Louisiana Spring Breakers Warned – Popular Spot Could Be Dangerous

(KMDL-FM) In a couple of weeks, students from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and McNeese State University will take some time away from their studies to enjoy a "spring break". For many of those students, the beach is a popular destination. But according to the United States Department of State, not all beaches are "the best choice" when it comes to safety.

READ MORE: Tourism Hot Spot Deemed Too Dangerous For Americans

The Department of State regularly monitors travel conditions worldwide so that American citizens won't find themselves in dangerous situations. As you might imagine, many of the countries in the Middle East are on the Do Not Travel list for obvious reasons.

And other destinations might not seem so dangerous, especially if all you've seen are the travel brochures and resort videos. But according to the Department of State, travel should be curtailed or done with extreme caution. Many destinations in Mexico, a popular spring break destination, come with this kind of caveat for travelers.

Gulf Coast Beach to Prohibit Alcohol

Closer to home, many of the popular beaches on The Gulf's Redneck Riviera have curtailed alcohol on the beach. In at least one case, a popular beach destination has closed a portion of the beach to spring breakers due to security concerns.

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Another popular option for not only college students but also families who take a spring break trip is a cruise. Many cruises leaving out of New Orleans or Galveston offer sailings to Mexico and other Caribbean destinations. One of those popular cruise stops is now the subject of an elevated travel advisory, according to the State Department.

READ MORE: How Healthy is Your Cruise Ship? See CDC Reports on Each Vessel

The Central American Nation of Belize is a popular spot for cruise guests and beach lovers alike. The beaches are beautiful, the jungles are lush, and the chances of you being robbed, sexually assaulted, and kidnapped are a lot higher than any guest would want them to be.

What Are the Dangers of Traveling to Belize for Spring Break?

Those possible threats and crimes against you have prompted the State Department to place Belize under a Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution advisory. Crime is the overarching reason for the advisory. Some parts of the country are listed as a Level 3 threat. Under that threat level, travelers are encouraged to "rethink their travel plans".

It's estimated that some 40,000 Americans visit Belize every year. Many of them will visit during spring break. If you have travel plans to that nation, make sure you're aware of the changing threat levels, and please consult the State Department Website for the latest travel advisories.

You could always travel someplace else that's a lot more interesting and a lot less dangerous.