A officials want students to abandon any spring-break party plans that include Mexico. A strongly worded statement by the Dean of Students Office cites a U.S. State Department travel advisory in urging students to skip heading south of the border when the weeklong break begins next month.

Over 100,000 American teenagers and young adults travel to resort areas throughout Mexico over Spring Break each year.  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. Using some common sense will help travelers avoid these unpleasant and dangerous situations.

Universities that warn students of violence in Mexico are providing "sage advice," said Special Agent Tom Mangan, a spokesman for the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. "We have had documented violence, attacks, killings, shootouts with the drug cartels involving not only the military but law-enforcement personnel," he said. "It is indiscriminate violence, and certainly innocent people have been caught up in that collateral damage."

Staying in the States for Spring Break 2009, in destinations like Panama City Beach, will provide a fun, safe, atmosphere.  These towns are prepared for Spring Breakers and make sure that the Police Department is adequately staffed during the peak time in March allowing for plenty of patrol to help keep breakers safe.