Travel experts weigh in on vacations to Mexico amid recent violence

CLEVELAND — Generally, Mexico is a top travel destination for spring vacations for Ohioans. However, recent events may have people reconsidering vacationing in Mexico.

What You Need To Know

• Much of Mexico is under a Level Two U.S. State Department advisory, a classification shared by England, France and Italy
• Travel experts maintain that the areas of Mexico under Level Two advisories are safe
• If you are traveling out of the country, the U.S. State Department recommends that you stay up to date on current events, avoid law enforcement activity and keep loved ones updated on your location

Sunday, Mexico’s most-wanted cartel boss was killed in a Mexican military operation assisted by U.S. intelligence. Various parts of Mexico erupted into violence, including popular vacation destinations.

In response, the U.S. State Department has issued Level Four travel advisories for some parts of the country. However, much of the country is under a Level Two advisory.

“To put it in perspective, that’s the same rating that Italy and France have,” Ray Snisky, Group President of ALG Vacations, said. “So it isn’t something that should make anyone feel concerned at all.”

ALG Vacations is one of the largest U.S. vacation providers to Mexico.

“There certainly has been criminal activity in lots of destinations all around the world,” Snisky said. “You know, it’s really uncomfortable when that first happens, but it’s how the destinations rally around resolving those issues.”

Tourism is a multi-billion dollar industry in Mexico. Jody Oechsle, a travel adviser for Krafty Travel in Rossford, Ohio, said Mexico prioritizes safety, especially in tourist regions, as it’s vital to the country’s economy.

“Since tourism is such a big thing for Mexico, they really keep that area very safe for their travelers, to keep a good relationship with tourism,” Oechsle said.

Oechsle said she thinks the areas of Mexico under a Level Two advisory are safe for travel.

“I am a nervous person as a whole,” Oechsle said. “And so, I told the guests yesterday, I would feel comfortable traveling there myself. I feel comfortable saying that, confidently, you can travel to Mexico safely.”

If you are traveling out of the country, the U.S. State Department recommends that you stay up to date on current events, avoid law enforcement activity and keep loved ones updated on your location.

In addition, you can enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for updates on travel advisories.