| | |  Travel & Outdoors | March 2009 
Some Concerned About Mexico Travel Amid Violence Reporting
 Vince Gerasole - CBS
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| | Surging drug violence in Mexico is forcing a lot of college students to think twice about the wisdom of celebrating spring break across the border. CBS 2's Vince Gerasole reports. | |
Surging drug violence in Mexico is forcing a lot of college students to think twice about the wisdom of celebrating spring break across the border.
What's risky depends on the destination. Border towns are a concern, but Mexico's beaches still remain popular and apparently safe for spring break. Still, the very thought of travel concerns anywhere in the country is forcing some to think twice before heading anywhere South of the border.
It's a week away from spring break at Northwestern - but for some fraternity brothers, vacation won't be what they expected.
"There was actually a group of us planning to go to Mexico," sophomore Sean Soderstrom said. "Mexico traditionally is sort of the place to be, and I have to settle for the Caribbean. I know it sounds spoiled on my part but I would have liked to go to Mexico with my friends."
"It was more of we're not going because of the situation - it's too dangerous," freshman Nathaniel Harley said.
With their warm temperatures, sand and surf, Mexico's beaches have been calling to tourists and fun-seeking spring breakers for decades.
But this year, Mexico's five major drug cartels are at war along the border with the U.S., and the State Department has issued a safety alert for Americans to be on their guard when traveling to the area.
"Of course, it is impacting the perception out there for people," Rodrigo Esponda of the Mexico Tourism Board said.
Esponda admits it's creating a bit of a public relations dilemma. He points out the alert concerns boarder areas, but troubled towns like Juarez are 2,000 miles from the beaches of Cancun. Tijuana is 1,000 from the waters of Mexico's southern Baja Peninsula.
In fact, because of an extremely favorable exchange rate, U.S. travel firms report bookings to Mexico remain equal to last year's levels in spite of the economy.
"People who have been to Mexico know this is a complete misconception," Esponda said.
As it reinforces its tourism marketing, Mexico is now collecting testimonials from recent visitors about the safety of their trip. Students like Russell Taff say after weighing the pros and cons, they're still headed to Mexico for spring break.
"I am looking to relax and hang out at the beach with my friends," the freshman said.
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is traveling to Mexico later this month to show support for the country's drug crackdown. Critics also say it's intended to underscore the Obama administration's belief most Mexican travel remains safe. |
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