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Thousands Of Flights Across The U.S. Grounded Due To FAA System Failure

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Travelers across the U.S. have been majorly affected this Wednesday as thousands of flights have been delayed due to a failure of the Notice to Air Missions System (NOTAMS). The system is meant to give pilots last-minute flight and safety information before flying. According to FlightAware data, over 1,200 flights have been delayed as of 7:30 am EST, and about 100 flights have been canceled entirely.

Which Airlines Have Been Affected?

According to the FAA, all airlines have been ordered to pause domestic departures until 9 am EST. Whether this is extended remains to be seen. Still, as of now, all passengers attempting to fly domestically will be unable to do so. Several airlines have issued their own statements. United has gone as far as to say they have “temporarily delayed all domestic flights and will issue an update when we learn more from the FAA.” Similarly, American Airlines has stated that they are “closely monitoring the situation and working with the FAA to minimize customer disruptions.”

Update 3: The FAA is still working to fully restore the Notice to Air Missions system following an outage.⁰⁰The FAA has ordered airlines to pause all domestic departures until 9 a.m. Eastern Time to allow the agency to validate the integrity of flight and safety information.

— The FAA ✈️ (@FAANews) January 11, 2023

When Will The Issue Be Resolved?

If the FAA’s latest statement is to be trusted, they expect to have made at least enough progress by 9 am to issue an update on the situation. However, it should be noted that prior to their latest update, the FAA stated that “while some functions are beginning to come back online, National Airspace System operations remain limited.” At this moment, it is impossible to predict an exact time for the issue to be resolved. Still, travelers can be sure that the FAA is working as quickly as possible to fix the system.

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pic.twitter.com/PH5bDttxh6

— United Airlines (@united) January 11, 2023

What Should Travelers With Upcoming Flights Do?

Airports and airlines both advise checking the status of your flight directly with your airline before heading to the airport. If your flight is delayed significantly, it will be more comfortable to wait it out at home. Also, if the system takes longer than expected to come back online, it’s possible that your flight may be canceled altogether, so a trip to the airport would be in vain.

Austin airport is already assuming that even passengers flying later in the day can expect to be affected, stating, “arriving and departing passengers can expect delays this morning and through the day.”

#AUSAlert: An FAA system outage is causing ground stops at AUS and other airports across the country. Arriving & departing passengers can expect delays this morning & through the day.

✈️ Please stay in contact with your airline & check your flight status before heading to AUS.

— Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) (@AUStinAirport) January 11, 2023

Southwest has also warned travelers to stay updated with the latest information stating, “please check your flight status in the Southwest app or on Southwest.com for any flight status changes.” Travelers flying with other airlines should make sure to check with their respective carriers as well.

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January 11, 2023
Tulum Losing Popularity Due To Ridiculously High Prices – Here’s Where Tourists Are Going Instead

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In a surprising turn of events, Tulum is losing its prestige as one of America’s favorite destinations due to ridiculously high prices. Amid reports of inflated taxi fares, already pricier than Manhattan’s, and unsustainable tourism development, vacationers have started to look for alternatives in Mexico where they’ll get the best value for money.

From a sleepy fishing village to a major international resort, Tulum has banked heavily on gentrification and the construction of ultra-luxurious resorts and tourist complexes to attract more guests during the past decade – so much so that it has lost its traditional Mayan essence in favor of a rapid internationalization (as argued by some).

There’s no denying: tourists are leaving Tulum in droves, but how did the mighty fall, and most importantly, where are they going?

Tulum Continues To Lose Customers As More Destinations Reopen For Tourism

After enjoying two rather successful years as well sought-after, freedom-loving sunny hotspot, Tulum’s growth has started not only to slow down but reverse as stronger competitors, both domestically and internationally, up their game. In fact, Europe’s summer comeback has hit local businesses particularly hard.

As reiterated by The Cancun Sun, the drop in demand may be partly attributed to the relaunch of Mediterranean destinations like Ibiza, Mykonos, and Cote d’Azur. Both France and Spain were two of the world’s top tourist destinations prior to Covid hitting, and they might have stolen the limelight once again following their (long-awaited) reopening.

