As the time for Spring Break arrives we can’t help but think about getting into beach-body shape, going shopping for the hottest swimsuit, or buying a Sombrero. Unfortunately, due to horrible circumstances, this year’s Spring Break plans do not include party cities like Cancun, Cabo, or Acapulco.
(Photo: San Marcos Mercury)
Our many winter daydreams about the day that we will finally be doing beer-bongs and drinking margaritas in the hot Mexican sun have been crushed by the growing violence in Mexico. The Texas Department of Public Safety is warning students to not head down to Mexico for Spring Break this year.
Just in 2010 alone, 65 Americans were killed in Mexico. As the drug cartels get a greater hold of the country and the situation gets worse, the possibility of this year’s numbers surpassing 2010’s is feared, but predicted.
Many universities around the nation are also warning their students that the reward is not worth the risk when it comes to this particular situation. The University of Texas at Austin recently sent out an email informing students of the Texas Department of Public Safety warning, which also included some helpful tips, like registering at the U.S. Embassy.
As a result, many U.S. college students have thus chosen to go to U.S. Spring Break hot spots like South Padre Island, Panama City Beach, and Gulf Shores. Still, however, many are upset by the idea that MTV will now have to relocate to a 21 and up environment. The underage drinkers have to resort to being sneaky about their partying or simply enjoy an alcohol-free vacation and wait until things get better in Mexico, where the drinking age is 18.
Hopefully, Mexico’s war with drugs ends soon so the country can go back to being the peaceful, fun and beautiful Mexico that is should be, but for now we must enjoy American sand during Spring Break.
Can't help but think how much money is Mexico going to lose in tourists alone this year :/
ReplyDeleteWhile I do believe Mexican sand and American sand are comparable, I must say the beautiful waters in Mexico will be sorely missed. Along with the flora and fauna to be found in the Yucatan peninsula and other places.
ReplyDeleteIn my most recent blog "This just in: Most people do not actually know how to travel" I was so close to using Cancun as an example of a tourist locale that caters to American vacationers rather than just "be itself" a beautiful Yucatan city with a lot to do and see in the areas around it. It's sad such a beautiful country like Mexico has to abandon some of its identity to satisfy the Americans that go there.
You are so right when you say Mexico should be the peaceful, fun and beautiful country that it really is deep down. I, for one, hope this conflict is resolved quickly so people may safely see this wonderful place!
Great blog!
Also, I love your blog's title.
I really have been enjoying your blog as well. I agree with the above observation that Mexico will be loosing lots of tourism $, maybe a some good PR can help them once the country is safe again.
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