Connect with us

Tips & Advices

US travelers urged to be cautious in Mexico amid new travel safety risks

Published

on


Join Fox News for access to this content

Plus special access to select articles and other premium content with your account – free of charge.

By entering your email and pushing continue, you are agreeing to Fox News’ Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, which includes our Notice of Financial Incentive.

Please enter a valid email address.

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

As Americans begin to finalize their summer vacation plans, a travel advisor is offering safety tips for those heading to Mexico’s pristine shores that are often frequented by Hollywood stars.

Fox News Digital spoke with Sandra Awodele, the creator behind COI Traveler, a growing travel blog and platform, about what Americans should be wary of ahead of their summer travels to Mexico.

“People love Mexico because it’s a good time, it’s affordable, and it’s driveable,” she said. “But they should be cautious of theft, scams and cartel violence.”

The travel expert’s tips come as the U.S. State Department, in conjunction with the U.S. Embassy in Mexico, has issued an urgent travel warning for Baja California Sur, La Paz, Los Cabos, Cabo San Lucas due to escalating security concerns in these popular tourist destinations. 

CRUISE DO’S AND DON’TS: TOP 5 THINGS THAT WILL GET YOU BANNED FOR LIFE

Tourists swim at Medano Beach in Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur state, Mexico, on Saturday, June 24, 2023. (Mariceu Erthal/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

The travel alert reported that cartels have made threats against officials. It added that Americans in Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo, and La Paz should “expect to see increased security presence [and] public transportation restrictions.”

The U.S. Department of State issues travel advisories for each of Mexico’s 32 states based on varying safety conditions. The advisory for Baja California Sur has been raised to “exercise increased caution.” 

Other popular tourist destinations in Mexico, such as Mexico City, Quintana Roo and Nayarit, are also under similar advisories.

Surfers and tourists enjoy the waves at Acapulquito beach, located in San Jose del Cabo on June 3, 2023, in Los Cabos, Mexico.  (Alfredo Martinez/Getty Images)

Before you go

For travelers planning to visit Mexico in the near future, especially those heading to Baja California Sur, it is crucial to heed the advice provided by the embassy and local officials, Awodele said. 

If driving, Awodele suggested travelers plan their route by using designated safety corridors in Mexico. The country has highway systems that are monitored more closely and has frequent security checkpoints that may provide tourists an extra set of eyes during their trip.

FLIGHT PASSENGERS WARN OF ‘REAL ID APOCALYPSE’ WHILE OTHERS ACKNOWLEDGE AMERICANS CAN STILL FLY

An aerial view of a storm approaching Bahia Concepcion in Mexico’s Baja California state in July 2021. This region of Mexico is a popular destination for tourists. (Photo by Guillermo Arias / AFP) (Photo by Guillermo Arias/AFP via Getty Images)

When packing, bring at least one credit card and two debit cards to prevent being stranded if one is lost or stolen, she said. 

For Awodele, the issue is personal after she was robbed and scammed out of $250 while traveling in Tulum, Mexico.

She explained that she arrived at the port well ahead of her flight to take a water taxi to the airport, but missed one that had just left. A man approached her and claimed that, due to COVID-related changes, the next water taxi wouldn’t arrive on time, and she would miss her flight. 

The man, she said, insisted that she needed to take a small private aircraft—and that it required $250 in cash.

Despite her suspicions, Awodele complied, because she was panicked about missing her flight. She withdrew the money from an ATM and was rushed onto a small aircraft. Notably, she was the only passenger, which added to her discomfort. 

Upon arriving at the airport, with plenty of time left, she realized that the urgency may have been fabricated.

After looking into it, Awodele found out this type of scam, where fear and urgency are used to trick tourists into overpaying for transportation, is not uncommon. Since the payment was in cash, she had no recourse to get the money back.

Mexico is a popular vacation destination for Americans, but one travel advisor warns that travelers should take precautions. (Chichen Itza- iStock)

She suggests that, along with multiple credit cards and debit cards, travelers carry some U.S. dollars and invest in an anti-theft bag to secure valuables.

