Warning for Spring Break Spot Popular with Louisiana Tourists

At the end of this week, students at LSU in Baton Rouge will be on spring break. A few weeks later the same will hold true for students who attend classes at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and McNeese State University in Lake Charles. If tradition holds true many of the students at these schools will hit the beach as part of their spring break from classes.

One destination that is popular not only with spring breakers but cruise guests and sunseekers, in general, has now been singled out ahead of the very busy spring break travel season. The reason for the advisories from local and federal authorities is a variety of safety threats.

Now that is not the case closer to home.

Spring Break Along the Gulf Coast

Will not be without its unique set of hazards. For spring breakers who plan on soaking up the sun on the Mississippi Gulf Coast just know that several beaches there have bacteria advisories. Further to the east, the beaches of Alabama and Florida have rip current advisories posted for later this week. That could extend into the weekend as the crowds begin to swell.

As of now, the only drawback to spring break along the Redneck Riviera could be Mother Nature. The extended forecast for next week doesn't suggest the weather will be awful but it doesn't suggest the weather will be great either. There should be enough sunshine to get a nice sunburn but temperatures in the afternoon won't be that warm. It will be comfortable on the beach but not the typical sun, sweat, and sand most of us are used to.

Where Are the Latest Travel Advisories for Americans on Spring Break?

There have already been advisories issued by the United States Department of State regarding tourism in The Bahamas and Jamaica. Crime is the key component behind the issuance of those advisories.

The most recent warning for American travelers abroad came late last week when the US Embassy offered this very sobering set of concerns for Americans traveling in the popular destinations of Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum.

What Are the Dangers Travelers Should Be Aware Of?

The advisory spelled out several particular dangers that tourists should be aware of. The most notable was crime. Situational awareness was encouraged. Travelers should know their surroundings and stay in groups whenever possible. The most dangerous time for Americans would be after dark even in highly patrolled tourist areas.

The advisory also cautioned against taking pharmaceuticals offered by dealers in these resort areas. Many of the drugs are counterfeit and not made to United States standards. Plus possession of illegal drugs could result in arrest. We should note that marijuana, even medical marijuana is against the law in Mexico.

The advisories for Mexico, The Bahamas, and Jamaica all stop short of saying "don't go" but the verbiage used certainly doesn't encourage Americans traveling abroad to include those destinations. If you do choose to travel and are fortunate enough to be staying in a resort, it would probably be in your best interest to just have fun at the resort.

Most of the resorts in Mexico, The Bahamas, and Jamaica are very secure, at least from outside violence, and they often have private security firms to ensure the safety and security of their guests.