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What's an ego tourist, and how do you know if you're one?

Expert tips for avoiding tainted alcohol in Mexico

Nancy Trejos USA TODAY 6:46 pm EDT July 28, 2017

Many others families nationally report experiencing the same problems at Mexico's resorts that we reported last week through the case of the Pewaukee family, whose daughter died and son was injured.

Wochit

The U.S. State Department has warned travelers in Mexico about possible tainted alcohol, leaving many to wonder if it’s safe to indulge in their vacation margaritas.

The U.S. State Department has warned U.S. citizens about tainted alcohol in Mexico.

HECTOR GUERRERO, AFP/Getty Images

The alert, released on Wednesday, cautions vacationers who drink alcohol to “do so in moderation.” Travelers were also warned to seek medical attention if they feel ill after drinking.

The warning comes in light of a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel investigation that raised questions about the safety of alcoholic beverages after a U.S. traveler died in a pool at a resort near Playa del Carmen after drinking. Other tourists reported blacking out after imbibing at resorts in Mexico.

“This is a unique and tragic case and details are still unfolding. But it highlights the need for travelers to be conservative with alcohol, particularly when traveling out of the country, and to look out for one another,” says Beth Godlin, president of Aon Affinity Travel Practice, which provides insurance programs to travel companies.

Travel safety experts say tourists should not feel that they have to fully avoid drinking alcohol in Mexico. But they do advise being extra vigilant. While this may not help in every situation, here are some tips provided by experts for handling alcohol in foreign destinations.

Before reserving a room at a hotel or all-inclusive resort, do your research. Godlin recommends reading reviews and consulting with other travelers and travel professionals. Check several sources when reading reviews vs. just clicking on TripAdvisor. There are multiple online forums that are independent. Still, check to see if it has a AAA rating. That is one indication that the property has been vetted. Also, ask if there is an independent nurse or doctor on duty or on call.

Insist on watching your drink being made. “Traveling or not, consumers should always be aware of what is being put in their glasses before they consume it,” Godlin says. “Ask the bartender to open bottles in front of you, and avoid drinks that involve pouring from a tap or pre-mixed bottles.” And the Journal Sentinel’s investigation revealed allegations that some legitimate-looking bottles of liquor may have been filled with tainted alcohol. So far, beer and wine served in unopened bottles has not been shown to be problematic. Overall, most tourists return safely from Mexico, but understanding what to be wary of may help you minimize risks.

If you are suspicious of the color or the taste of your drink, “trust your instincts and do not drink it,” says Kimberly Seay, a nurse and director of assistance at Allianz Global Assistance USA.

Consider drinking bottled or canned beer, or wine from a bottle that you watch being opened. “Additionally, if the water itself is contaminated, melting ice will contaminate your drink.”

Buy your own alcohol at the duty-free section of the airport. Bar bottles can be re-filled with tainted alcohol, so one way to avoid exposure is to buy monitored alcohol at the airport. “Only drink what you brought, even if you are required to pay a cork fee,” Seay says.

Never leave your drink unattended.

Be observant of your surroundings, or if you are traveling with a group, make sure someone is paying attention. “Consider designating someone in your group to remain sober and alert,” says Robert Gallagher, senior vice president and COO of AIG Travel.

If you feel ill, seek medical attention right away. And, before you arrive, consider researching a list of reputable nearby hospitals before checking into your hotel. Some of those interviewed by the Journal Sentinel complained of being gouged by private hospitals their hotels sent them to. Requesting service from a reputable institution of your own choosing could be helpful.

Exercise general travel safety practices. Before you leave for your destination, make copies of your passport, driver’s license, health insurance cards, and credit cards. Take one set of copies with you and store it in your carry-on. Keep another at home in case your documents are lost or stolen. “Prepare for the unplanned in order to make sure you are protected if things do go wrong,” Godlin says.

Consider getting travel insurance, but keep in mind that not all policies will cover treatment for being intoxicated above the legal limit. Complicating that, however, is that the Journal Sentinel’s investigation revealed some insurance firms declined to cover those who claimed to be served tainted alcohol – creating a difficult “Catch 22” situation.

Of course, travelers should always beware of drinks with ice in them in certain countries. “Ice can easily become contaminated if handled improperly,” says Bob Chambers, head of operations for Generali Global Assistance Travel.

Originally Published 8:09 am EDT July 28, 2017

Updated 6:46 pm EDT July 28, 2017

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