Spring Break in Mexico

With its beautiful oceans, great shopping, and fantastic nightlife, Mexico is a popular destination for Spring Break travelers. If you are planning on celebrating south of the border, take a few tips from the US Department of State Travel Advisory:

While traveling in Mexico, American citizens are subject to Mexican law. An arrest or accident in Mexico can result in a difficult legal or medical situation, sometimes at a great expense to the traveler. Mexican law can impose harsh penalties for violations that would be considered minor in the United States, and U.S. citizenship in no way exempts one from full prosecution under the Mexican criminal justice system.

Excessive alcohol consumption and unruly behavior can lead to serious problems with Mexican authorities. Alcohol is involved in the vast majority of arrests, accidents, violent crimes, and deaths suffered by American students on Spring Break. Disturbing the peace, lewd or indecent behavior, littering, driving under the influence, drinking on the street or on public transportation, using public transportation without payment, or making obscene or insulting remarks are all considered criminal activities by Mexican authorities. The importation, purchase, possession or use of drugs can incur severe penalties, including imprisonment without bail for up to a year before a case is tried, and imprisonment of several years following a conviction. All individuals 16 years of age or older are tried as adults.

Warning flags on beaches should be taken seriously. If black or red flags are up, do not enter the water. Strong undertow and rough surf are common along beaches throughout Mexico, especially on the Pacific coast, and drownings have occurred when swimmers have been overwhelmed by conditions. Do not swim in pools or at beaches without lifeguards.Use only the licensed and regulated "sitio" (SEE-tee-oh) taxis. Hotels, clubs and restaurants will summon a sitio taxi upon request.

Oh yeah, and when eating in the restaurants, watch your fingers, those plates are hot!

Now that you have taken all the steps to ensure your safety while in Mexico, it’s time to take care of one major precaution before you leave for your trip.

Make sure that you are covered in case you get sick, lose your luggage, require medical attention for the burned fingers from the hot plates, or need to be evacuated.

Insurance Services of America has a variety of plans to fit your travel needs as well as your budget. Give us a call at 800-647-4589, and let one of our friendly knowledgeable agents help you choose the plan that is right for you.

Viva La Spring Break!