| Earlier this year, the United States government | | | | foreign countries, be aware of your surroundings. |
| cautioned college students who are headed to | | | | Only enter legitimate businesses. Use main roads |
| Mexico during their spring breaks about a spike in | | | | and drive during daylight hours. Carry a cellular |
| violent crime there. While the State Department | | | | phone at all times and make sure it will operate in |
| did not advise against travel to Mexico, it did | | | | your destinations. Keep important phone numbers |
| recommend that travelers use prudent judgment | | | | with you including the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City |
| to minimize risk of becoming a victim. | | | | and the U.S. Consulates and Consular Agencies |
| While lawlessness in Mexico is not new, there has | | | | throughout the country. Leave jewelry and |
| been a spike in criminal behavior south of the | | | | expensive clothing items at home which might |
| border that travelers need to consider. Tourists | | | | tempt unsavory individuals to acquire them |
| to Mexican cities near the border should be | | | | unlawfully. |
| particularly vigilant about their personal safety and | | | | Some folks accused the Americans of |
| exercise prudent judgment. Our government also | | | | hyperventilating over this issue pointing out that |
| warns that the southern Mexican state of Chiapas | | | | the vast majority of tourists to Mexico travel |
| may not be a prime tourist locale as there are | | | | safely. While this is true, the increase in violence |
| armed rebels and gangs in many regions. | | | | and corruption in law enforcement has been well |
| One thing common to many spring-breakers is | | | | documented on both sides of the border. |
| they often choose excitement and entertainment | | | | We suggest that our overworked college scholars |
| over caution and common sense. This shows that | | | | consult with a trained travel doctor before they |
| a college education doesn't guarantee the exercise | | | | finalize their itineraries. Choose your destinations |
| of good judgment. When in Mexico, as in all | | | | wisely. Choose safety first. |