Is it safe to travel to Mexico?

Q: I’m hearing/seeing a lot of negatives about travel to Mexico lately — “tainted” drinks at all-inclusive resorts, people being injured, etc. I’m considering a weeklong Cancun-area resort visit in mid-December. My significant other is very concerned about the recent reports and traveling to Mexico. I did check the state department travel advisories recently, and this area seems to be one that is deemed “safe,” or at least there are no travel advisories issued.

A: There have been more reports about bad stuff happening in the Cancun region inrecent weeks. A 20-year-old from Wisconsin died after allegedly drinking unregulated grain alcohol at an Iberostar property,there was a drug-related shootout, and another woman from Wisconsin was assaulted. But that region gets 10 million visitors a year, so not sure that I’d panic. I’d still go.

Q: I am taking several art classes in a few weeks that require me to bring several tubes of acrylic paint. I looked on the TSA website, and it only references flammable paints, which these are not, according to the label. Am I safe to pack these in my checked bag?

A: Flammable paints are not permitted in checked or carry-on bags. Nonflammable paints are permitted, but if they are liquids, pastes or gels, you must abide by the 3.4-ounce rule or place them in your checked bag. I would tweet your question with a photo of your paints to @AskTSA. They can provide a definitive answer.