Mexico Travel Advisory Takes On New Urgency This Spring Break

By BELO Border Bureau Chief Angela Kocherga

MATAMOROS, Mexico — Every year, more than 100,000 students travel to Mexico for spring break. Every year, the U.S. State Department offers advice to help students stay safe.

That advisory has taken on a new urgency in the wake of all the drug violence.

For spring breakers who cannot make it to a Mexican resort, beaches near the border are the next best thing. The reason: just a quick trip across an international bridge to Mexico and the drinking age is 18.

“We’re expecting students to come as usual. And we’re asking them to be very careful when they come,” said Cecilia Elizondo, the U.S. Consul General in Matamoros.

Matamoros is a popular spot for students who spend spring break on nearby South Padre Island.

Every year the U.S. State Department advises in its annual spring campaign, “know before you go.” This year students are told to be aware of safety and security concerns because of drug violence in many Mexican border cities.

“Are you telling us not to come? The answer is we’re not telling you that. I was asked should we be issuing a warning to our students and others for spring break and travel to Mexico and my position is we should,” said Antonio Zavaleta, vice president of UT-Brownsville.

Some universities are warning students to stay out of parts of Mexico altogether this year. Those who do are urged to stick to tourist spots. The other advice — stick together — seems to come naturally during spring break.