Travel advisor shares tips amid travel abroad concerns

JONESBORO, Ark. (KAIT) - Travelers could have concerns about traveling abroad after two incidents in Mexico.

One is a kidnapping in the state of Tamaulipas, where two Americans were killed, and another where three women who were known to be traveling to the state of Nuevo León and haven’t been heard from in about two weeks.

According to Emma Agnew, a travel advisor, both groups have something in common: They drove to Mexico.

“There are 32 states in Mexico, and there are only six that are on the “do not travel list,” Agnew said. “Tamaulipas, where the kidnapping incident happened, is one of the states that is actually on the ‘do not travel list.’”

US Department of State has listed six of those under the do not travel list; they include, Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, and Zacatecas.

Popular travel destinations like Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Cancun, and Cozumel do not fall on that list.

“Cruise ships and tour companies are not going to stop in ports where tourists are in danger. They want you to feel comfortable where you go,” she said.

Agnew said it’s always good to take precautions even before setting foot in the airport in case there are second thoughts.

“People should consider taking travel insurance when you are traveling abroad and particularly if you are not 100% comfortable,” she said.

In many cases, airline tickets are either partially or fully non-refundable.

For those who decide to take a trip, there are several things to keep in mind when you’re abroad, wherever you are.

“Don’t wander around at night in places you aren’t familiar with. Don’t be waving large sums of money around. Be careful with how you handle your money, just common-sense things like that,” Agnew said.

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