While there are people now spending spring break in the U.S., others have booked their trips to Mexico, hoping popular tourist destinations will be safe havens.
SAN ANTONIO — Civil unrest that sparked in parts of Mexico is causing some travelers to rethink their spring break plans.
The violence sparked after Mexico’s security forces carried out an operation in Jalisco on Sunday that killed prominent cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho.” His death sparked retaliatory violence by criminal groups, including property destruction and the killing of more than 20 members of Mexico’s National Guard.
The U.S. State Department urged shelter in place advisories for Americans in the country as a safety precaution.
As of Tuesday, that shelter in place advisory was lifted. But citizens are still asked to reconsider travel to numerous states, including Jalisco.
“There’s a lot of concern particularly if they’re already booked and leaving imminently for spring break and we had a couple of those calls,” said Alice Petry, a local travel agent.
Petry recently rebooked one couple who decided to stay stateside instead of traveling to Mexico.
“They’re going to Miami Beach, beautiful hotel but it’s not all inclusive,” Petry said.
The couple had planned to travel to Cancún, not Puerto Vallarta. Petry said they were concerned by what they perceived as instability across the country.
“I think they got the feeling it was a complete revolt in Mexico, the country,” Petry said.
As for San Antonio resident Eric Gan, he understands why some people might be hesitant on vacationing in Mexico amid the current climate.
“If it’s somewhere you travel frequently and bad things are happening, it makes you think about maybe we shouldn’t be going there anymore,” Gan said.
Gan was hoping to visit Cancun this year. However, he cited rising resort prices as the main reason for reconsidering and booking a trip to Germany instead.
Several people told KENS 5 off camera they are choosing not to visit Mexico this year due to heightened safety concerns. Still, not everyone is canceling. Petry just heard from a group of women who have plans in place to visit Cancun in the coming weeks.
“Four ladies going, spring break. And they’re ready to go,” Petry said.