First off, remain calm. Everything’s going to be okay. Now that we have your attention, read on…

Spring Break’s around the corner and the U.S. State Department has issued a Travel Alert for U.S. citizens traveling and living in Mexico (view the notice here). Make note it’s a Travel Alert and not a Travel Warning but should still be taken seriously. This Travel Alert was issued in February 2009 due to the escalating violence in northern Mexico along the U.S. border although the U.S. State Department reports U.S. citizens have been kidnapped from across Mexico.

If you’re planning a vacation to popular Mexican destinations as Acapulco, Cancun, Cozumel, or Puerto Vallarta, there’s no need to be afraid, just be cautious, exercise common sense, and enjoy the moment. It’s tempting to do dumb things during Spring Break but remember to enjoy everything in moderation ranging from tequila-filled margaritas to beach time in the sun (keep the sunscreen lathered).

Other useful tips include staying in tourist-friendly areas, dress moderately – leave the bling and expensive gadgets at home, don’t do anything illegal (again, exercise common sense), and avoid drinking the tap water! Remember, soda from the fountain and ice cubes are most likely made from ordinary tap water. Be sure to pack Imodium or the trip. Importantly, do as your mother says and avoid dark alleys.

Also, brush up on a little Spanish before the trip. Although Cancun, Cozumel, et al, are popular with Canadians and Americans so English is spoken, speaking at least some of the language shows respect to the host country. LearnSpanishFeelGood.com offers good basic Spanish phrases for travelers.

No matter where traveling in the world there’s always an element of risk. When traveling to Mexico for Spring Break this year, use your common sense to have a positively memorable trip. Check out the U.S. State Department’s “Spring Break in Mexico: Know Before You Go” article for tips on what to expect.