Interestingly, the Mexican Caribbean as a whole continues to smash tourism records, being predicted to host more than 9 million guests between December 2022 and April 2023, enough to sell out rooms over winter. In this regard, the resumption of normality in other important markets has not proved detrimental to regional tourism – for the most part.

Tulum may have been a highlight in 2020, and again in 2021 during Omicron, but it’s showing signs of weakness in the post-pandemic era compared to sister destinations that have continued to lead booking trends, like Cancun. At present, a major factor contributing to its decline is the well-publicized scamming culture.

Tulum Has Become Its Own Worst Enemy

For months now, we have been tracking the cost of living in Tulum and surrounding areas and their baseless hikes affecting mostly foreigners. Since then, tourists and ex-pats alike have denounced the infamously high taxi fares, among some of the most expensive in the world, with prices starting at around US$24.35 for a 5-kilometer ride.

A Cancun Sun reporter gathered that residents themselves are refusing to pay for taxis, not only due to being outraged at the current monopoly but simply because they ‘can’t afford it’. Richard Downy of Rapid City was quoted saying, ‘prices just continue to double every year’, but the lack of alternatives leaves tourists ‘no alternative’ but to pay it.

Additionally, the quality of the services provided is decreasing sharply, with some travelers being charged up to US$1,000 per night for a ‘basic room’ with no air conditioning. The Riviera Maya is certainly no budget-friendly haven for money-savers, but it’s clear Tulum is punching way above its weight when it comes to prices.

Unlike Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta, which have been leading Mexico’s tourism revival, or Bacalar, a Pueblo Magico repeatedly touted as the ‘next Tulum’, the Mayan town is struggling to keep its momentum, with finance magazine Dinero reporting lower demand and income losses of between 50 and 70% in recent months.

Where Are Tourists Going Instead?

Within Mexico itself, a thirst for cultural experiences and a renewed interest in wellness has shifted attention from the money-making machine that is Tulum to far less busy, off-path destinations in the Yucatan Peninsula and beyond – this includes the aforementioned Bacalar, Tulum’s most obvious successor.

Bacalar is a traditional Mayan town sitting on the shores of a turquoise-colored lake, where foreign developers are yet to push locals out of the historic district, and hotels are reasonably priced. Casa Hormiga Hotel, one of the five-star offers in the area, has rooms starting at only US $236.25 per night and an extensive list of amenities.

In 2022 alone, Bacalar has seen vacation rentals double, all the while retaining its traditionalism. Acknowledging the dangers of overtourism, local authorities reaffirmed their plan to develop Bacalar as an ‘exclusive destination’ for high-income travelers looking to escape Northern Quintana Roo’s crowds.

Aside from Bacalar, other towns in the Pueblos Magicos route have been gaining traction lately, such as the colonial-era gems of Taxco, in the state of Guerrero and Tequila in Jalisco. ‘Magical Towns’ are designated sites in Mexico celebrated for their historical relevance, symbolism, traditions, and vast tourist offer.

Tulum is no exception, being home to a landmark Mayan fort perched on a clifftop overlooking the Caribbean Sea, as well as archaeological sites and clear water cenotes, but its heyday as a trendy relaxation hub has passed. In spite of its cultural wealth and stunning nature, it made a name for itself as Quintana Roo’s party capital instead (and a place to be avoided unless your sole aim is to splurge for the sake of splurging).

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December 4, 2022
Tropical Storm Warning Issued For Los Cabos Due To Hurricane Kay

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Mexico has entered hurricane season this month and, as if on cue, Los Cabos is currently under a tropical storm warning due to Hurricane Kay. A tropical storm warning indicates that winds of at least 40mph are possible over the next 36 hours. Currently, Hurricane Kay is classified as a Category 1 hurricane, with winds between 74 and 95 miles per hour.

However, if current forecasts hold, it will turn into a Category 2 hurricane by tomorrow morning with winds between 96 and 110 miles per hour. By the time it passes by the coast of Los Cabos, it could even be a Category 3. This means winds could be between 111 and 129 miles per hour.

