Expert: Pam Smith - 3/18/2009

Question
Hi Pam, my wife and are are planning to travel to Playa del Carmen in July.  
However, we are concerned about the State Department's travel alert.  We are
booked at La Tortuga, a small hotel in town.  Do you feel that it is safe to travel
there now?  Would you advise postponing trips even to resort destinations at
this point?  Thanks for your advice.  Tim

Answer
The State Department has only put out a travel alert for the border towns of Mexico.  Playa del Carmen is about 2500 miles away from the nearest border town that is having problems.  This is about the same distance as Las Vegas is to New York.  

I am not familiar with the hotel you booked, but if you are in town, than I wouldn't be worried.  All of our clients are consistently encouraged to be aware of their surroundings, not to flash money or expensive items, not to engage in illegal behavior and to use good sense in their personal security.  Per the U S State Department, “Use common-sense precautions such as visiting only legitimate business and tourist areas during daylight hours, and avoiding areas where prostitution and drug dealing might occur.”   

This is goes for anywhere you travel, even here in the United States, so go and enjoy your wonderful vacation!

Pam