Posted on 02/28/2007 12:21:31 PM PST by SwinneySwitch
Students packing their bags for Spring Break in Mexico may be surprised to find armed Mexican soldiers waiting for them.
The soldiers are there to ward off the drug violence plaguing tourist spots and the border towns.
Most U.S. students already celebrating in Mexico were not aware of the escalating drug violence that sparked the massive crackdown by Mexican authorities.
Every year, the U.S. State Department issues a Spring Break advisory called "Know Before You Go." This year, the advisory says students should know there is increasing violence in Acapulco and they should be "vigilant."
The warning says students should "be especially aware of safety and security concerns due to violence between rival drug gangs in the area." The advice is for students to stick to tourist areas and visit only during daylight and in early evening hours.
Mexican authorities agree that tourists are not the target of drug gangs, but they can get caught in the crossfire. Recently, two Canadians were injured when gunmen fired into their Acapulco hotel lobby.
More coverage • KENS video: Beware of Spring Break dangers in Mexico
In Cancun, the most popular Spring Break destination, the biggest danger for students is not bullets, but alcohol abuse. It leads to accidents, arrests and violent crimes such as rape.
Authorities say in most cases Spring Break safety starts at home with the students before they cross the border.
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/spring_break_mexico/spring_break_mexico_2812.html
PSA Ping!
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It doesn't make any sense. Why go to Mexico, when the US destinations are just fine and comparably priced (even cheaper by my estimation): Myrtle Beach, Daytona Beach, Panama City Beach, Lake Havasu, South Padre Island, etc.
No need to do spring break in Mexico anymore...
...Mexico is coming to me!
Easy. The drinking age in Mexico is 18.
Heck, just go to Aruba!
Go to Norway. See the lovely fjords.
Why anyone would go to that corrupt crap hole of a country on "vacation" is beyond belief.....
"Why go to Mexico, when the US destinations are just fine and comparably priced "
Well intentioned drinking laws raised the drinking age to 21.
So now the students simply go to Mexico where its 18.
Just another example of the law of unintended consquences.
now instead of protecting "kids" from drinking, they go to Mexico where they are in much more danger.
Can't really blame them, why go somewhere that is inundated with drug related killings, so bad that soldiers have to patrol the resorts.
Most Spring Breakers I know are heading to FLA/Bahamas and the like. Would also not bother with Puerto Rico, unless you enjoy having to watch eveything you bring 24/7.
Yes it does. The legal drinking age in Mexico is 18, while it's 21 in the US. The average collage student is under 21.
I've been pinin' for the fjords.
I have got a great story, but decorum prevents me from repeating it here...
Normal on average maybe, but also incredibly stupid.
"Go to Norway. See the lovely fjords."
That could be risky, too. Animal testing reveals that withdrawal symptoms after leaving the fjords could be life-threatening. See Cleese, Palin, et al.
They can drink in Mexico.
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