A Sioux Center travel agency says it is fielding calls from concerned clients following reports of violent cartel activity and travel disruptions in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
Recent national reporting has described localized violence in the area, including burning vehicles and increased military presence, prompting some travelers to reconsider immediate plans.
Amy Eben, owner and manager of The Travel Advantage in Sioux Center, says the agency is helping some clients adjust upcoming trips to Puerto Vallarta and Ixtapa.
She says the concern has extended beyond Puerto Vallarta, with travelers calling about upcoming trips to Cancun and asking whether those destinations are affected.
Eben notes that clients currently in Cancun and Cozumel report that operations there are continuing as normal.
So far, Eben says the situation has not significantly impacted overall bookings.
Eben says her agency continuously monitors government advisories, airline operations, and security developments, and works with clients to adjust plans based on comfort level.
She also emphasized the importance of travel insurance in situations where plans may need to change unexpectedly.
Travelers can also enroll in the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, or STEP, a free service that provides health, weather, safety, and security updates for international destinations and allows U.S. embassies to contact travelers in case of emergency.
Eben encourages anyone with concerns about upcoming travel to contact the agency directly for a one-on-one conversation.
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