With spring break fast approaching, many students plan to leave to go to sunnier places. Spring break hot spots in Florida, OBX, and others along the east coast start to prepare for the rush of people by implementing new and harsh rules. The US is warning travelers about going to Mexico, Jamaica and other international favorites.
Florida being one the most popular spring break pots has an estimated one million visitors during the break. Thousands of people go to Miami, Orlando, the Keys, and other destinations to soak up the sun. Because of all of the people, many cities are implementing rules to keep the locals and tourists safe. Last year, Miami Beach dealt with 2 shootings, leaving the city with heavy curfews and in a state of emergency. This year will be the 4th consecutive year of the city having to implement curfews. Along with the curfews, there will be extra police officers and stricter noise laws.
Jessica Fultz is traveling to Florida for spring break, and with the new restrictions being set in place, Fultz is interested about how they will affect her vacation. “I think the curfew is a good idea because it will help keep tourists and locals safe. I don’t think people will follow it. They went to Florida to have a good time, not to be restricted.”
Beaches in Virginia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Delaware also expect to get a lot of people. All of these locations are very popular during spring break but way more people come during the summer. They have stricter regulations during spring break though. Virginia Beach, Myrtle Beach, and OBX beaches will follow similar regulations for their beaches. They all have strict rules against fires and fireworks on the beach. As well as curfews on the beach and noise laws.
The US State Department has issued warnings about the busiest spring break locations like Jamaica, Bahamas and Mexico. In January, the State Department released and updated the level of travel in Jamaica, from 2 to 3. Dangerous crime, restricted access to medical necessities and reports of assault has made the Department up the danger level. Ports in the Bahamas like Nassu reported more gang violence and murders. There are also unregulated watercraft activities that lead to injuries and death. Quintana Roo is a popular state in Mexico which has reported an increase in kidnappings and crime. The State Department has Mexico as a level 3 for travel. It is recommended that tourists travel in the daytime and remain close to major cities, which has an increased police presence.
Sophomore Madison Seyfert, traveled to Cancun with her family in the summer of 2023 where she felt very safe. “For most of my trip, I felt safe and comfortable,” she said. While they mostly stayed within their hotel walls, there were occasions where they traveled to more popular tourist destinations. “I felt safe there too, the areas where we went felt secure and guarded,” Seyfert added. “I agree with the State Department (raising the level of danger in Cancun) because I know about some of the danger and violence. We ate at a restaurant where, across the street, there was a shooting a week earlier,” Seyfert said.
