College students flock to spring break destinations, officials warn of lurking dangers

Spring Break Danger Zone

Every enrolled student in college has the opportunity to take advantage of their spring break usually falling in the month of March. Many spend weeks and even months preparing for this week by hitting up the gym and using their tanning membership at the local salon. However, it is not necessary to discount some students who may choose to spend their week at home relaxing and unwinding from their stressful school semester.

At the same time, many college students are forewarned of the dangers of crossing the border into hot spots such as Cancun and Acapulco. Students still decide to make the trek to these popular destinations to "get their party on" and enjoy the endless nightlife these tropical places have to offer. Alcohol and drugs are serious factors that can lead to detrimental problems for spring breakers especially when Mexican authorities get involved. Alcohol alone can cause arrests, accidents, crimes and even death for some students who go a little too far with their partying habits while on Spring Break. Not to mention the bizarre stories told about the treatment of American citizens while in Mexican territory by the Mexican authorities.

"There is no telling what could happen when you’re in that situation," said college student, Kendra Rhodes. "My friends and I used the "buddy system" while we were on spring break in Cancun," said Rhodes. "We always knew exactly where each of us was at any time."

Unfortunately, not all college students exemplify the same type of attitude toward taking the proper safety precautions, and consequently, suffer the consequences. In the year of 2005, Natalee Holloway, a high school graduate, took a trip with her friends to the Caribbean country of Aruba. As Holloway and her friends enjoyed the nightlife at a popular club, she met a local young man who would ultimately change her life forever. In the end, the outcome of this tragic story left Natalee Holloway dead, and to only think, this incident could have been avoided if the proper precautions had been taken.

"It's important to get the word out and educate students and spring breakers about the dangers of being in a foreign country," said Erin Johnson, mother of two. "I know when my children grow up, I'm not going to want them to go anywhere too crazy for Spring Break."

The harsh reality of the present day drug-related violence that occurs in Mexican territory and other non U.S. areas is another reason to be especially cautious during any traveling times by students. It's vital that travelers exercise common sense when visiting these countries.

Ashley Stricklin, Texas State University senior said, "I felt safe going to Mexico for Spring Break because I traveled with a big group of friends and we always stuck together," said Stricklin. "There were times that I put myself in vulnerable situations though, probably because I was just caught up in the moment of spring break,” said Stricklin.

Texas State officials informed students, faculty and staff prior to the week of spring break in an email warning not to travel to Mexico for spring break. It's evident that the violence along the border has caused some students to change their plans this year.

Whether crossing over the border or not, spring break students are urged to follow all safety guidelines and recommendations. We certainly want to avoid any bad incidents from occurring, and educating vacationers beforehand will likely aid in avoiding this from happening.

"You just never know what could happen when you’re down there,” said Josh Melnar, Tomball College freshman. "It's scary to think there is always that chance of not returning home."