UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The U.S. Department of State has recently increased its messaging warning travelers of increased crime and violence in certain countries that include popular spring break destinations like Cancun, Tulum, Jamaica, the Bahamas and others. Recent incidents highlight the importance of being informed during travel and approaching travels with caution.
“We are very excited that we have so many travelers over spring break, from students and faculty on short-term education abroad programs, to visits with international research partners, to those just traveling for vacation,” said Penn State Global Safety Director Mauricio Jimenez. “We just want Penn Staters to prioritize their well-being while abroad, regardless of their destination.”
While the U.S. Department of State hasn't altered its security advisories for these destinations, it is always appropriate to remain vigilant, said Jimenez.
Jimenez reminds all Penn Staters to keep these best practices in mind:
- Drink alcohol responsibly.
- Stay aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts.
- Stay hydrated.
- Stick to designated "hotel zones" and avoid secluded areas.
- Travel with a trusted friend or in groups.
- Keep valuable items discreet to avoid drawing unwanted attention.
- Respect personal boundaries and be cautious about sharing personal information.
- Maintain both digital and physical copies of essential documents.
- Note local emergency contacts, including international equivalents of "911."
- Research your destination thoroughly and plan your itinerary accordingly.
- Know the location of your home country's embassy/consulate and register for STEP.
During travels, there may be increased law enforcement or military presence. These measures are often implemented to ensure safety, said Jimenez, and should not overly be cause for concern.
“We hope everyone enjoys their spring break adventures,” added Jimenez.
All University-affiliated travel must be registered within the Global Safety Network. To register travel, visit gsn.psu.edu.
For more information about issues of safety while traveling, contact Global Safety at globalsafety@psu.edu.