Current Projections For Los Cabos

Luckily for Los Cabos, that doesn’t mean the area itself will see winds of that caliber. The center of the storm will be about 230 miles off the coast as it passes. Currently, the storm is moving northwest above the Pacific Ocean at about 10-15 miles per hour.

Following current projections, it will pass Los Cabos with the most intensity around 8 pm on September 7^th. If current projections remain valid, Los Cabos will likely see intense rain, high winds, and strong waves. However, as with any weather event, things can change anytime.

Image Courtesy Of: Zoom Earth

Forecasts say with a fair degree of certainty that the evening of the 7^th will be the worst for Los Cabos, it remains to be seen whether the area will remain under a tropical storm warning. Ideally, the storm would begin moving more westward if the projections were to change, but it could also move more inland. Residents and visitors in the area should stay updated over the next 48 hours. Check in with local weather alerts and take recommended precautions depending on the severity of the winds and rain.

Image Courtesy Of: Zoom Earth

Rain Forecast

Heavy rainfall is expected across western Mexico, including Los Cabos, whether Hurricane Kay grows or shrinks in intensity. Between four and eight inches will fall through Thursday night, with some areas potentially receiving up to twelve inches. Flash floods could be an issue and present an immediate danger to residents and visitors should they occur. Drivers should never attempt to drive through moving water, as the mistake could be deadly.

Areas Already Affected

According to a recent report, Hurricane Kay has already been wreaking havoc in the southwestern Mexican state, Guerrero. Houses were damaged, trees were knocked down, rivers overflowed throughout Guerrero, and the storm was responsible for three deaths in the region. Further north along the coast, Puerto Vallarta also experienced damage. Several homes were affected due to floods and landslides, and two cars were whisked away by flooding.

In both instances, Hurricane Kay was further out and weaker than it is predicted to be when it passes by Los Cabos on the 7^th. As a result, the area will likely see similar issues as Kay passes by the area. Recently, authorities prepared facilities and rescue vehicles before Tropical Storm Javier’s arrival. With Hurricane Kay following closely behind, the area will better be able to handle any issues that arise.

Planning To Visit Los Cabos?

Travelers planning to visit Los Cabos over the next few days should keep an eye on their flight status. So far, the airport is operating normally, but that is subject to change at a moment’s notice. With the worst of the storm approaching Los Cabos on the evening of the 7^th, it is especially important for travelers flying in or out of Los Cabos International Airport on the same day to check their flight status constantly.

It’d be better to know if your flight was delayed or canceled before getting yourself and your bags to the airport. The storm will weaken following tomorrow’s peak and should no longer cause disruptions by Sunday evening. Travelers heading to Los Cabos after this weekend should remain unaffected, barring any damage to their intended property.

This article originally appeared on Travel Off Path. For the latest breaking news that will affect your next trip, please visit: Traveloffpath.com

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September 7, 2022
3 Popular Beaches In Mexico Considered Unsafe For Swimming Due To Bacteria
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Three beaches in a top resort destination in Mexico have failed cleanliness tests, a story that’s bound to come as a blow to travelers who have plans to visit these areas. Whilst the vast majority of beaches passed the cleanliness guidelines put forth by the World Health Organization (WHO), the three beaches that failed have taken the headlines, and could have an impact on the overall levels of beach tourism in Mexico going forward.

It’s been a troubling few months for the beaches of Mexico, with authorities not only battling hard against the spread of the stinky seaweed sargassum for weeks, but now also having to contend with this latest development. However, there’s no need to go ahead and cancel your travel plans just yet. Here’s everything travelers need to know about the three beaches that failed the WHO’s cleanliness test, plus a look at how the situation regarding the spread of sargassum is at present.

Beaches Fail Cleanliness Tests – Information For Travelers

When it comes to determining the cleanliness of beach water, a range of standard bacterial indicators are used, testing for a range of issues such as E. Coli, fecal matter and enterococci. According to the WHO’s guidelines, beaches must have fewer than 200 enterococcus faecalis – that’s bacteria from a fecal origin – per every 100 milliliters of water. Unfortunately for Mexico, three of its beaches exceeded these limits, making them unsafe for recreational use and potentially jeapordizing the travel plans of many travelers.

