Travel Alerts Hurt Mexico

Mexico has been hit hard by the recent U.S. State Department travel alerts that were widely covered by the media. Fear of violence in connection with the war on drug traffickers is at the center of the problem. Spring-breakers who often travel to the country have avoided Mexico, in part, because of that issue. Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, and Rosarito Beach are among the popular spots that have seen a significant drop in travelers from last year. Fewer tourists means trouble for an economy that depends on travelers for much of its economic growth.
Mexican Beach © Mdnys

With Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano recently saying that American tourists are not targets of the violence and should be safe in the tourist areas of Mexico, it’s a wonder why the media coverage was so extreme. There are certainly areas of Mexico that require caution for visitors, but few travelers venture into those places. It’s a matter of being informed before traveling. It’s a good idea to read the U.S. State Department’s document targeted at keeping spring-breakers safe. Consider reading a few blogs that cover travel in Mexico too, including Travelojos, for another view on the situation there.

Would a safety alert change your travel plans? if given the opportunity, would you visit Mexico this week.

Read about the U.S. Senate’s bill that would lift the travel ban to Cuba or the beautiful islands of Belize.

 

Sign up to receive our free content RSS or travel updates by e-mail.

Passport Cards Speed Border Crossings

Over 700,000 Americans have ordered passport cards. The wallet-size cards were created by the Bureau of Consular Services in order to provide quicker border crossings for Americans entering or exiting Mexico, Canada, or the Caribbean. Cards are not valid for international air travel.

Border Crossing ® blmurch

Passport cards are less expensive than passport books, costing $45 (valid for 10 years) for first-time adult passport applicants and $35 (valid for 5 years) for minors under 16 years old. The card is ideal for those who regularly travel across the land or sea borders of Mexico, Canada, or the Caribbean. This is also the best option for Americans who were previously using their driver’s licenses to enter the previously mentioned destinations (read more on Yahoo!).

Read about the Québec Winter Carnival or new rules for visa-waiver travelers entering the U.S.

 

Subscribe to the Enduring Wanderlust RSS or subscribe by e-mail to receive daily travel updates directly to your inbox.

Japanese Man No Longer Living In Airport

Sleeping in an airport, for a night, before a flight is common among travelers who are attempting to save a few dollars on hotel costs. Websites like The Guide to Sleeping in Airports have been developed around the concept.
Mexico City Airport ® Cesar Rincon

Over the past few months, a Japanese man has taken it to a new level by moving into Mexico City’s Benito Juarez International Airport. As of the new year, Mr. Nohara has finally found a new residence–in an apartment.

 

Subscribe to the Enduring Wanderlust RSS or subscribe by e-mail to receive daily travel updates directly to your inbox.