Spring Break is a time of relaxation, getting away from studies and of wild parties involving college students seeking the kinds of recreational activities that are a part of being in college.
But people need to be safe, too, and the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico has issued travel warnings to these Mexican destinations: Cancun, Playa Del Carmen and Tulum.
“Travelers should maintain a high level of situational awareness, avoid areas where illicit activities occur, and promptly depart from potentially dangerous situations,” said the advisory. “U.S. citizens should exercise increased caution in the downtown areas of popular spring break locations including Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, and Tulum, especially after dark.”
One of the big concerns is people being drugged from cocktails in the bars. “Losing consciousness or becoming injured after consuming alcohol that was possibly tainted” is included in the warning.
Crooks “may target inebriated or isolated individuals or may employ drugs that alter the victim’s physical or mental state,” the warning stated.
Then there is the always-prevalent issue of street drugs, which obviously are not regulated so you reall don’t know what you are getting with them. Drug possession and use in Mexico, including marijuana, is illegal and could result a jail sentence. Other activities that can land someone behind bars – or forking out a lot of beer money to the Mexican Federales – includes drunk and disorderly behavior, public urination (this is a biggie), open alcohol containers in vehicles and gun possession
“U.S. citizens have become seriously ill or died in Mexico after using synthetic drugs or adulterated prescription pills,” the advisory stated.
Not only that, but U.S. citizens have been victims of rape and sexual assault in Mexico, the advisory stated and it warned that thiefs “may target inebriated or isolated individuals or may employ drugs that alter the victim’s physical or mental state.”
This post is not an advisory against going to those Mexican destinations for Spring Break but rather points out that it’s smart to be aware of your surroundings and with whom surrounds you.