(WTAQ-WLUK) — Recent unrest in Mexico comes as many Northeast Wisconsin families are preparing for spring break trips, including south of the border.
Violence erupted in the streets of the popular tourist destination of Puerto Vallarta after the Mexican Army conducted a raid that killed Nemesio Oseguera, the drug lord known as “El Mencho.” He was the leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation cartel. Cartel members responded to Oseguera’s death by blocking roads, looting and setting fire to buildings and vehicles, prompting schools to close and shelter-in-place orders to be issued.
While popular tourist resorts and hotels were relatively spared from this chaos, what happened in and around Puerto Vallarta has left many questioning their vacation plans.
Rose Gray from Fox World Travel returned home Tuesday from her trip to Mexico. Like many tourists, she was forced to shelter in place during Sunday’s unrest.
According to Gray, “We looked outside and [saw] big plumes of black, billowing smoke everywhere, and by that time, now we had heard what was going on. It took a couple of hours and the resort then asked us to shelter in place, and at that point in time, from the eighth floor, we could see that the traffic had completely stopped.”
Despite being a seasoned traveler, Sunday’s events were something Gray had never seen. But by mid-week, according to Rhonda Matzke with Destination Travel, tourists she knows in Puerto Vallarta said things had calmed down.
“As of Monday, the shelter-in-place has been lifted. They went to the markets. They were fine. There’s a military presence, of course, but they felt totally safe,” said Matzke.
These recent events, however, come as many people are preparing to travel for spring break.
According to Matzke, “I myself have 40+ people traveling in the next three weeks to Puerto Vallarta.”
Both Matzke and Gray say their clients are asking if they should still take their planned trips.
“You can’t live your life in fear, but ultimately, it’s their decision. It’s their money. It’s their life. So, I just tell them, ‘I’m here for you. I’ll support you,’” said Matzke.
According to the U.S. State Department, Jalisco — where Puerto Vallarta is located — is rated as a level three, meaning people should reconsider their travel plans. But Cancun, another popular travel destination in Mexico, is a level two — meaning travelers should exercise increased caution.
While those ratings could change, travel agents really say it’s a personal decision.
Gray added, “Maybe you’ll feel better after you see how things are changing and how things are lightening up a little bit. But again, we understand it’s your comfort level. That’s what we’re hoping to to work with you on.”
Changing plans now, according to agents, isn’t out of the question. But it’s easier and less expensive if you purchased travel insurance along with your trip.
Travel agents also encourage international travelers to sign up for STEP — the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program — which will send email updates from the local U.S. embassy or consulate.
