Costa Rica vacations are getting more popular every year, and there are some truly amazing Costa Rica hotels & resorts for the lovers of nature. But Ottawa is still urging Canadians to exercise a high degree of caution” while in Mexico, and avoid non-essential travel to a number of northern and western states, including Chihuahua, Coahuila, Durango, Guerrero and Michoacán, with some exceptions.

The good news is that you may be planning your next sun drenched vacation to escape your cold winter, and if you are fortunate enough to get away this year, allow me to provide you some valuable travel information that can help you prevent any travel pitfalls!

Estado de Mexico (includes Toluca and Teotihuacan): U.S. citizens should defer all non-essential travel to the municipalities of Coacalco, Ecatepec, Nezahualcoyotl, La Paz, Valle del Chalco, Solidaridad, Chalco, Ixtapaluca, and Tlatlaya due to high rates of crime and insecurity, unless traveling directly through the areas on major thoroughfares.

Particular risks will be addressed as needed, including how to prevent malaria and other mosquito-transmitted diseases, manage traveler’s diarrhea, avoid and treat altitude illness, and manage safety issues associated with certain types of adventure travel.

The Mexican government dedicates substantial resources to protect visitors to major tourist destinations and has engaged in an extensive effort to counter criminal organizations that engage in narcotics trafficking and other unlawful activities throughout Mexico.