Posted on 03/04/2026 3:52:58 PM PST by Libloather
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - The U.S. State Department is advising travelers to use caution this month if they plan on traveling to Mexico for spring break. The agency has issued a Level 2 travel advisory for the country following a wave of cartel violence in recent weeks.
What we know: Level 2 means travelers should "exercise increased caution." While popular spring break destinations like Cancun are under this Level 2 status, that is not the case for the entire country.
The backstory: About a week ago, the world watched as violence broke out in parts of Mexico. Fire engulfed cars, blocking roads and highways, while gunfire erupted outside airports. Flights were canceled and U.S. citizens were told to shelter in place.
"Where I live there’s a little bit drama," said Guadalupe Petones, who lives in Zacatecas. "The cars burning, the buses. And by 9, 10 in the night, everybody got to be in their houses—because they see people like that—armed or not. They’re really scared to go to the store for groceries or things like that."
The violence was part of a war waged by the Jalisco New Generation Cartel in retaliation for the rumored killing of its boss, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho." While the violence has since died down, both the State Department and residents living in Mexico say it is especially important to stay on guard this spring break.
"Yeah, it’s very, it’s very bad," one resident said.
(Excerpt) Read more at fox10phoenix.com ...
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I would suggest all Mexican gangs see you as potential kidnapping meat, and Mexico does not have a handle on that.
I’ve traveled to some pretty funky parts of the world (as my profile page will show). But the only place I’ve ever visited where Spanish is the principal language is Puerto Rico. I’d be willing to go to Spain (maybe) but never,ever will I go to any other place where Spanish is the main language.
“Do they do tequila shots?”
If you have college age kids, rent them a room at your local Holiday Inn and supply all of the parts for a Fiesta. ;)
I really, REALLY miss the Mexico of my youth. I NEVER felt threatened or afraid there - and I vacationed there a LOT.
Sad to see a beautiful country and decent human beings going through this.
And SO MUCH HISTORY there!
I have no answers other than they need a LEADER who will MMGA! (Make Mexico Great Again!)
“...potential kidnapping meat...”
Sad but true!
I’d say any fool going there now deserves what they get.
Travel to Mexico? Now????? You’d have to have rocks in your head.
El Rush-Bo often stated to find something you love to do.
While a full blooded Irish Catholic Caucasian, from an early age I just loved Spanish. I took five years of Spanish in 4 years of high school.
I eventually had a double college major of Spanish and Archaeology. I learned that while amazing, you cannot pay a mortgage, or any other bill, with Archaeology. Before I ceased pursuing the Archaeology Degree, I was privileged to participate in excavations in California, Mexico and Central America.
I used to adore traveling, working etc in Mexico. Spanish fluency was a big plus.
I was going to type "I no longer desire to visit Mexico." Then I realized the opposite. It would be wonderful to show family and friends some of the wonders. But No Mas.
Even before today, it has not been safe. People would say that some of those all-inclusive resort locations on the Mexican coast are safe. You never have to go outside the perimeter. The Cartels and gangs just adapted. They attacked from the ocean.
PS - I saved up money and went to school in Spain. While it may be safe to travel there today, the socialist creeps in charge are a disgrace.
Level 2??? I’d have a NO GO to Me-he-co sign up if I was running State.
Maybe the cartel is doing us a favor, roughing up American citizens too stupid to stay away from the Mexican cesspool...
I just got back from Puerto Vallarta 5 days ago. As usual the media blows everything out of proportion. Mexico is a beautiful and welcoming country, but they do have an organized crime problem.
With rare exceptions, tourists are not bothered or harmed. The cartels know where their bread is buttered. Is it completely domesticated? No. But generally unless you go looking for trouble, you are perfectly fine.
Oh, it is not that bad.
Chile and Argentina are pretty good. Uruguay even better.
I think bunch of other countries are also OK, but I have not been there!
I had a wonderful week in Puerto Rico decades ago when it was a safe place. Was really happy that so many people spoke English. I knew a little Spanish then but of course forgot and it died from disuse.
Daughter Katy was there twice in the last couple of years. Brave, worldly, nothing uupset her EXCEPT the Puerto Rican hotel and store employees who always had their hands out for money, expected a tip for everything.
I’m sure they conned plenty of tourists. But don’t mess with Katy. Her husband was head of the Sheriff’s department and she got to shoot at their range. Best shot there.
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