Mexico attracts millions of international tourists every year with its sandy beaches, mountains, rainforests and rich culture.
But traveling anywhere can present safety risks, as Canadians in the Mexican state of Sinaloa experienced last week following the Jan. 5 arrest of suspected drug trafficker Ovidio Guzman. Guzman is the son of former cartel boss Joaquin Guzman, also known as El Chapo. His capture led to explosions of violence in towns across the state led by members of the Sinaloa cartel.
As a result of the violence in Sinaloa, the Canadian government issued an advisory warning travelers to avoid non-essential travel to several states in northern, western and central Mexico and to exercise “a high degree of caution” in other parts of the country.
Advisories urging Canadian visitors to exercise caution are also in effect for countries including Jamaica, Brazil, Peru, El Salvador, Germany, the United Kingdom and others.
Here are some safety tips that travel expert Natalie Preddy says you should follow if you’re planning to travel abroad.
UNDERSTAND THE RISKS
Preddie said travelers should keep in mind that there is always a risk of encountering violence while abroad, no matter where in the world they are.
“When it comes to violence in different countries, we’re going to see it in Mexico, all over the Caribbean,” she said on CTV’s Your Morning Monday. “Wherever you go, there’s always going to be some level of violence.”
For this reason, she said Canadians should always confirm they have travel insurance when leaving the country. Travelers should also check for advisories for each country they plan to visit from both the Canadian government and the government of the country they are traveling to. The Government of Canada lists travel advisories at travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories.
She added that travelers who understand the risks associated with their destinations can be better equipped to use common sense and make safe choices while abroad.
“Be sensible,” she said. “You want to make good decisions no matter where you’re going for your own safety and the safety of those you’re with.”
SHARE YOUR PLANS
Preddie said travelers should always share their plans and whereabouts with someone at home, both before and during a trip. Canadians can even notify the federal government of their travel plans for free by registering at travel.gc.ca/travelling/registration.
“That way, if there are any evacuations or anything like that, the government knows where you are and can help you get out,” she said.
The service also ensures that travelers receive important information from the Government of Canada before or during a natural disaster or civil unrest.
“MAKE GOOD DECISIONS” TO HAVE FUN
Preddie pointed out that some Mexican destinations, including Cancun and Tulum, are excluded from current travel advisories.
“Those areas that are very popular with Canadians right now are not affected at all,” she said. “And all over the Caribbean, all these warm places are good.”
Unless the federal government advises against traveling to a destination, Preddie said Canadians looking to vacation abroad should do so by taking the appropriate precautions.
“There’s going to be some level of risk every time you leave your home,” she said. “So enjoy the sun. Just make good decisions.”
THE EXPERIENCE OF A CANADIAN
Among the Canadian tourists in Sinaloa when the violence erupted last week were journalist and former Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Grand Chief Sheila North, her two grown children and her two-year-old grandson.
Returning safely to Canada on Monday, North told CTV’s Your Morning that she was on a catamaran excursion with her family when they first noticed smoke rising from the town of Mazatlan.
“It was a beautiful day and we were all ready for this excursion. Nothing out of the ordinary was happening… everyone was happy and chatting,” she said. “But as you got further into the water towards this island we were heading towards, there were big black balls of smoke at one end of the town, and then there was another one on the other side.”
North said the boat’s staff didn’t seem to know what was going on in town. However, she began to realize that friends and family back home, who were aware of her travel plans, sent her email and text updates. Back on land after the excursion, she said the hotel was busier than ever.
“People were (sleeping) in the lobby, they were sleeping outside … and the mood was definitely very tense tonight,” she said.
North and her family were able to fly home to Winnipeg on Saturday — a day later than originally planned — and while she’s glad they made the trip, she said she’s happy to be home, safe.
Canadians abroad who require urgent consular assistance should contact Global Affairs Canada’s Emergency Monitoring and Response Center by calling 001-800-514-0129 (toll-free from Mexico only), +1 613 996 8885, via text message at +1 613-686 -3658, via WhatsApp at +1 613-909-8881, via Telegram at Canada Emergency Abroad or via email at sos@international.gc.ca.
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