Mike Colombo and Kevin S. Held
9 minutes ago
ST. LOUIS – Government officials are warning Americans that travel to certain parts of Mexico is still very dangerous. This after a road trip to Mexico for cosmetic surgery ended with two Americans dead and two others found alive near the US-Mexico border.
“We also remind Americans of the existing travel guidelines when it comes to this particular part of Mexico. The travel advisory for the state of Tamaulipas remains at Level 4-Do Not Travel,” said Ned Price, a State Department spokesman. “We encourage Americans to consider this. Heed this advice.”
Price’s comments come after four US citizens were kidnapped by gunmen on Friday as they traveled to the border town of Matamoros, across from Brownsville, Texas.
“We provide as much safety as we can, but we always emphasize being careful wherever you go,” said Abbey Meyer, co-owner of Sky High Travel.
Meyer says incidents like this always draw questions and concerns from customers. But having personally traveled to Mexico three times in the past month, she believes where you go and what you do when you get there are the keys to a safe trip.
“We haven’t had any incidents worth mentioning in terms of security. All our resorts are verified,” she said. “It’s the importance of using a travel advisor to make sure you’re somewhere safe.”
Meyer acknowledges the security risks inherent in any trip, but notes the difference between a two-week stay at a resort and crossing the Mexican border for a cosmetic surgery procedure.
“We never advise anyone to take a leisurely walk along the beach at night. That’s not smart anywhere,” she said. “Unfortunately, I wouldn’t take a leisurely stroll through downtown St. Louis. It’s just the nature of where we are today.”
Meyer says travelers should use caution and context when deciding their next destination.
“People from outside the United States are advised to stay away from heavily populated areas when they come to the US. I don’t know when was the last time you went to a concert, but Cardinals games, we don’t think twice about it,” Meyer said. “But the rest of the world is advised not to do that in the U.S. It’s all it’s about perspective. If at any point you don’t feel comfortable, as much as we advise and try to help clients feel comfortable, you don’t have to go, at the end of the day. That’s a personal choice.”
