What spring breakers heading to Mexico should know amid US travel warning

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico has issued a travel warning for travelers ahead of the 2024 spring break season.

Posted on Feb. 26, the statement highlighted various safety threats including crime, drugs and unregulated alcohol. The embassy and consulates encouraged travelers to stay informed and travel smart. While the vast majority of people travel safely, visitors should consider taking safety precautions when planning their vacation or traveling in Mexico, they said.

While many Tennesseans are spending their spring breaks in the sunshine state of Florida, international travel is also up. According to AAA travel, 30% more Americans are flying internationally.

"Crime, including violent crime, can occur anywhere in Mexico, including in popular tourist destinations. 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."

The advisory also warned of drowning

as some beaches have strong undercurrents and rip tides. Some beaches may lack lifeguards, warnings or signs of unsafe conditions. Illnesses or accidents could result in needing medical treatment or hospitalization in Mexico with private hospital visits being more costly than in the United States in some instances.

Looking to spend spring break in

Mexico? The U.S. Embassy and Consulates recommends the following.

How to stay safe while in Mexico during spring break

h Keep friends and family at home informed of your travel plans, especially if traveling alone.

h Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage in Mexico, or purchase travel insurance that covers you in Mexico. Seek coverage that includes medical evacuation and confirm costs of medical treatment in advance, when possible.

h Avoid strong currents and do not swim after drinking or when warning flags note unsafe conditions.

h Know your drinking companions and stay in a group of friends who have your safety in mind when you are in clubs and bars, walking in dimly lit areas or in a taxi at night. Obey Mexican law and remember Mexican laws may differ from U.S. laws.

h Regularly monitor your credit or debit card accounts to ensure there are no unauthorized transactions. Limit the amount of cash you carry in public, exercise caution when withdrawing cash and avoid ATMS in isolated or unlit areas.

h Enroll in the State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive up-to-date information on safety conditions in Mexico and to help the U.S. Embassy contact you in an emergency.

To read the advisory in full or to see the U.S. Embassy and Consulates' full list of safety tips, visit mx.usembassy.gov.

Diana Leyva covers trending news and service for The Tennessean. Contact her at Dleyva@gannett.com or follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter at @_leyvadiana

ELIZABETH RUIZ/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES U.S. students on spring break, have flocked to the Mexican Caribbean despite warnings from Washington to travel to the country due to a wave of attacks on U.S. citizens. In late April, the state’s head prosecutor announced the discovery of 8 unidentified bodies in Cancun’s resort area.