I didn't love Mexico City as much as I thought I would. Luckily, I found a smaller, more charming spot nearby.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
author Jenna DeLaurentis smiling in Querétaro
I'm glad I took the chance to visit Querétaro.

Jenna DeLaurentis

My friends couldn't make it to my bachelorette trip, so I brought my mom instead. It was the perfect celebration.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
A composite image of a beach and Christine and her mom on swings at a café.
My mom came on my bachelorette trip with me, and we had a great time.

Christine Sarikas

I'm a travel writer who made Puerto Vallarta my home base for 5 years. I feel safe in Mexico and can't wait to get back.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
Meagan Drillinger in Mexico
Writer Meagan Drillinger in Mexico

Courtesy of Meagan Drillinger

My family winters in Puerto Vallarta and we're leaving early due to the cartel violence. We'll come back as soon as we can.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
Puerto Vallarta

Courtesy of Matthew Breen

I was laid off last year and have only managed to get 1 job interview. I have 20 years of experience and am worried about my future.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
Shaun Chavis headshot
Shaun Chavis has applied for tons of jobs since getting laid off.

Courtesy of Shaun Chavis

Tourists describe hunkering down as cartel violence erupts in Mexico

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Tourists in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, during cartel violence
American tourists were told to shelter in place as cartel violence erupted in Puerto Vallarta and other parts of Mexico.

REUTERS

Puerto Vallarta became a favorite escape for Americans. Now, some are thinking twice.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
A young damily sits on a couch, a dog on their lap.
Hannah Donovan and her family.

Courtesy of Talie Boyle

I flew to Puerto Vallarta to escape the blizzard in New Jersey. Now I'm sheltering from cartel violence.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
Smiling at the camera, a man stands on a balcony overlooking a beach, turquoise water, anchored boats, and a white sail-shaped pier.
Brian Thompson, 75, arrived in Puerto Vallarta on Saturday and is sheltering in place.

Courtesy of Brian Thompson

I've spent the last 10 winters in Puerto Vallarta. I've always felt safer in Mexico than I do in the US.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Puerto Vallarta with smoke
Branden James and his husband have spent the last 10 winters in Puerto Vallarta

Courtesy of Branden James

Satellite images show fires, roadblocks, and cars burning in a Costco parking lot after cartel violence in Mexico

Tech Insider : Business
Cars on fire along a coastal road in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, on February 22.
Cars on fire along a coastal road in Puerto Vallarta on Sunday.

Satellite image ©2026 Vantor.

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