Smart Travel Do’s and Dont’s

Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo in Los Cabos, Baja California Sur, Mexico

Media reports on the recent violence in northwest México have led many potential travelers to unnecessarily cancel their trips to some of the nation’s best resort towns, including Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo in the southern end of the Baja Peninsula. Uneasy vacationers should remember that there are more than a thousand miles of highway separating Los Cabos, as Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo are collectively known, and the crime in northern Baja border cities such as Tijuana. Also, thanks to the international airport conveniently located just north of San José del Cabo, there is no need for tourists to go anywhere near the problem areas.

Nevertheless, travelers should always remember to practice some basic common sense while visiting foreign countries. As long as they do that, there is no reason visitors to Los Cabos—or just about anywhere else—should not enjoy a perfectly safe and fun trip.

Perhaps you may not know what we are talking about? Here are some simple dos and don’ts to keep you safe while abroad.

1. DON’T check your brain at the border.
While a trip to Los Cabos is meant to provide a fun escape from the daily grind back home, it’s not an excuse to completely abandon the rules of everyday life. Strolling down the street, checking out window displays is fine. Stumbling drunkenly down the street and flashing $100 bills at 3 a.m. is not.

2. DO lock your passport, cash, and credit cards in a hotel safe.
Don’t take all your personal belongings with you at any time. Also, photocopy your passport before heading to México. Leave one copy in a secure place at home and pack a second copy to take with you, making sure it is in a separate suitcase from your passport.

3. DON’T drink excessively.
While getting drunk is rarely a good idea, it can be even more problematic and dangerous while traveling and can often lead to serious accidents. It also makes a traveler more susceptible to crime and poor decision making.

4. DO register your travel with the U.S. State Department so that you can be contacted if necessary.
This free service is provided by the State Department and can be done online at https://travelregistration.state.gov.

5. DON’T try to buy drugs or otherwise break the law.
Buying drugs is dangerous regardless of where you are, and the very act of it brings you in direct contact with criminals. Also, Mexican drug laws are very strict. When you enter México, you are subject to its laws. Good resources that can assist you in learning more about Mexican laws are your local library, travel agent, and the consulate. But, in general, don’t do anything you wouldn’t do back home.

6. DO check in with your insurance company to see whether you are covered abroad.
If not, consider purchasing traveler’s insurance, which includes short-term health and emergency assistance and provides for medical evacuation in the event of an accident or serious illness.

7. DON’T make yourself an easy target.
Don’t drive alone or at night through dangerous areas like Tijuana, near the U.S.-Mexico border. Don’t tell a stranger your complete life story or any information that could be used to steal your identity. Don’t separate yourself from your companions or go anywhere without a phone or way to get in touch with your friends and/or family.

8. DO have a good time.
Los Cabos is one of the most beautiful and relaxing spots on the planet, and it is meant to be enjoyed. So, don’t worry. Practice common sense and have fun.

For more tips on how to stay safe while abroad, you can visit the U.S. State Department online.
When you travel abroad, the odds are in your favor that you will have a safe and incident-free trip.
(travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html)

Last Revision – 17 May 2009 – jat
Updated to our new format 22 April 2020