The investigation, which was completed by COFEPRIS (the Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risk), found that the three beaches to exceed the limit were all in the same city, Acapulco – a destination that had recently posted tourist arrivals figures higher than the likes of Cancun and Mexico City. The beaches in question are Manzanillo, Hornos and Suave, and their levels of enterocci were 373, 292 and 241 respectively – figures that put them way above the permitted allowance of 200 needed to vacation there safely.

Last Easter, only one beach was deemed unsafe to visit, yet whilst the situation may appear to be getting worse, that’s not how travelers should see it. Avoiding the three beaches in Acapulco may be a pain for travelers who have already booked to visit that region, however there are plenty of other beaches across the country that are perfectly safe to visit, with an overwhelming majority of Mexican beaches deemed clean enough to enjoy.

A total of 98.96% of the beaches tested by COFEPRIS passed the analysis – meaning travelers really won’t have to go far to find a clean beach. Some destinations proved particularly clean, such as Yutucan and Tamaulipas, whilst the ever-popular destination Quintana Roo – home to Cancun, Playa Del Carmen and Tulum – was also found to have impressively low levels of enterococci on its beaches.

The 10 beaches that had the most bacteria are as follows:
1. Manzanillo, Acapulco – 373 enterococci per 100ml water
2. Hornos, Acapulco – 292 enterococci per 100ml water
3. Mild, Acapulco – 241 enterococci per 100ml water
4. Icacos I, Acapulco – 199 enterococci per 100ml water
5. Nexpa 1, Aquila Michoacán – 194 enterococci per 100ml water
6. Caleta, Acapulco – 193 enterococci per 100ml water
7. Yelapa, Jalisco – 181 enterococci per 100ml water
8. Tumbao II, Veracruz – 173 enterococci per 100ml water
9. El Bosque, Tabasco – 172 enterococci per 100ml water
10. Quimixto, Jalisco – 172 enterococci per 100ml water
Unfortunately, fecal matter isn’t the only thing to blight Mexican shores this year. The country has been beseiged by high levels of sargassum – a harmless, yet unsightly and stinky seaweed that has been washing up all over the Caribbean but has landed in Quintana Roo in particularly large volumes. Whilst help in containing the seaweed has come in the shape of an army of hotel workers and the Navy, travelers should brace themselves for its sulphuric stench and aesthetic-damaging properties.

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August 4, 2022
These European Hotspots Are Limiting Tourists Due to Overtourism

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Tourism and travel have made an astonishing return over the past few months. Crippled to it’s core by a global pandemic, tourism around the world grinded to a complete halt for 2 years. Now with an overwhelming amount of tourists visiting European hotspots, countries are taking steps to limit the number of visitors and prevent overtourism.

With the successful help of vaccination efforts around the globe, dozens of countries have loosened entry restrictions, some nations have even taken a ‘post-covid’ approach and learned to live with the virus – removing entry restrictions entirely.

People more than ever are willing and eager to travel, and many destinations are feeling the pressure. The numbers are so high in fact that popular vacation spots in Europe are unable to manage the number of tourists that they receive.

Marseille initiates a permit system.

Marseille located in southern France is one of the most popular tourist destinations in France. Filled with beautiful beaches and romantic quaint streets, Marseille is often considered the heart of the French Rivera.

This port city has been hit by over tourism for a while now, in recent years however it has gotten a lot worse. Now the city is trying to make a change.

The famous Calanque de Sugiton and beach nearby will now require visitors to apply for an online pass prior to arriving. Visitors will have the chance to make an online reservation up to 3 days prior and at 6pm the night before, the registration will be closed.

City officials will be patrolling the area and doing spot checks to ensure visitors are compliant with the new policy.

Daily numbers for visitors will be restricted to 400 people and one person can only visit the site 8 times for the duration of the summer.

This new approach will go into effect from the end of June all the way until the end of August.

Amalfi Coast to implement alternate plate restriction.

A few hundred miles away the Amalfi Coast is implementing their own rules to combat excessive tourism.

Local officials are beginning a new system that alternates who can access the famous 35-kilometer road between Vietri sul Mae and Positano.

On odd number days, only cars with odd number ending license plates are allowed to drive on the road. On even number days, cars with even number ending license plates can take to the famous street.

