Canada issues travel advisories for these warm-weather tourist spots

With over three months of winter left in Canada, many people plan a warm-weather trip.

Winter officially started on Dec. 21 and continues until March 20, according to the National Research Council of Canada. With recent blasts of snow and bone-chilling cold weather, it could be a good time to think of a holiday.

Canada has travel advisories and safety tips for many popular warm-weather destinations.

The federal government maintains a Travel Advice and Advisories page to help travellers make informed decisions and travel safely outside Canada.

They analyze trends and incidents affecting international travellers, monitor world events and collect updated reports from different sources.

Here are some countries with updated travel advisories:

Mexico

Risks: High levels of criminal activity and kidnapping.

Reasons: In recent weeks, there have been violent clashes between rival armed groups in Culiacán, Mazatlán and their surrounding areas. Armed groups have stopped vehicles on the highway from Culiácan to Mazatlán and other major roads.

Mexican authorities have made efforts to protect major tourist destinations, resulting in lower levels of gang-related violence in these areas. However, incidents of violent crime still occur in major cities, popular tourist areas and resorts.

Vietnam

Risks: High rate of petty crime.

Reasons: Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs frequently. It’s most prevalent in larger cities and may increase during major public holidays, such as Tet (Lunar New Year). Vietnam Tet in 2025 will be on Jan. 29.

Criminals work alone or in groups and may use various techniques to distract you and steal your belongings. They may try to grab your bag and other valuables while passing on a motorbike or slash your bag in crowded streets and markets.

Costa Rica

Risks: Crime.

Reasons: Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs frequently. Tourists are common targets for theft because they are perceived as being wealthy.

Thieves often work in teams, in which one thief diverts the victims’ attention while the other snatches their possessions.

Car break-ins and theft are very common throughout the country. Rental and luxury vehicles are a target of choice.

South Africa

Risks: Significant level of serious crime.

Reasons: South Africa has a very high level of crime. Crime is the primary security threat to travellers. Violent crimes, including rape and murder, occur frequently and have involved foreigners.

Muggings, armed assaults and theft are also frequent, often occurring in areas that are popular among tourists. Carjackings, robbery and assault also occur.

Nationwide power shortages or rolling blackouts, referred to as load shedding, are still occurring regularly. Blackouts could increase the risk of criminal activity in affected areas, which could in turn lead to opportunistic theft and prolonged outages.

Nicaragua

Risks: The political situation, the potential for civil unrest and crime.

Reasons: The political situation is volatile in Nicaragua. The country has experienced periods of political unrest since April 2018, resulting in hundreds of deaths and detentions.

Since the 2021 presidential elections, Nicaraguan government officials and law enforcement have severely repressed those critical or opposed to government policies.

Nicaraguan law prohibits political activity by foreigners. Participating in demonstrations or promoting dissent, including on social media, may result in you being detained or deported.

For a complete list of advisories and further information, see the website here.

Lead photo of Việt Hải, Hai Phong, Vietnam: Taryn Elliott