“Don’t travel with one card. If you’re going somewhere, you need a credit card and at least two debit cards. The credit card gets locked, or the debit card gets stolen,” she said. “You need a third card to make sure that you’re good.”

She also suggested bringing a power bank and downloading offline maps that include your hotel, the nearest police station and other key locations in case of emergency or poor cell signals.

On the ground

While in Mexico, stay aware of your surroundings and avoid looking lost, as this can mark you as a target. Women travelers should consider using drink covers like scrunchie lids, carrying a whistle or personal alarm and storing valuables in different places. 

If something goes wrong

If something goes wrong—like being scammed or robbed—contact the U.S. embassy immediately, cancel compromised cards, and get to a safe, populated area, Awodele said.

Celebrities have long flocked to Mexico for its luxurious resorts, stunning beaches, and private retreats. 

Tulum, located on the Caribbean coast, has been frequented by stars like Jennifer Aniston and Paris Hilton. Celebrities like the Kardashians, Lady Gaga and Beyoncé have been known to frequent Punta Mita, a private peninsula on the Pacific coast.

Mexico hot spots are popular travel destinations for celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston. (Instagram/@jenniferaniston; iStock)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Fox News Digital has reached out to the State Department for comment. 



Source link

Continue Reading

Tips & Advices

Why Travel Insurance Can Be a Lifesaver for Your Trip, Find out now

Published

on


Monday, July 21, 2025

Whether you’re embarking on a short weekend away or a lengthy journey across continents, travel insurance remains one of the most vital components of your travel preparations. Unexpected circumstances can quickly turn your perfect trip into an expensive ordeal, and the right insurance coverage can safeguard you against significant financial burdens.

What Exactly Does Travel Insurance Include?

A comprehensive travel insurance plan typically includes protection against:

  • Trip cancellations and interruptions
  • Flight or transport delays
  • Lost, stolen, or delayed luggage
  • Stolen cash, credit cards, passports, or other vital documents
  • Medical emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation expenses

Government guidelines across Ireland and the UK strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance due to the potential high costs of medical care abroad. According to official government resources, the costs associated with emergency medical treatment or repatriation can be extraordinarily high, often amounting to thousands of euros.

Importance of Medical Coverage

Medical coverage is particularly crucial. Accidents or illnesses abroad are unpredictable and costly. Ireland’s official guidance underscores that hospital treatments or emergency flights back home can be extremely expensive without proper insurance. Even a simple travel insurance policy can ensure you’re not left with overwhelming bills and additional stress during an already difficult time.

Types of Travel Insurance Policies Available

Different travel needs require different insurance solutions. Here are the primary policy types to consider:

  • Single-trip Policies: Ideal for occasional travelers planning one-off trips.
  • Annual Multi-trip Policies: Beneficial for frequent travelers, offering year-round coverage.
  • Specialist Insurance Plans: Tailored for specific traveler groups such as families, senior citizens, students studying abroad, and group travelers.

Official advice highlights matching your insurance coverage with your specific travel habits and personal circumstances to ensure maximum benefit and efficiency.

Cost Considerations

Travel insurance costs vary depending on factors like your destination, length of stay, age, and activities planned. According to governmental consumer protection resources, travelers should shop around to obtain the best policy at a fair price:

  • Basic European Single-trip Coverage: Approximately €22, suitable for short trips.
  • Enhanced Coverage: Includes additional protections such as cancellations, luggage coverage, and up to €5 million in medical benefits, typically costing around €42.
  • Annual Multi-trip Coverage: Generally starts at about €80 for Europe and upwards of €120 for global coverage.

It’s important to remember that lower-priced policies typically feature higher deductibles and fewer inclusions.

Additional Cover for Adventure Activities

Standard travel insurance usually excludes high-risk sports or adventure activities. Official Irish and UK government travel advisories clearly indicate the necessity of additional insurance for activities like skiing, scuba diving, skydiving, paragliding, or mountain climbing. Always confirm coverage specifics and add additional adventure sports coverage if needed.