This new policy will run from the middle of June, all the way through the end of September 2022.

10am to 6pm on weekends, as well as during the Easter Holy week holiday.

However, residents of the region are exempt. So are public buses and taxis.

This isn’t the first-time officials in Europe have tried to combat over tourism.

Venice who at the height of summer receives up to 150,000 tourists per day has stopped cruise ships from docking in its ports because the city could not sustain the number of tourists it was receiving.

Local businesses were overrun with tourists, the canals overfilled, and locals were outnumbered 50 to 1.

The dangers of overtourism

Overtourism can wreak havoc on local municipals and the people that reside there. From hour-long traffic lanes, high cost of living and too many people in a limited space will always create challenges.

Europe has some of the most visited countries in the world; from Spain, Germany, Italy, and the U.K. everyone of these countries has their own challenges with over tourism.

One thing is for sure, restrictions on over tourism needs to be at the forefront of these nations in order to preserve the quality of life for locals and their surrounding environment.

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June 21, 2022
Canada Issues New Travel Advisory Due To Monkeypox
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As monkeypox spreads globally, the Canadian government has issued a travel advisory for Canadians traveling overseas. The new Level 2 travel advisory suggests Canadians should practice enhanced health precautions following the emergence of monkeypox.

The Canadian government released the travel advisory on June 7, 2022.

The Full Details Of The Level 2 Travel Advisory

According to the Canadian government, a Level 2 travel health notice “indicates an increased risk to travellers or certain groups of travellers (for example, pregnant women, campers, people visiting friends and relatives) and reminds them to practise enhanced health precautions.”

The Canadian government suggests all Canadians should follow these precautions:
- Use personal protective equipment—such as masks—to minimize the spread of monkeypox
- Delaying all travel until the risk is lower
- Avoiding higher-risk activities
- Taking recommended vaccinations for some groups
- Washing hands at all times, especially after being in close contact with some people
- Being careful if you’re attending mass gatherings or parties
- Being aware of any symptoms, such as a new rash
The Canadian government has issued the advisory if you’re traveling to these destinations:
- Argentina
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bolivia
- The Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Hungary
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Malta
- Mexico
- Morocco
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Portugal
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- The United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- United States
The Canadian government says: “During your travel, you may be subject to procedures at your destination put in place to limit the spread of monkeypox, such as isolation, should you become infected. You may have limited access to timely and appropriate health care should you become ill, and may experience delays in returning home.”

“PHAC is working closely with international, provincial, and territorial health partners to gather information on this evolving issue. Further investigations are underway to determine the likely source of infection and to limit further onward spread.”

The Canadian government says you should see a healthcare professional if you develop symptoms when you’re traveling. In addition, if you have monkeypox symptoms during the flight: “tell the flight attendant before you land or the border services officer as you enter the country.”

What Is Monkeypox?

The Canadian government states: “Monkeypox is a disease that is caused by a virus. It is regularly found in parts of Central and West Africa, where it has been re-emerging in recent years”

They suggest monkeypox can spread in three ways:
- From animals to humans
- From person to person
- Through direct contact with contaminated objects
In addition, monkeypox can spread from person to person via close contact in the following ways:
- Scabs or skin lesions (which may resemble chickenpox)
- Body fluids or blood
- Mucosal surfaces (including eyes, mouth, throat, and rectum.)
- Contaminated clothing or linens
- Respiratory droplets (coughs and sneezes) may transmit the monkeypox virus, but scientists are still learning.
However, the Canadian government suggests that: “symptoms usually last between 14 and 28 days. Monkeypox is usually a mild, self-limited disease. In rare situations, people may become very sick and death may occur.”

They add: “Treatment for monkeypox is mainly supportive. Vaccines and medications for prevention and treatment are not commercially available at this time.”

Have Other Countries Issued Travel Advisories?

The Canadian government isn’t the first nation to introduce a travel advisory for monkeypox. The United States issued a travel advisory due to monkeypox almost two weeks ago.

