Mark Schlachtenhaufen
The Edmond Sun
OKLA. CITY — Mention of the words “Spring Break” conjures up images of tan college students partying on beaches or in night clubs.
As spring and summer breaks approach, many Edmond residents are preparing for trips abroad.
Janny Toma, a client service representative with Edmond’s Nichols Travel, said she has been extremely busy helping customers with travel arrangements leading up to the annual week of sun and fun. Toma said she has served families and students, who are going to places like the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands and San Juan, Puerto Rico.
They are also going to hot spots in Mexico such as Puerto Vallarta, Cancun and Riviera Maya, Toma said.
Most Americans traveling abroad will have safe and enjoyable adventures. However, even with the best-planned trips, things can go wrong.
Each year, more than 2,500 American citizens are arrested abroad — about half on narcotics charges, including possession of very small amounts of illegal substances, according to the State Department.
Disturbing the peace, lewd or indecent behavior, littering, driving under the influence, drinking on the street or on public transportation, using public transportation without payment or making obscene or insulting remarks are all considered criminal activities by Mexican authorities, according to the State Department.
Mark Woodward, spokesman for the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, said travelers to the Mexican border should be especially aware of safety and security concerns due to increased violence in recent years between rival drug trafficking gangs competing for control of narcotics smuggling routes.
Woodward urged travelers to Mexico to stick to the established itinerary and to stick together.
“Individuals by themselves can be a target,” he said.
Sometimes, individuals will approach Americans and offer them a tidy sum to transport a package across the border.
But that package might contain illegal drugs, Woodward said. The importation, purchase, possession or use of drugs can incur severe penalties, including imprisonment without bail for up to a year before a case is tried, and imprisonment of several years following a conviction. And individuals 16 years of age or older are tried as adults.
For more information about traveling abroad, visit travel.state.gov.
FLIPSIDE PROJECT
While some college students will be heading to a beach, others will be staying home.
Some University of Central Oklahoma students are gearing up to make a difference during their time off by volunteering from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 15-17 at the Oklahoma City Rescue Mission during the Flipside Project.
Offered by UCO’s Office of Commuter Student Services, Flipside Project is an annual service project that gives students who cannot leave the metro area for Spring Break a unique opportunity to give back to their local community instead.
Nathan Box, coordinator for UCO’s Commuter Student Services, said he believes individuals have a responsibility to help those less fortunate.
“Our students really understand this concept and have a contagious desire to change the world,” Box said.
Other UCO students and staff will travel to Dallas March 15-19 as part of the university’s “Alternative Spring Break” to work with Gilda’s Club and The Ronald McDonald House, two nonprofit organizations that provide support for ill patients and their families and friends.
Highlighted activities for the week include everything from putting together a kids’ camp to beginning an organic garden to cooking meals.
marks@edmondsun.com | 341-2121, ext. 108
THE DETAILS
SPRING BREAK ADVICE
The State Department offers the following tips for students traveling during Spring Break:
Avoid underage and excessive alcohol consumption
Don’t import, purchase, use or have drugs in your possession
Obey local laws
Take warning flags on beaches seriously
Only use licensed and regulated taxis
Do not carry weapons
Avoid participating in demonstrations and other political activities
Be conscientious; be aware of surroundings, and take general precautions
If you find yourself in a legal jam, contact the closest U.S. embassy or consulate for assistance. Keep in mind, U.S. consular employees cannot arrange for local officials to release detained American citizens.
