What Travelers Should Know About Spring Break Travel to Mexico Right Now (as Seen on CBS)
- Christianne Klein
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
I’ve traveled extensively throughout Mexico over the years- from the beaches of the Riviera Maya and ruins in Tulum to the jungles of Puerto Vallarta to the Pacific Coast and beyond. It’s one of the most dynamic, varied, and beautiful destinations in North America. But like many seasoned travelers, I’ve also experienced moments when plans changed unexpectedly. On more than one occasion, trips I was on were rerouted or altered because of safety concerns tied to violence in certain regions.
Travel disruptions like that can sound alarming, but they’re also a reminder of something important: travel providers, government agencies, and experienced travelers are constantly monitoring conditions and adjusting plans when necessary.
Mexico continues to be one of the most popular international destinations for American spring break travelers. But the recent headlines have understandably caused some travelers to pause and reassess.
The U.S. Embassy in Mexico recently issued guidance for thousands of Americans planning trips to the country for Spring Break, reminding travelers that while recent widespread violence has subsided following major security operations by Mexican authorities, risks such as robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, and scams still exist in some areas- including locations popular with tourists.
I just shared these tips on CBS on March 6, but I wanted to share what travelers should know here as well, so FoodFamilyTravel readers can make informed decisions as spring break plans take shape.
What the Latest U.S. Travel Advisories Say
The U.S. State Department website is your best source of current news. Here is the direct link to the Mexico advisory page. The State Dept. currently issues state-by-state travel advisories for Mexico, meaning safety guidance varies depending on the specific region.
At time of this writing, “Do Not Travel” advisories are in place for several states, including:
Colima
Guerrero
Michoacán
Sinaloa
Tamaulipas
Zacatecas
Additional states- including Baja California, Chiapas, Chihuahua, Guanajuato, Jalisco, Morelos, and Sonora- are under “Reconsider Travel” advisories.
For travelers visiting areas under heightened advisories, officials recommend staying within well-established tourist zones, avoiding travel after dark, using vetted transportation, and remaining aware of changing local conditions.
The embassy also reminds travelers to be cautious of common issues that can impact visitors, including scams, unregulated alcohol, counterfeit pharmaceuticals, and drink tampering. Travelers should only purchase medications from reputable pharmacies and avoid accepting drinks from strangers or leaving beverages unattended.
Even basic safety measures matter. Some beaches in Mexico have strong rip currents and limited lifeguard supervision, so paying attention to warning flags and local guidance is essential.
Why Enrolling in STEP Matters
One of the simplest- but most important- steps travelers can take before heading abroad is enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) through the U.S. State Department.
STEP allows U.S. citizens traveling internationally to receive real-time safety alerts and updates from U.S. embassies. If conditions change quickly in a destination, travelers enrolled in STEP can receive alerts and instructions directly from U.S. officials.
It also makes it easier for the embassy to contact travelers in the event of emergencies, natural disasters, or security issues.
When Travel Plans Change
For experienced travelers, rerouted trips aren’t unusual- and they’re often handled quietly behind the scenes.
I’ve experienced this more than once on cruises. On one trip that was originally scheduled to sail down Mexico’s Riviera, the cruise line adjusted the itinerary due to safety concerns in parts of the region. Passengers were given the option to cancel for a refund, but we chose to stay onboard as the ship shifted north instead.
The ship ultimately sailed to the Pacific Northwest.
It turned into a very different kind of spring break, but it was stunning. Victoria, British Columbia remains one of my favorite ports to visit, and the trip became memorable for entirely different reasons.
I’ve seen similar changes happen for weather as well. On a transatlantic cruise, our ship once skipped Dublin, Ireland, because of an Atlantic hurricane- something I was definitely not thrilled about at the time. But the itinerary added a stop in Nova Scotia instead, and it ended up being a wonderful surprise.
Experiences like that reinforced something I often tell readers and viewers: travel flexibility can lead to unexpected adventures.
It’s also one of the reasons I’m such a fan of cruising. When you’re traveling by ship, there’s an entire team monitoring conditions in real time. Ports can be skipped, excursions can be canceled, and itineraries can be adjusted if safety concerns arise.
Knowing there are multiple layers of oversight- from cruise operators to port authorities- adds a level of reassurance many travelers appreciate. The real trick with travel is learning to go with the flow.
What to Know About Travel Insurance
Travel insurance can also play an important role when plans change- but it’s important to understand what most policies actually cover.
Standard travel insurance typically includes benefits such as:
Medical emergency coverage
Trip interruption coverage
Travel delay protection
However, most policies do not cover cancellations related to fear of travel, civil unrest, military conflict, or government travel advisories.
Travelers who want additional flexibility often purchase optional upgrades like Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) or Interruption for Any Reason (IFAR) coverage. These policies allow travelers to cancel or cut a trip short for reasons not normally covered- but they must usually be purchased within a limited window after booking the trip and don't always cover the full amount. As always, read the fine print.
Be sure to save all travel documents- including confirmation emails, receipts, and itinerary changes- since these will typically be required if a claim is filed.
Staying Prepared- and Staying Flexible
The reality is that millions of Americans safely visit Mexico every year. Major resort areas remain heavily visited and continue operating normally.
But travel conditions can shift quickly in any part of the world.
Experts consistently recommend doing a bit of homework before traveling: check current advisories, enroll in STEP, review cancellation policies, and plan transportation carefully.
In many cases, preparation- not panic- is what allows travelers to navigate unexpected situations with confidence.
And sometimes, as I learned when my Mexico cruise turned into a trip to Canada, a change of plans can still turn into an unforgettable journey.
UPDATE- Here is the full segment as seen on CBS News 3/6/26: https://www.cbsnews.com/sacramento/video/expert-discusses-whether-its-safe-to-travel-to-mexico-after-recent-cartel-violence/
Christianne Klein is an Emmy® and Edward R. Murrow Award-winning TV Host, journalist, travel and lifestyle expert, and founder of FoodFamilyTravel.com.
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