Increased Violence Triggers Urgent Warning for Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin Tourists

As summer vacation season kicks off in Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin, many travelers are finalizing plans for a warm-weather escape. For countless Midwesterners, that often means one thing: a trip South of the border to Mexico. From the beautiful waters of Cancún to the luxury resorts of Cabo, Mexico offers sun, sand, and a price tag that’s hard to beat. However, according to the latest release from the U.S. Department of State, travelers need to be more cautious than ever before.

Violent crime across Mexico continues to rise, including homicide, kidnapping, robbery, and carjacking. By the way, it's not just happening on backroads or "backwoods" towns; it's beginning to spill into tourist areas. Some regions are now considered so dangerous that Americans are advised not to go there at all. That includes the states of Colima, Guerrero, Michoacán, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, and Zacatecas, where the risk of violent crime and abductions has become exponentially high for Americans.

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Other areas still frequented by vacationers, such as Baja California, Jalisco, and Chiapas, have been labeled "Reconsider Travel" zones. This includes parts of Puerto Vallarta and border cities like Tijuana. These areas are seeing more cartel and organized crime activity. Even in popular tourist destinations like Quintana Roo, which is home to Cancún, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen, officials are advising travelers to exercise increased caution. This is also the case in Baja California Sur, which includes the popular destination of Cabo San Lucas.

These warnings aren’t meant to scare people away entirely, but they are a wake-up call for the ignorant or uninformed. Many parts of Mexico are still safe to visit. Those include Yucatán and Campeche, but the days of carefree travel are well over. Planning now requires more attention to detail, local safety conditions, and backup plans.

For travelers from the Midwest heading south, the State Department offers some specific guidance: Avoid driving between cities after dark, as road conditions and security risks change quickly at night. Avoid hailing taxis off the street. Instead, the state recommends using rideshare apps like Uber or only taking taxis from regulated stands. If you're going out at night, stay in busy, well-lit areas and always let someone know where you're headed.

Vacationers should also bring multiple forms of payment. This includes Credit cards, debit cards, and emergency cash in U.S. dollars.  This can be a lifesaver if something is lost or stolen. An anti-theft bag or money belt can also help keep passports and valuables secure.

The Department of State also recommends enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), a free service that allows the U.S. Embassy to contact you in case of emergency and keep you updated on safety conditions in your area. It's also a good idea to inform yourself on what the U.S. can and can not do in the event of an emergency.

Mexico remains a stunning and convenient destination for North Americans. I'ts full of history, culture, and beauty, but it's no longer a trip to take lightly or on a whim. If you're heading there this summer, do your research, stay alert, and travel with caution. If you're able to stay at an all-inclusive resort and avoid additional travel, that can provide some additional safety. A little preparation can go a long way toward keeping your vacation memorable, for the right reasons.