Mexico cartel violence shifts spring break to S. Cal
Sylvia Kirchner
For years now, college students have been fleeing south of the border during Spring Break for sandy beaches, delicious Mexican cuisine, and all the fun students can’t have in the states. Although drinking until passing out on the sand after a late night of dancing is what comes to mind when thinking of Mexico, safety is also on the minds of many when planning their week off this year.
“My friends and I are going to L.A. this year,” said Vanessa Lao, an ASU student. “We thought of Mexico but with expenses and safety being an issue it was easier for us to go to California.”
Places like California and Lake Havasu seem to be a popular choice for those who once looked toward Mexico for new experiences and it may be turning into the new hotspot for spring break destinations.
It’s not just students who are rethinking their break plans.
MTV is shying away from Mexico, focusing its spring break programming to Las Vegas. With recent drug-fueled gang violence in Acapulco, Mexico, in which up to 30 people were killed the weekend of Feb. 19, Las Vegas sounds like the better choice.
The increase in violence due to drug cartels and gang wars has begun to diminish the appeal of Mexico for vacations. In fact El Universal, a Mexican news station, reported that foreign tourism may fall as much as 88 percent in Acapulco as spring breakers cancel trips due to reports of violence.
But even with the lack of interest in Mexico, its beaches haven’t been vacant.
“If you don’t put yourself in a position where you’ll find trouble, you should be OK. Just be smart, take notice, and you can avoid running into crime.” said Dave Foley, a condo owner in Rocky Point.
Last fall, the State Department issued a travel warning to inform U.S. citizens traveling to and living in Mexico about the security issues in the country.
The warning stated, “Resort areas and tourist destinations in Mexico do not see the levels of drug-related violence and crime reported in the border region and in areas along major drug trafficking routes…While most victims of violence are Mexican citizens associated with criminal activity, the security situation poses serious risks for U.S. citizens as well.”
If Mexico is the planned destination, Foley has a few tips on avoiding crime and staying safe.
“Travel in pairs or groups, you only make it easier for someone to try and sell you something or start trouble with you if you’re alone, girls especially.
“Be careful with who you come up to on the street, if you plan on doing some shopping on the Malecón one day keep an eye on your personal belongings.
“Watch out for what kind of cab you get into; before you leave your hotel, ask someone who works there to refer a good cab to you. It might cost you a dollar or two but at least you’ll make it back safe.
“And lock up your passports or IDs, if it’s not absolutely necessary to have it with you when you go out the less likely it is to get stolen or wind up in the ocean after that long night of drinking.
