Trip to Mexico for spring break: Americans have been warned about possible risks
The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico have issued a warning to Americans planning to visit the country for spring break. The message mentions a number of potential threats that travelers may face.
U.S. citizens are advised to exercise extra caution in popular tourist destinations such as Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum, especially at night. According to USA Today, the U.S. State Department has issued travel advisories for various states in Mexico, setting different levels of warning for them: from Level 1 - exercise normal precautions - to Level 4 - do not travel.
In addition to the high crime rate, travelers are warned about the potential risk of consuming adulterated alcohol and pharmaceuticals.
Spirits that are not certified can be contaminated or adulterated, putting tourists at risk of poisoning, loss of control of their bodies, and injury.
Counterfeit medicines are also common in Mexico, so some drugs may be ineffective or contain dangerous ingredients. It is better not to purchase them without a doctor's prescription and not to trust unverified sellers.
Other risks include drowning while vacationing at coastal resorts and high prices for private hospitals, which can make it difficult to access medical care.
To avoid endangering yourself, you should follow the following tips, including watching your drinks, staying with a group of friends in bars and clubs, avoiding walking in dark areas, and letting family and friends know what you're doing.
As TravelWise previously reported, many tourists visit Mexico in March. Tips for traveling to this country can be found here.