Travel agencies are issuing safety warnings to spring break tourists planning trips to Mexico following a recent surge in cartel-related violence in popular resort areas.

The warnings come after temporary spikes in violence occurred last month in regions frequently visited by tourists. Travel industry professionals are advising heightened caution for travelers, noting that safety conditions vary significantly by state within Mexico.

The U.S. State Department currently classifies Mexico at a Level 2 advisory, which recommends travelers "exercise increased caution" due to threats including terrorism, crime, and kidnapping risks. This classification places Mexico in the same category as other countries where travelers should take enhanced precautions.

The recent cartel conflicts that prompted the travel advisories were described as temporary escalations that affected resort regions during peak tourist season. Travel agencies are recommending that tourists research specific destinations within Mexico, as security conditions can differ markedly between different states and localities.

Spring break represents a critical period for Mexico's tourism industry, with millions of American students and families typically visiting coastal resort areas during March and April.