SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) – Spring break is fast approaching at many area colleges and some students have international travel plans, but the U.S. Department of State has issued new, updated advisories regarding destinations popular ones like the Bahamas, Jamaica and Mexico.
“We're going to Costa Rica for a wellness detox, just to reset and get in better shape,” said Irini Mahida, a student at Westfield State University in Great Barrington.
We asked Mahida if she had any concerns about her trip.
“I think it's pretty safe, because I've done some research on the country and since COVID and everything, a lot of things have eased up. A lot of stress has been reduced, so I have no worries,” Mahida noted.
Our conversation on Wednesday took place as the U.S. State Department issued travel advisories for many popular spring break destinations. The Bahamas is at Travel Advisory Level 2, meaning visitors should exercise increased caution due to crime. The State Department reported that violent crimes such as burglaries, armed robberies and sexual assaults could occur in both tourist and non-tourist areas.
Jamaica is at Level 3, indicating that visitors should reconsider travel due to crime and medical services. The State Department has reported similar common crimes, such as home invasions, armed robberies, homicides and frequent sexual assaults, including at all-inclusive resorts. U.S. officials added that local police often do not respond effectively to serious criminal incidents.
Mexico also remains on the travel advisory list. When broken down by state, the State Department said people should not travel to the states of Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaola, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas, all due to crime.
Most of the countries mentioned also reported kidnappings.
As for the most popular spring break destination, the state of Quintana Roo – home to Cancun, Tulum and Playa del Carmen – travelers are urged to exercise increased caution due to crime.
“Safety will always be a concern,” said Doreen Coakley Rodriguez of Doreen’s Going Places Travel Services.
Coakley Rodroguez told Western Mass News that safety is always discussed with his customers.
“I explain to them, especially if they are younger, I explain to them that a lot of alcohol makes you do stupid things, you forget where you are, you get lost, you look for a stranger to help you. It's a warning signal, it's dangerous”, Coakley Rodroguez
She stressed the importance of locking up your valuables, staying with your traveling group, telling people where you're going, and following the rules and regulations of where you're traveling.
“Everyone thinks, in their minds, they can bring in vape pens, the whole situation, hiding the edibles… It's not over, it's certain parts of the United States, so when you leave our state and go to another country, you play by their rules. You will go to jail. Their rules are their rules,” noted Coakley Rodroguez.
Mahida also offered these safety tips. “Keep an eye out for pickpockets, don't wear bags like wallets around your waist or someone might come in from the side…always carry something across your body, so it's at reach of your arms, so you can keep it safe and close. for yourself,” she says.
Coakley Rodriguez said these precautions should be kept in mind even if people are not traveling to a country under an advisory.
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