As Americans begin finalizing their summer vacation plans, travel consultants are providing safety tips for people heading to Mexico’s pristine coasts, which are often frequented by Hollywood stars.
Fox News Digital spoke with Sandra Awodele, the creator behind the evolving travel blog and platform Coi Traveler, who should be on guard before heading to Mexico in the summer.
"People like Mexico because it's a good time, affordable, and can be driven," she said. "But they should be cautious about theft, scams and cartel violence."
The tips from travel experts were released under the combination of the U.S. State Department and the U.S. Embassy Mexico, an emergency travel warning was issued to Baja California Sur, La Paz, Los Cabos, Capos San Lucas, due to escalating safety concerns at these popular tourist attractions.
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Visitors swim on Saturday, June 24, 2023 at Medano Beach in Capos, Baja, California, Mexico. (Marice Erthal/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
The travel alert report said the cartel posed a threat to officials. It added that Americans at Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo and La Paz should “expect to see increased (and) public transportation restrictions that exist in safety.”
The U.S. Department of State issues travel consultations for each of Mexico’s 32 states based on different security conditions. Baja California SUR's consultation has been raised to "improve caution".
Other popular tourist destinations in Mexico, such as Mexico City, Quintana Roo and Nayarit, have received similar consulting services.
Surfers and tourists enjoy the waves on June 3, 2023 at Acapulquito Beach in Los Cabos, Mexico. (Alfredo Martinez/Getty Images)
Awodel said that for travelers planning to visit Mexico in the near future, especially those heading to Sur, California, it is crucial to pay attention to the advice provided by embassy and local officials.
If driving, Awodele advises travelers to plan their routes by using Mexico’s designated safety corridors. The country has a closer highway system and frequent security checkpoints that provide visitors with extra eyes on the go.
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In July 2021, Bahia Concepcion, Bahia Concepcion, Mexico, is close to the scenery of Bahia Concepcion. This area of Mexico is a popular destination for tourists. (Photo by Guillermo Arias/AFP
When packaging, bring at least one credit card and two debit cards to prevent you from getting stuck if lost or stolen.
For Awodele, the problem is personal, as she was robbed and stripped of $250 while traveling in Tulum, Mexico.
She explained that she arrived at the port before the flight and took a water taxi to the airport but missed the port she had just left. A man approached her and claimed that the next water taxi would not arrive on time due to changes related to the common, and she would miss her flight.
She said the man insisted she needed to take a small private jet and needed $250 in cash.
Despite doubting her, Awodel obeyed because she was panicked about missing the flight. She withdrew her money from the ATM and was rushed to a small plane. It is worth noting that she is the only passenger who increases discomfort.
After arriving at the airport, she had plenty of time left and realized that she might have fabricated the urgency.
After studying it, Awodele discovered this type of scam where fear and urgency are used to trick tourists into over-traffic, which is not uncommon. Since the payment is cash, she has no right to recourse to get the money back.
Mexico is a popular resort for Americans, but a travel consultant warns travelers should take precautions. (Chichen Itza-Istock)
With multiple credit and debit cards, travelers carry some dollars and invest in a burglar bag to secure valuables, she advises.
"Don't travel with a card. If you're going somewhere, you need a credit card and at least two debit cards. The credit card is locked, or the debit card is stolen." "You need a third card to make sure you're good."
She also recommends taking the power bank and downloading offline maps in emergencies or in case of poor cell signals, including your hotel, the nearest police station and other key locations.
When in Mexico, be careful about your surroundings and avoid looking lost as this can mark you as the goal. Female travelers should consider using beverage covers, such as scrunchie covers, with whistles or personal alerts, and storing valuables in different places.
If there is a problem, such as being a liar or robbed, contact the U.S. embassy immediately, cancel the compromise card, and then enter a safe, densely populated area, Awadell said.
Celebrities have long flocked to Mexico to live a luxurious resort, amazing beaches and private retreats.
Tulum is located along the Caribbean coast and is frequented by stars such as Jennifer Aniston and Paris Hilton. Celebrities like the Kardashians, Lady Gaga and Beyoncé are known to visit Punta Mita, a private peninsula on the Pacific Coast.
Mexico’s hot spots are popular travel destinations for celebrities like Jennifer Aniston. (Instagram/@jenniferaniston; isock)
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Fox News Digital has solicited comments from the State Department.