Coverage for Extraordinary Situations

Common events such as extreme weather, natural disasters, strikes, and civil disturbances are typically not covered by standard travel insurance policies. Irish and UK governmental consumer advisories suggest adding specialized disruption coverage to protect yourself fully against these scenarios.

European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) – Important but Limited

Travelers within the EU should carry their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), offering access to essential healthcare at reduced costs or sometimes free within public facilities. However, government websites clearly emphasize that the EHIC does not cover costs such as private medical care, repatriation flights, lost baggage, or stolen belongings. Therefore, comprehensive travel insurance remains essential.

Essential Tips Before Purchasing Your Policy

  • Obtain your insurance immediately upon booking your travel to activate trip cancellation benefits.
  • Always disclose existing medical conditions to avoid coverage disputes.
  • Determine whether specific destinations or activities require extra coverage.
  • Consider adding excess waivers if you wish to avoid out-of-pocket expenses for minor claims.
  • Frequent travelers should evaluate annual multi-trip coverage for better overall value.
  • Always read policy documents carefully to understand exactly what’s included.

Final Thoughts

Travel insurance is more than merely optional; it’s the responsible thing to do when you’re planning to travel. Good coverage can protect you against expensive surprises and provide crucial assistance in an emergency while you are overseas. The combination of EHIC and a good travel insurance policy is considered by UK government authorities as the ideal approach to SAFE Guarding your travels.



Source link

Continue Reading

Tips & Advices

Now, India Joins Canada, UK, Australia, UAE, Singapore, and USA To Embrace CyberSafe Travel Era as TripJack and BOXX Launch Digital Tourism Security Solution, Here’s More

Published

on




Sunday, July 20, 2025

When travelers from busy hubs like Mumbai, Delhi or Bengaluru are planning their next trip, they often overlook the unseen threats lying in wait online. And yet in a time when we board planes, show passports, make hotel reservations, and consummate credit card purchases on our smartphones, it is now as critical to our physical safety that we be safe from predators in the digital sphere. So for the first time, TripJack, India’s largest B2B travel platform, has collaborated with global specialist BOXX Insurance to launch CyberSafe – a revolutionary cyber defense suite to protect travelers against digital crime. Not only does this drive establish India as a progressive tourism market, but also raises the bar for travel safety globally.

Add Digital Security To Your List Of Travel Essentials

India’s tourism sector has seen spectacular growth in recent years with governments pushing for Safe and Honourable Tourism guidelines to safeguard visitors and locals. Historically, the datum for attention would be on public health, on crime prevention, on physical infrastructure. What’s been lacking until now is a comprehensive approach to protecting against digital exploitation — including identity theft, financial fraud and phishing scams — especially for travelers.

CyberSafe fills that gap. It offers real-time identity monitoring, dark web alerts, access to Wi‑Fi advocacy specialists, restoration support, and resources that help educate travelers about threats before they escalate to incidents. In essence, CyberSafe is a “digital first aid kit” for travelers, that could help lessen the emotional and financial cost of cybercrime while overseas.

Facing an Escalating Digital Threat

According to studies, 35% of Indian travelers have been a victim of a cybercrime while overseas, and internationally more than a quarter of all international travelers are affected by a cybercrime during their trips. Those numbers reflect the changing nature of travel — routine activities like sending money, looking up personal facts or booking a tour can pose risks to the traveler.

TripJack now delivers digital defenses to its traveling customers with the help of BOXX Insurance, a European and North American insurer that specializes in cyber-incident response for business travelers. This step places the Indian travel ecosystem right at the top of integrated travel protection: a combination of flight and health insurance coupled with digital trust.

Strengthening India’s Travel Framework

The Indian government(Ministry of Tourism) focuses on the safety of travellers and consumer rights. CyberSafe is in line with these strategic efforts, providing an extra dimension of safety within the framework of e-tourism. This partnership also contributes to the observance of legislations that encourages information exchange, emergency response, and ICT security such as the Safe and Honourable Tourism Code of Conduct.