The CDC advises Americans to avoid:
- Close contact with sick people, particularly those with skin or genital lesions.
- Touching any dead or live wild animals, such as rats, squirrels, monkeys, and apes.
- Handling all materials used by monkeypox-infected individuals as they could be contaminated.
We will keep you updated on how monkeypox may affect travelers going forward.

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June 9, 2022
CDC Issues Travel Advisory Traveling To These Countries Due To Monkeypox
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Are we in the early days of a new global health emergency? After several monkeypox outbreaks were registered across Europe this week, and Belgium going as far as imposing a strict 21-day quarantine for travelers with a confirmed infection, the CDC has now issued a travel warning to a number of destinations due to the emerging threat.

Monkeypox is a disease classed by the World Health Organization as being of ‘global public health importance‘. Although it mostly affects countries in West and Central Africa, it is also present in other parts of the world, and the identification of new clusters in Europe and North America, where it is not yet endemic, is worrying health experts.

CDC Formally Recognizes The New Global Health Threat

Adding weight to the other health warnings issued by countries like the UK, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – CDC has formally recognized monkeypox as a potentially disruptive pathogen, and emitted its own travel alert to a number of destinations in Europe and beyond. According to the CDC, cases have been reported in the following states:
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Canada
- England
- France
- Germany
- Israel
- Italy
- Netherlands
- Portugal
- Scotland
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
Besides the above, monkeypox has already reached the United States as well, less than a month after the first infection clusters were identified in Europe. For that reason, the CDC has added the affected countries to the Level 2 category, stopping short of slapping a Level 3 travel warning due to monkeypox.

This means that, when traveling to all European countries listed, as well as Australia, Canada and Israel, U.S. citizens should now ‘practice enhanced precautions’ to avoid monkeypox. This is a first for these destinations, as monkeypox had been mostly limited to a number of African nations up until recently.

Out of the CDC-flagged countries, Belgium has been the first to act, enacting a mandatory 21-day quarantine requirement for travelers with a confirmed monkeypox infection. The ECDC, the European equivalent to the CDC, is also monitoring the situation closely, as the case count across Europe exceeds 100 – with a large concentration of those in Spain and Portugal.

Curiously, recent cases have not been linked to travel to Central or West African countries, ‘where monkeypox usually occurs’, such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Nigeria. This is a strong indication there is community transmission within Europe and North American continents.

LGBTQ+ Americans Should Exercise Increased Caution When Traveling From Now On

Corroborating other findings by health authorities in foreign countries, the CDC mentions a considerable portion of cases have been reported among men who have sex with men, as sexual interaction with an infected individual increases transmission dramatically. In fact, the first European clusters were likely spread by risky sexual behavior at 2 raves.

Because of early infection trends, gay travelers should exercise increased caution, considering Spain happens to be one of the safest destinations for them, and thus a leader in LGBTQ+ tourism. That said, anyone can be infected, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, as ‘cases were also reported in people live in the same household as an infected person’.

How Is Monkeypox Transmitted And What Does The CDC Now Advises?

All it takes is coming into close contact with a person with an active infection, and particularly visible rashes and scabs caused by the disease. It can also be transmitted via bodily fluids such as pus or blood from open lesions, which are common throughout the course of infection. Scientists have not yet established whether it can be passed on through semen.

While most patients will recover without any long-term complications, monkeypox scabs can leave scars behind once they fall off, and seriously disrupt travel plans. Following in the steps of Belgium, the Dominican Republic, one of the preferred vacation spots for Americans, has also issued a preventive alert due to monkeypox.

As the World Health Organization states, people are most infectious when they have symptoms, much like Covid, and ‘normally for between two and four weeks’. Touching clothing, bedding, towels and contaminated objects such as cutlery and dishes have been equally recognized as precursors to infection.

When visiting Spain, France, Portugal, or any other destination on the list, the CDC now advises travelers to avoid:
- Close contact with sick people, particularly those with skin or genital lesions;
- Touching any dead or live wild animals, such as rats, squirrels, monkeys and apes;
- Handling all materials used by monkeypox-infected individuals as they could be contaminated.
Risk To The General Public Remains Low As Of Now

Despite the warnings, the CDC maintains that the ‘risk to the general public is low’. Regardless, travelers are advised to seek immediate medical attention when developing any known monkeypox symptoms. Those can manifest through fever, chills, tiredness and new, syphilis-like lesions on any part of the body.

