With summer vacation plans underway for many Americans, a travel advisor is sharing safety advice for those making their way to Mexico’s stunning beaches often favored by celebrities.
In an interview with Fox News Digital, Sandra Awodele, the mind behind COI Traveler, a popular travel blog and platform, discussed important precautions for Americans planning their trips to Mexico.
“Mexico is a popular destination known for its fun atmosphere, affordability, and accessibility by car,” she explained. “However, travelers should remain vigilant against theft, fraud, and cartel-related 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.
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)
Fox News Digital has reached out to the State Department for comment.
