Advice for Mexico-bound spring breakers, from U.S. State Department

Students all over the U.S. are in the midst of dreaming up spring break plans, and if past years are any indication, many thousands will be hitting beaches in Mexico for relaxation and, of course, plenty of recreation.

But this year isn’t like past years, as Mexico’s waves of drug-related violence have many second-guessing the country’s safety. On Feb. 20, 2009, the U.S. State Department renewed its travel alert for Mexico, which includes advice that tourists visit “only legitimate business and tourist areas during daylight hours” and avoid “areas where prostitution and drug dealing might occur.”

The advisory mentions “the greatest increase in violence” having been near the U.S.-Mexico border. But it does not pinpoint other specific geographic parts to be wary of, nor does it suggest that U.S. travelers avoid Mexico altogether.

Spring breakers who are blazing ahead with Mexico plans should check out the State Department’s “Know Before You Go!” page, with cautionary tips designed to help travelers avoid unwanted incidents, arrest or worse.

Though some of the information loosely relates to the drug-related violence, the section is really a more general list of cautions for spring breakers to note before embarking on their getaway.

It warns about alcohol and drugs: According to the site, alcohol is “involved in the vast majority of arrests, accidents, violent crimes, rapes, and deaths suffered by American students on Spring Break.” Vacationers are also alerted that drug use, purchase or possession can lead to jail “without bail for up to a year before a case is tried.”

Travelers should look out for warning flags on beaches — black or red flags mean the waters are not safe for swimming. Those renting jet skis or mopeds should not only be careful about the state of the equipment but also take care that rentals are adequately insured. On another note, leave your pocketknives at home.

Also listed is destination-specific advice, on areas traditionally popular with spring breakers, including Acapulco, Cabo San Lucas, Cancun and Oaxaca. “Rip tides and rogue waves” are among the hazards in Cabo, while tourists in Acapulco, which has seen an increase in drug-related crime, should exercise caution when out and about.

- Susan Derby, Special to the Los Angeles Times

[Photo: Cancun bu Dario Lopez-Mills / Associated Press]

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This entry was posted on Monday, February 23, 2009 at 2:31 pm by Susan Derby and is filed under Islands & Beaches, Mexico, News, Tips & Advice. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a comment, or trackback from your own site.