It’s always important to be informed when you travel- especially if you are planning on travelling internationally. Below is an important message from the US State Department. Please take a minute to read. This is especially relevant as we approach Spring Break season and many college students flock to Mexico every year to wind down before finals.

MEXICO CITY (AP) — The U.S. State Department has renewed a travel advisory warning Americans about an increase in violence along the U.S.-Mexico border.

The alert does not recommend staying away from the country or any particular part of it, but advises American to stay away from prostitution and drug-dealing areas.

It recommends visiting only legitimate business and tourist areas.

The alert issued Friday says violent crime is particularly worrisome along the U.S.-Mexico border, where automatic weapons and grenades have been used in clashes between police and drug traffickers.

More than 6,000 people were killed in drug violence in Mexico last year.

When I think about spring break vacations I think of crazed and drunken college students heading south. In the east, Florida and Cancun are major spring break hubs and in the west it seems Cabo San Lucas is the big winner. But what about families who have interest of taking their kids on a family friendly, not so R-rated vacation? CNN actually has some great suggestions for you including DisneyWorld, cruises, the Grand Canyon, and Park City- all offering deep discounts. Check out the article here.

Even if you aren’t a college student- why not plan a spring break adventure of your own? Take Friday and/or Monday off and take a quick get-away trip and experience something new. Don’t you owe it to yourself? It’ll be a nice break even if you aren’t stressing about finals. Where are you itching to vacation to?