Dealing with travel issues after two Americans were killed in Mexico
ST. LOUIS — Government officials are warning Americans that travel to certain parts of Mexico is still too risky. This after a road trip to Mexico for cosmetic surgery ended with two Americans dead and two others found alive near the US-Mexico border.
“We are also reminding Americans of the existing travel advisories for this particular part of Mexico. The travel advisory for the state of Tamaulipas remains at Level 4 – No Travel,” said Ned Price, a State Department spokesman. “We encourage Americans to heed that. Heed this advice.”
Price’s comments come after four US citizens were kidnapped by gunmen while traveling to the border town of Matamoros across from Brownsville, Texas on Friday.
“We ensure safety as best we can, but we always emphasize caution wherever you go,” said Abbey Meyer, co-owner of Sky High Travel.
According to Meyer, incidents like this always raise questions and concerns from customers. But after personally traveling to Mexico three times in the last month, she believes where you go and what you do once you get there are key to a safe trip.
“We didn’t have an incident that was even worth mentioning from a safety point of view. All of our resorts are under review,” she said. “It’s important to use a travel advisor to make sure you’re in a safe place.”
Meyer acknowledges the safety risks associated with any trip, but points out the difference between staying at a resort for two weeks and crossing the Mexican border for cosmetic surgery.
“We do not advise anyone to take a leisurely stroll along the beach at night. That’s nowhere smart,” she said. “Unfortunately, I wouldn’t walk downtown St. Louis. It’s just the nature of where we are today.”
Meyer says travelers should exercise care and context when deciding on their next travel destination.
“People outside of the United States are advised to stay away from densely populated areas when coming to the United States. I don’t know when you were last at a concert, but Cardinals games, we don’t think twice about it,” Meyer said. “But the rest of the world is being advised not to do that in the US. It’s about perspective. If at any point you don’t feel comfortable, as much as we advise and try to help customers feel comfortable, at the end of the day you don’t have to leave. That’s a personal choice.”
https://fox2now.com/news/contact-2/managing-travel-concerns-after-2-americans-killed-in-mexico/ Dealing with travel issues after two Americans were killed in Mexico
