes about his travel and nightlife adventures here on PubClub.com.
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