US issues travel advisory for Mexico. Is it safe?

One of the best times of the year for students and families is just around the corner! From the tradition’s inception in 1938, spring break has grown into a sort of rite of passage for those seeking higher education. It’s also a great time for family vacations, offering a taste of summer after an unusually cold winter in Texas.

Mexico is a classic spring break destination. Cancún, Cabo San Lucas, Playa del Carmen and Puerto Vallarta made the list of this year’s 14 best spring break destinations by the U.S. News & World Report. However, a recent travel advisory is warning people to “exercise caution” in downtown areas of some popular spots in Mexico.

Here’s what we know.

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Why is there a travel advisory for Mexico?

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico issued a Feb. 19 advisory that warns travelers about crime, drugs, unregulated alcohol, sexual assault and other issues.

Here are the embassy’s nine potential issues to watch:

Any illicit drug possession or use is illegal in Mexico, including medical marijuana, and can result in long jail sentences. U.S. citizens have also suffered severe illness or death after using synthetic drugs or fake prescription pills.
Unregulated alcohol might be contaminated, and U.S. citizens have reported losing consciousness or becoming injured after consuming tainted alcohol.
Counterfeit medication is common and can be ineffective or dangerous. Purchase medication from reputable places and consult a medical professional.
U.S. citizens have been victims of rape and sexual assault. Perpetrators can target drunk or isolated individuals or provide drugs that alter the victim’s physical or mental state.
Some beaches have strong currents and rip tides that could result in drowning. Beaches can lack lifeguards, warnings, or signs of unsafe conditions.
Illness or accidents might require medical treatment or hospitalization. Private hospital prices in Mexico can be higher than in the U.S. or require upfront payment.
All guns and even small amounts of ammunition are illegal in Mexico. Violations can lead to long jail sentences.
In Mexico, it is illegal to be drunk and disorderly, urinate in public or have open alcohol containers in vehicles. Breaking Mexican law can lead to arrest.
Violating the terms of your stay in Mexico can result in fines and detention.

The U.S. State Department issues four levels of travel advisories that describe the risks travelers can face in a country. As of March 3, the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, Italy, Japan and Mexico were included in the advisories.

Popular spring break destinations outside the US

Although the first spring break in 1938 occurred in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, according to Visual Academy, travel has since expanded to several hot spots beyond U.S. borders.

Mexico and the Caribbean are now key locations for spring breakers. A recent report by Expedia analyzing flight searches shows Cancún remains the most popular international location, with Mexico City (No. 8) and San José del Cabo (No. 10) also making the top 10 list.

Popular spring break destinations within the US: Check out these Texas cities

For those who’d rather not risk traveling abroad for spring break, the U.S. offers several destinations promising memorable fun.

A recent study examined the country’s 24-hour cities — cities offering the most diverse, round-the-clock entertainment. Austin claimed the No. 4 spot, with some of the cheapest public transportation and high scores on safety rankings and the availability of quality hotels.

An analysis of the safest 24-hour cities, which included measures like crime rates, public safety measures and late-night infrastructure, featured even more Texas cities. El Paso was found to be the safest in the country. Austin, Fort Worth and San Antonio joined the West Texas city in the top 10 list.

— The Palm Springs Desert Sun contributed to this report.

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