One hundred thousand — that’s the number of American teens and young adults that travel to resort areas throughout Mexico during spring break, according to the U.S. State Department Web site. If you are one of those 100,000, or if you’re traveling anywhere out of the country, we urge you to be safe.
This past Sunday, drug cartel gunfights in Aculpoco, Mexico, left at least 13 dead, according to ABC News. Four of them were civilians. While palatial hotels, sun and clear waters can be the definition of an enjoyable spring break, paying for these luxuries with your life is a steep price. On Wednesday, the University sent out a warning to students about traveling to Mexico. Don’t just ignore it.
Wherever you are during spring break, realize that crime exists and continue to exercise the safe practices that you do on campus. Your University community, where you hopefully feel at home, is a place that requires you to not walk alone, stay in well-lit areas and be aware of your physical surroundings. Be sure to extend those practices to your vacationing spot or any unfamiliar environment. If you’re participating in an alternative spring break, we wish you the best of luck with your endeavors.
However, if you can’t make it to Chile or Haiti to help with rebuilding and you still want to make a difference in someone’s life over break, be creative.
Consider asking one of your international student friends who is sticking around to come home with you for a few days.
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University police said the highest reported crimes during spring break are theft and robbery. Do not pack up your car the night before to make a quick getaway from your last class. Theft is a crime of opportunity, and the sight of a car full of valuables gives criminals all the more reason to break a window to get them.
Remember — if you’re traveling, be aware of the laws in that country. Next time you’re in the Illini Union, stop by Student Legal Services and ask about the laws of your destination. You will be subject to them — and Bill Clinton can’t be there to bail every American out of foreign prison.
Keep U.S. laws in mind as well if you’re staying stateside; your mom probably doesn’t want to come bail you out, either.
