Category: Travelers

The State Department has released a notice warning US citizens of the risk of violent crime, including possible kidnapping, in Mexico and urging them to exercise precautions if they choose to travel to the country.

“Violent crime — such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery — is widespread and common in Mexico,” the State Department wrote in its notice issued Wednesday.

The department added, “The US government has limited ability to provide emergency services to US citizens in many areas of Mexico” due to restrictions on travel to the country by government employees.

The notice outlined restrictions given to US government employees, encouraging all US citizens to adhere to the same precautions.

“US government employees may not travel between cities after dark, may not hail taxis on the street, and must rely on dispatched vehicles, including app-based services like Uber, and regulated taxi stands,” the notice said.

The State Department

The US State Department issued an updated Travel Advisory Wednesday for US travelers visiting Mexico, including new state-level advice and information on “kidnapping risk.”

The agency cited an “increased risk of crime and kidnapping” in certain areas of Mexico.

A spokesperson for the State Department told USA TODAY in an email that the agency regularly reviews all Travel Advisories to ensure US citizens have the most relevant and timely information to make the most informed decisions regarding their safety and security when traveling overseas.

Last week, the State Department issued an alert to US citizens when reports of “multiple vehicle fires, roadblocks, and heavy police activity” surfaced in Tijuana and the surrounding area. On Monday in a press briefing, Department spokesperson Ned Price said there were no reports to share on US citizens being injured or killed in the incident.

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TAMPA, Fla. – Passengers dealt with thousands of canceled or delayed flights over the last several days, and major airlines said the challenges likely won’t ease up anytime soon.

A two-week tour in Europe wrapped with a five-day travel headache for Tampa Bay resident Bonnie Synhorst and others in the Dunedin Symphonic Winds.

“Our first flight got delayed from Prague to Frankfurt, which caused us to come in late to Frankfurt,” said Synhorst. “Because we got in late, they actually gave away our seats.”

When her group finally made it back states to JFK airport in New York City Friday, she said their problems continued.

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“We’re so happy to be back home. We’re like, yeah, we made it finally, and just to be frustrated again. A few hours

BROKLAND, Ark. (KAIT) – Two deadly crashes on Highway 49 have drivers concerned for their safety.

One of the crashes happened Tuesday in Paragould. The other crash occurred Wednesday in Brookland.

In February, the Arkansas Department of Transportation lowered the speed limit from 60 mph to 50 mph along Highway 49 in Brookland to combat speeders and minimize the number of crashes.

Residents feel the speed limit needs to be lowered even more as the number of crashes continues along the highway.

“There is just a lot of traffic, and it is getting busier all the time,” said Dustin Bellers, who travels Highway 49 daily. “Mainly during school hours and when people are getting off of work.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 16-24-year-olds are observed using a handheld electronic device more than any other age group.

The study also found that in 2019, drivers 15 – 19