Violence in Mexico impacts spring break plans for some US citizens

CHARLOTTE — Mexico is working to restore security following the government operation that killed cartel kingpin El Mencho, which turned the streets of some towns into what looked like war zones.

This is happening as some families plan spring break trips to tourist hotspots, including Cancun and Cozumel.

Paul Grimsley traveled from Plaza Midwood to Puerto Vallarta to escape the cold.

The U.S. Embassy in Mexico had warned U.S. citizens near Puerto Vallarta to shelter in place.

“There were some concerns on my end,” Grimsley told Channel 9’s Erika Jackson. “I kept in contact, kind of, with the government, the update that we were getting sheltered in place, as directed.”

On Tuesday, U.S. citizens were no longer urged to shelter in place.

Public transportation and businesses continue to return to normal operations, the U.S. Embassy said Tuesday.

There are no reports of road closures directed by local authorities, though some roads are not yet fully reopened.

>>Click here for the latest travel advisories.

The U.S. Embassy said all airports in Mexico are open. Most are operating normally. Flight schedules have returned to normal in Guadalajara.

The U.S. Department of State’s latest travel advisory is at Level 2: Exercise increased caution in Mexico due to terrorism, crime, and kidnapping.

Shonda Rorie with FabuLuxe Escapes Travels said travel advisers get frequent updates from resorts that they can pass onto clients.

“Mexico is broad, it’s big, it’s huge,” said Rorie, owner. “But most travelers are not on that side. We’re there, mostly on the eastern side, Cancun Tulum, Quintana Roo.”

She said spring break travelers can also reach out to their hotels and airlines directly as they get close to their departure.

“Just work with the airlines, because what happens if, if it becomes unsafe to where you’re not able to travel, then the resorts will work with you. They will let you rebook,” Rorie said.

The U.S. Embassy recommends people on canceled flights rebook through another Mexican or U.S. city.

Grimsley said he’s rebooked to fly to Charlotte on Friday but is open to other options.

“All of the airlines are kind of actively working and sustained additional aircraft even another city, maybe drive the rest of the way to Charlotte,” Grimsley said.

FabuLuxe Travel recommends:

Sign up for the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program so the government can contact you if there’s an emergency.
Get travel insurance so you’re protected if a security issue interrupts your trip.
Bring a credit card in case you have unexpected travel expenses.

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