At the same time, the nut on the job done by cyber security agencies including CERT-In (Computer Emergency Response Team India) to secure the national digital infrastructures has been tightened. With a traveler-centric service like CyberSafe, national capability is translated into personal confidence: cyber protection you can take with you, and take to the bank.

CyberSafe: What It Means for Travelers, and Industry

For travelers, specifically holiday-makers in places such as Phuket, Maldives, Dubai, or Barcelona, CyberSafe provides that peace of mind by completing the digital chain – when they first come until after they leave. For travel agents and service providers, it becomes a powerful differentiator — a way to demonstrate they really care for travelers well-being rather than just the journey itself.

With more than 72,000 travel agents on their platform, TripJack in India will now provide CyberSafe in their bundled travel deals. This would enable agents in Tier 2, Tier 3 and metro cities to offer a superior customer experience while safeguarding confidential information and digital assets.

Enhancing Tourism Brand and Trust

In global tourism, in which a destination’s reputation and a traveler’s confidence are inextricable, India’s action sends a clear signal: The country is in the business of not only hospitality but also comprehensive care. Securing borders is a matter of national ambition now on land, in the air and at sea —& this day & age, digitally.

With India pushing for a better ranking in global tourism stats and more business travelers and digital nomads making their way here, having CyberSafe as part of the travel checklist improves both the public perception and competitive edge.

A New Era of Foreign Travel Security

This is more than a stand-alone product, it is part of a broader transformation in travel policy and practice. Canada, the UK, Australia and members of the EU are all coming to expect citizens to guard not only their own health but also data while traveling. India’s CyberSafe campaign dovetails nicely with these current global standards.

As governments prioritize keeping citizens safe when they are outside the country (and safe can mean protection not just from physical harm, but also from cyber injury), travel safety now encompasses ALL risk factors. This is consistent resourcing with best practice consumer protection and digital stewardship globally.

Conclusion: Digital Care and Travel Culture

Travel has always been about more than luggage weights — it’s about curiosity, resilience and trust. Now a traveler’s safety can hinge on invisible digital defenders. CyberSafe acknowledges that fact and provides essential tools for travelers to concentrate on discovery, rather than exposure.

By incorporating digital safety into tourism, TripJack and BOXX are illuminating a new kind of care — one that protects passports and phone data plastered together. This is where tourism intersects with technology and trust blooms. And within that is true freedom for travelers.



Source link

Continue Reading

Tips & Advices

Khareef season: Omani authorities issue safety tips for travelling to Dhofar after crash

Published

on


In the midst of Salalah’s Khareef season, many UAE residents drive to Oman to experience the lush green landscape as the monsoon rain touches the land.

While the rains bring cooler temperatures and helps create unforgettable moments, it can also bring about safety hazards, particularly near water bodies. Stressing the need to exercise caution, Omani police shared safety tips for those travelling to Dhofar:

Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.

  • Do not park your vehicle in unsafe places, such as near slopes. This puts your life and the lives of others at risk. Be responsible and stay away from dangerous locations.

  • Never leave children unattended near ponds and bodies of water, as even a moment of inattention can cost you

  • Keep the vehicles clean, and avoid dirty cars. Do not obscure the plate number, as owners can be held legally accountable for this

  • Passengers must not lean out of the window or roof of the car while driving recklessly; this can also expose you to legal accountability.

In a tragic accident in early July, a multi-vehicle collision in Dhofar killed 5 people, including two Omanis and three Emiratis who were from the same family. The crash injured eleven others, including two Omanis and nine Emirati citizens of which five are children.

The Emirati family members who died in the crash are a couple, and the wife’s mother. The couple’s eight-month-old daughter was hospitalised in Oman.

The family had travelled to Salalah for a summer break, but the tragic accident occurred just 12 hours after they left the UAE.

After the collision, UAE travellers spoke to Khaleej Times, sharing precautions to take while planning the journey, such as ensuring the vehicle is in good condition.

They also shared safety advice for driving through the tricky terrain, such as checking fuel levels, and driving at a speed lower than the speed limit in some areas.



Source link

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2025 AISTORIZ. For enquiries email at prompt@travelstoriz.com