The latest CDC advice deals a fresh blow to Europe, which only recently started reopening following the Covid crisis. While monkeypox is not a novel virus like Covid, it has the potential to spread quickly and trigger a new era of tightened health protocols for travelers. So far, the World Health Organization has not declared it a global health emergency.

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May 27, 2022
This Beach in Mexico Deemed Unsafe For Swimming Due To Contaminated Water

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Last Updated 2 hours ago

Playa Hermosa hasn’t passed the test for the fourth time in a row due to sewage water disposal in that location

Going to a beautiful beach in Mexico but not being able to swim or enjoy the warm Caribbean blue waters sounds more like torture than a dream vacation. Travelers must know that not all the beaches in Mexico are currently safe for swimming or practicing other recreational activities.

The Mexican Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risks (known by its Spanish initials Cofepris) published a new study, performed in March, with an analysis of beach waters for this season’s clean beaches program “Playas Limpias 2022”.

The analysis considered over 900,000 water samples from the sea in 17 coastal states and it has been stated that 289 beaches out of 290 are in good condition. The scientific frame used considers World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines that contemplate that water samples must show results of 200 enterococci or fewer per 100 milliliters of water to be recognized as suitable.

According to the study, 99.9% of Mexican beaches currently have good quality water and travelers can confidently enjoy their Easter vacations, and only one beach didn’t pass the tests: Playa Hermosa, in Ensenada, Baja California.

Now that many top destinations in Mexico have removed the mandatory mask mandate, such as Cancun and Nayarit, and the new analysis has shown that most beaches are in good condition and can plan their vacations and make adjustments when necessary.

Risky Beaches In Mexico

For the fourth time in a row, Playa Hermosa does not pass the suitable water test and is considered unsafe by Mexican authorities due to the constant disposal of sewage water in that location.

The most probable number (MPN)—the statistical method used— of enterococci per 100 milliliters of water was not published in the report, but neighboring beaches such as Playa Monalisa, Playa Pacífica, and Playa La Misión showed great results, under 12 MPN/100ml.

The Cofepris performs this large analysis previous to peak seasons, three times every year: prior to Easter, Summer, and Winter seasons. The last time, in December 2021, Playa Hermosa and other four beaches didn’t pass the test: Playa Hornos, Playa Tlacopanocha, and Playa Suave in Acapulco, and Playa Sayulita I in Nayarit. At that time, result numbers surpassed 430 MPN/100ml, but this time, in March 2022, all numbers were below 24 MPN/100ml.

Travelers must stay aware of these results, and those who want to know the exact results of the beaches they will be visiting, can go through the in-depth analysis shared publicly by the Mexican government, categorized by region. Those visiting Cancun and other destinations in Quintana Roo, can go confidently since all beaches in this region showed safe results.

Consequences Of Swimming In Polluted Waters

It is important to stay up to date with these results since high levels of the bacteria Enterococcus faecalis could affect travelers’ health. According to the information shared by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), those with weakened immune systems can develop illnesses or infections after swimming in polluted waters.

An article published by EPA states: “The most common illness associated with swimming in water polluted by sewage is gastroenteritis. It occurs in a variety of forms that can have one or more of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, stomachache, diarrhea, headache, or fever. Other minor illnesses associated with swimming include ear, eye, nose, and throat infections. In highly polluted water, swimmers may occasionally be exposed to more serious diseases.”

So those visiting Ensenada in Baja California should avoid visiting Playa Hermosa. Instead, travelers can enjoy the beautiful beach La Joya or swim freely in the warm waters of Playa Monalisa.

Cofepris also invited the Mexican population to report any anomaly related to water to the free number 01-800-033-5050.

Read More:

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April 17, 2022
Popular Playa Del Carmen Beach To Remain Closed To Tourists Due To Seaweed

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`Sargassum seaweed continues to accumulate along Mexico’s Caribbean coast, with a number of beaches in the area battling an excessive landfall. Playa El Recodo, one of the most popular beaches in Playa Del Carmen, is one of those greatly affected, with local authorities announcing the natural attraction will remain off-limits temporarily.

