Spring break in Mexico brings risks, experts say

Hundreds of Arizona college students will cross the border this weekend to begin spring break in Mexico. An online group titled "spring break 2008" on Facebook.com includes information about various Mexican destinations, and about 800 members have already joined.

Other Facebook groups made for Arizona State University students traveling across the border vary in size from 63 members to more than 300 members.

With so many students traveling to Mexico, travel experts say being prepared is the essential part of having a safe spring break.

"Because of its proximity to Arizona, many travelers headed to Mexico fail to remember that when they cross they border, they are subject to Mexican law," AAA Arizona spokeswoman Linda Gorman said.

Michelle Donati, another AAA Arizona spokesman, said students should make sure they take original passports or birth certificates, as well as a government-issued photo ID. For people under the age of 19, only a passport or birth certificate is required, she said.

Purchasing Mexican auto insurance is also important for students planning on driving into the country, she said.

"If a collision occurs, Mexican auto policy is the only form of insurance the authorities will accept," Donati said. "If you cannot provide Mexico auto insurance, you could be arrested and sent to jail."

Jacob Preble, an Enterprise Rent-a-Car employee who attended ASU, said Enterprise has a mandatory Mexican insurance policy for renters who plan to take their vehicles south of the border. Preble said the policy covers up to $1 million in damages and is about $10 cheaper than the insurance offered at the border.

Preble said he took several spring break trips to Mexico while in college. He said bringing along bribe money when going out at nights is an important way to avoid jail time when coming in contact with police.

He said he was walking back from a bar one night when police pulled him to the side of the road and told him to empty his pockets.

"There was $40 in my pockets," he said. "They took it. They also took my friend's cell phone and another one of my friend's driver's license."

Ana Field, an ASU freshman, said she will travel to Mexico for the first time next week. She said her relatives were arrested once in Mexico and had to use bribe money to buy their freedom.

Field, who will travel to Cancun, said she believes that being aware of her surroundings will be the key to staying safe.

Kellie Edwardsen, an ASU junior, said she has traveled to Mexico during her past two spring breaks. She said it is important to "not draw attention on yourself."

Her advice to female students: "Dress like you're going to the beach, not like you're going to party at a club in Scottsdale."

When the trip comes to an end, Donati said students should be sure to pick their return day and time carefully. According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, peak wait times at the border are Sundays and Mondays between noon and 7 p.m. Arriving at the border before 9 a.m. or after 9 p.m. will reduce delays.

Spring break tips

Precautions for spring break travelers in Mexico:

- Pack smart. Leave valuables at home.

- Leave a copy of your itinerary with friends or family at home.

- Bring and hide copies of important documents.

- Drive carefully. Speed limits are in kilometers.

- Use caution when renting jet skis and all-terrain vehicles. You could be arrested if the vehicle is not fully insured and you cause damage to the vehicle or injure someone.

SOURCE: AAA Arizona