Last month, the U.S. State Department issued a fresh warning about travel to Mexico. The update reflects higher rates of kidnapping in parts of the country. But if today's Travel stories have you intrigued by the burgeoning adventure spot of Huatulco or post-hurricane Los Cabos, know this: The State Department has no advisories against visiting these destinations.
Other popular destinations, from Mexico City and San Miguel de Allende to Puerto Vallarta and Cancun, also get the green light. Acapulco gets a yellow light, for caution; visitors there are advised to stay within the hotel zone.
The state of Baja California is fine in the south, where Los Cabos is a tranquil getaway on the ocean. Tijuana is in the northern part of the state, though, and it's had its share of troubles. The state of Oaxaca, where Huatulco hugs the coastline, has no advisories in effect.
To read up on the details — and, at the risk of sounding like a schoolmarm, I think you should no matter what foreign country you plan to visit — go to www.travel.state.gov. The State Department's website for travelers provides not only warnings about hot spots across the world, but also country-specific general information.
Another tidbit you'll learn at the website: If you head to Mexico, you should make sure your passport is good for six months after your travel dates.
Regular readers of this column may remember the story of a Minnesotan heading to Germany who was turned away at the airport. His passport was valid at the time of travel, but would be expiring too soon for Germany's rules.
Don't let that happen to you, especially when a sunny beach awaits.
Send your questions or tips to travel editor Kerri Westenberg at travel@startribune.com, and follow her on twitter @kerriwestenberg.
