Mexico Travel Alerts: What You Need to Know Now

Hello, traveler! Katy Thompson here from Gallivanters Vacations. If you have been scrolling through the news lately, you might feel a bit of “vacation vertigo.” One minute you are dreaming of a margarita in Puerto Vallarta, and the next, you see headlines about security alerts in Mexico.

I know how it feels. You work hard all year. You save up your vacation days. You just want a beach, a book, a margarita, and zero stress. But the safety of your family is non-negotiable.

Over the last 48 hours, the travel landscape in Mexico changed significantly. On February 22, 2026, a major security operation in Jalisco led to the death of a prominent cartel leader. This event triggered retaliatory unrest in several regions. If you were thinking about a trip to Mexico this summer, you need the facts—not just the fear.

My goal today is to give you a clear, honest look at the current situation. I also want to show you some incredible, stress-free alternatives. At Gallivanters Vacations, we don’t just book trips; we protect your peace of mind.

What is Happening in Mexico Right Now?

Let’s get straight to the point. The Mexican government recently conducted a high-stakes military operation. This resulted in the death of Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).

While this is a major win for law enforcement, the immediate aftermath has been messy. In the last 48 hours, we have seen:

Road Blockages: Cartel groups used burning vehicles to block highways in states like Jalisco and Nayarit.
Shelter-in-Place Orders: The U.S. Embassy issued alerts for cities including Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, and even parts of Quintana Roo (Cancun and Playa del Carmen).
Flight Disruptions: Airlines like Air Canada and United temporarily suspended flights to Puerto Vallarta due to ground safety concerns.

Is the Whole Country Affected?

Mexico is massive. It is nearly 760,000 square miles. To put that in perspective, a disturbance in Jalisco is hundreds of miles away from other popular spots. However, the current “shelter-in-place” guidance for the Cancun Hotel Zone and Tulum has understandably spooked summer travelers.

While many resorts remain open and “bubbles of safety,” the logistics of getting to and from the airport can be tricky during these spikes in activity. As your travel advocate, I always tell my clients: if you are going to spend your whole vacation worrying, it isn’t a vacation.

How This Affects Your Summer Plans

If you already booked a trip to Mexico for June or July, do not panic. Most of these retaliatory “waves” last for a few days to a couple of weeks. By summer, the dust may very well have settled.

However, any rational person is certainly reconsidering. Afterall, “maybe” isn’t a great strategy for a $5,000 family getaway. Here is what you should consider:

1. The Logistics of Fear

Even if your resort is perfectly safe, will you feel comfortable leaving the gates? If you wanted to explore the ruins of Tulum or go shopping in downtown Puerto Vallarta, those plans might feel different now. Other solutions should be considered at this point.

2. Airline Flexibility

Many airlines have issued travel waivers for the immediate week. If your trip is further out, they might not offer a refund yet.

3. Travel Insurance Reality

Standard travel insurance often does not cover “fear of travel.” If the airport is open and the hotel is running, they expect you to go. However, a Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) policy—which I always highly recommend—gives you the power to pivot if the vibes just aren’t right.

Pivoting to Peace: Top Summer Alternatives

If you are ready to look elsewhere, I have some fantastic news. Several destinations offer that same tropical “all-inclusive” magic without the current security headlines. Here are my top picks for Summer 2026:

The Dominican Republic: The New All-Inclusive King

Punta Cana and La Romana are booming right now. The resorts here are world-class, often featuring massive water parks for the kids and secluded “Preferred Club” areas for adults.

Why it works: It offers a similar price point to Mexico with a very high safety rating for tourists.
Pro Tip: Look at the Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana. It is one of the best family resorts in the Caribbean.

Costa Rica: Pure Life and Pure Safety

If you love the jungle vibes of Tulum, you will adore Costa Rica. It is the “Switzerland of Central America.” It has no standing army and a deep-rooted culture of peace.

Why it works: You get volcanic hot springs, zip-lining, and incredible beaches.
The Vibe: It is less about “party pools” and more about connecting with nature.

The “ABC” Islands: Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao

These islands sit below the hurricane belt, making them perfect for a summer trip.

Aruba: Known for its “One Happy Island” motto and eagle beaches.
Curaçao: Offers a unique Dutch-Caribbean flair with colorful architecture and hidden coves.
Why it works: They are incredibly safe and the weather is nearly guaranteed to be sunny.

The Bahamas: Close and Convenient

For those on the East Coast, the Bahamas is a quick hop. From the luxury of Baha Mar to the family fun of Atlantis, there is something for every budget.

Why Booking with Gallivanters Vacations Matters Now

In a world of “do-it-yourself” booking engines, the value of a human expert has never been higher. When the news broke about the Jalisco alerts, I didn’t wait for my clients to call me. I was already checking their flight statuses and calling their resort managers.

We Are Your Advocates

When you book through a site like Expedia, you are just a confirmation number. When you book with Gallivanters Vacations, you are a person. If a situation turns sideways while you are on the ground, I am the one who finds you a way home. I am the one who fights for your refund.

We Know the “Real” Mexico

I love Mexico. It is a beautiful country with some of the kindest people on Earth. For some travelers, the current situation is a minor hurdle. For others, it is a dealbreaker. I provide the nuance you won’t find in a headline. I can tell you which neighborhoods in Mazatlán are fine and which ones to avoid.

Personalized Planning

No two families are the same. Maybe you want a cruise that avoids the Mexican ports for now. Maybe you want a private villa in the Virgin Islands. We handle all those details—from the flights to the dinner reservations.

Essential Tips for Any International Trip

Regardless of where you go this summer, keep these safety habits in your “travel toolkit”:

Register with STEP: The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program is a free service from the U.S. State Department. It helps the Embassy contact you in an emergency.
Use Private Transfers: Avoid “hailing” taxis from the street. We always book our clients with vetted, private transportation companies that track their drivers via GPS.
Stay “Resort Side” After Dark: If you are in a region with a Level 2 or Level 3 advisory, enjoy the resort’s evening entertainment rather than heading into town late at night.
Keep Digital Copies: Store a photo of your passport and travel insurance on a secure cloud drive.
Grey Bull Rescue: This is veteran organization that rescues “Americans at the speed of need”. Grey Bull is currently working to get stranded Americans out harms way. If you are one of those stranded in Mexico, consider following the link and requesting extraction.

Let’s Build Your Dream (and Safe) Summer

The world is still a big, beautiful place. While the news out of Mexico is a lot to process, it shouldn’t stop you from having an amazing summer. Whether we stick with a high-security resort in a stable part of Mexico or pivot to the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean, I am here to make it happen.

At Gallivanters Vacations, we believe your only job should be packing your suitcase. Let us handle the safety checks, the logistics, and the “what-ifs.”