Recently, Mexico has quickly started adding seaweed barriers to popular destinations around Quintana Roo, including Playa Del Carmen, in a desperate attempt to save other beaches from meeting the same fate.

El Recodo Most Affected Beach In Playa Del Carmen

While several tourist hotspots up and down Quintana Roo have all been affected by seaweed to some extent, it’s Playa Del Carmen that’s been making the headlines lately, as the natural phenomenon intensifies in the area.

In fact, local authorities have just announced that El Recodo beach, one of the top-rated in the resort town, will be closed for visitors and sunseekers for the whole of the upcoming Easter holidays, and until the cleaning work has been finished.

Currently, the Sargassum removal has been carried out daily, though the overwhelming volume of seaweed has led Playa Del Carmen officials to determine ‘it is not in a condition to be used by bathers‘.

Despite the town’s best efforts in preventing similar closures, it cannot completely avoid the arrival of seaweed, as temperatures rise and the algae reproduce on a larger scale. In late March, as much as 80 tonnes of seaweed were collected from beaches in Playa Del Carmen, and the situation has remained dramatic since.

Playa Del Carmen Ramping Up Cleaning At Popular Beaches

Zofemat, the Federal Maritime Terrestrial Zone, which oversees natural phenomena in the area, has sent both workers and more machinery have been deployed to clean the beach, but decided not to re-open it to bathers for the time being.

Playa El Recodo features the iconic sandy beaches and crystal clear waters that are characteristic of the Mexican Caribbean, which makes its closure ahead of the highly-anticipated Eastern weekend all the more troubling.

Besides Playa El Recodo, the equally popular Punta Esmeralda beach will also remain closed to tourists, in order to allow the local dunes to regenerate and mitigate impacts on the color of the water.

Even though it received its first seaweed barrier as soon as early April, and ahead of other neighboring destinations, Playa Del Carmen has not managed to completely thwart the threat to its busy tourism season, with vacationers arriving for Mexico’s Semana Santa now having fewer beaches to choose from.

As reported by La Jornada Maya, over 200 workers have joined the Zofemat brigade in collecting Sargassum from the beaches. Other measures have also been taken, including the recruitment of several researchers, academics and scientists to assist the local government in managing the crisis.

Is Seaweed Dangerous To Bathers?

It is worth noting Sargassum is not particularly dangerous to beachgoers, unless they are swimming in seaweed-infested deep waters, as people have been known to get entangled in them and subsequently drowning.

Usually, it simply leaves beaches with a more unpleasant ‘polluted’ look, although its reproduction, which leads to accumulation on beaches, is a natural process attributed to a warmer water temperature. As they are bound to become hotter in the upcoming months, this will continue being a concern for tourists visiting the coastline of Mexico.

Local Ecology And Environment Secretary, Efraín Villanueva, has confirmed several sea vessels have been positioned strategically in the area to speed up cleaning, and a further 9-thousand meter barrier will be installed around the beach, on top of the already installed 2,700 meters.

Additionally, 4 tractors with sweepers will make sure any Sargassum that does reach the sandbanks is cleared, besides the usual monitoring of the Oceanographic Institute of the Gulf and the Caribbean Sea.

Is Mexico’s Tourism Season Under Threat?

Besides seaweed, the US Department of State also published a map detailing Mexican states Americans should avoid.

While Quintana Roo, which houses Playa Del Carmen, Cancun, Tulum, and many others was not classed as a particularly dangerous destination, US authorities now urge Americans to ‘exercise an increased degree of caution’ when traveling to the state.

An increase in crime in tourist zones is the main reason behind the revised travel advisory, and the seaweed itself, as previously stated, does not present a particular health threat to tourists. It should also not affect tourism in Quintana Roo, as destinations like Cancun are already sold out for the Easter period.

In spite of recent setbacks, Mexico has been increasing policing in beaches across the Riviera Maya lately, and taking other measures to ensure arrivals feel safe and have the best possible experience during their breaks.

Read More:

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Mexico Removes All COVID-19 Entry Requirements Including Health Form

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April 16, 2022