10 Tips For Teenagers Going to Mexico for Spring Break

June 8, 2008

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Tags: Controlled substances, Driving, Hepatitis, Medications, Vacation, Vaccine

Tens of thousands of American teenagers travel to resorts throughout Mexico over Spring Break each year, says the U.S. State Department. While the vast majority enjoys their vacation without incident, several may die, hundreds will be arrested, and still more will make mistakes that could affect them for the rest of their lives.

Here are Ten Tips for them to stay safe and healthy:

1. Update your vaccinations.

Hepatitis A vaccine, for example, was recently added to the list of immunizations all teenagers should have, but many have not yet received. The incidence of hepatitis A is higher in Mexico than in the U.S. It spreads via contaminated food and water.

2. Check if your health and accident insurance covers you in Mexico.

Likely it does so but only after you submit your medical bills. You are responsible for costs when they occur. Good medical care is expensive in Mexico.

3. Consider taking out travelers’ assistance insurance.

Such policies provide worldwide, 24-hour telephone “hotlines” with staff that can direct you to competent, English-speaking physicians and hospitals. The company pays the medical costs. If medically necessary, the company arranges and pays for evacuation to a larger medical center, even back home in critical cases. Such insurance is available through major credit card companies. Call the customer service number on your card.

4. Be safety conscious.

Most accidents are preventable – but only with forethought. Reevaluate your concepts of safety. Do not assume that conditions are identical to those back home. Spring Break visitors have been seriously injured or killed tumbling off balconies with low railings, falling into unmarked ditches, getting caught in drains in pools, and renting defective mopeds and jet skis, for example.

5. Obey local laws.

Mexican law can impose harsh penalties for violations that would be considered minor in the U.S. Carrying a pocketknife can result in a weapons charge if it is found on you when you are stopped for a separate offense. Being a U.S. citizen does not exempt you from prosecution. If you have a legal problem, contact the closest U.S. Consulate office; there are offices in most large resorts. Officials can advise you but cannot get you released.

6. Minimize alcohol use.

Spring Break vacations often involve heavy drinking. Excessive consumption leads to unruly behavior, which can lead to serious illnesses and problems with authorities. The legal age for drinking is 18 years but is rarely enforced. Individuals 16 years of age or older can be tried as adults. Alcohol is a factor in the vast majority of arrests, accidents, violent crimes, rapes, and deaths suffered on Spring Break.

The following can get you arrested: disturbing the peace, lewd or indecent behavior, littering, driving under the influence, drinking in public, using public transportation without payment, and making obscene or insulting remarks.

7. Be aware that even legal drugs can get you into trouble.

If you take prescribed controlled substances, such as narcotic pain medication or tranquilizers, carry an explanatory letter from your physician. Possession without substantiation can lead to imprisonment.

While many prescription drugs are available for the asking at Mexican drugstores, possession of them can cause problems if you are searched for another offense. The Mexican list of controlled medications differs from that of the U.S and Mexican laws concerning controlled medication are unclear and often enforced selectively.

Don’t buy large quantities of medications to take home, even if you have a prescription from a Mexican or American physician to obtain them. Travelers have been arrested after buying medications or have had money extorted by criminals impersonating police officers. Those arrested were detained for 48 hours. Detainees may be asked for bribes or are solicited by attorneys who demand large fees to secure their release. Also, an estimated 25 percent of medications available in Mexico are counterfeit and substandard.

8. Know the hazards of driving in Mexico.

Consult with a Mexican consulate in the U.S. regarding license, insurance issues, and summoning help. Individuals involved in accidents are taken into police custody regardless of guilt, and may be denied departing the country even if in need of life-saving medical treatment.

Many roads are poorly constructed. Drivers often do not obey speed limits or red lights, and pass irresponsibly. Driving at night is dangerous. Use only licensed taxis.

9. Pay attention to waterfront hazards.

Waterfront mishaps are second to motor vehicles as causes of serious injuries. Individuals should heed warning flags on beaches: black or red mean stay out of the water. Strong undertow and rough surf are common, especially on the Pacific coast. Travelers should not swim without lifeguards present.

10. Monitor the State Department’s Internet web site for the latest security information.

Go to http://travel.state.gov for current security information: Worldwide Caution Travel Alert, Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts.

The U.S. Embassy is located in Mexico City at Paseo de la Reforma 305, Colonia Cuauhtemoc.

Telephone from the United States: 011-52-55-5080-2000; local telephone within Mexico City: 5080-2000; long distance telephone within Mexico: 01-55-5080-2000.

You may also contact the Embassy by e-mail at: ccs@usembassy.net.mx.

The Embassy’s Internet address is http://www.usembassy-mexico.gov/.

Posted in Destinations No Comments »
Tags: Controlled substances, Driving, Hepatitis, Medications, Vacation, Vaccine