When one imagines a tourist hotspot, what generally comes to mind is a place of safety and luxury. Unfortunately, a couple hotspots don’t live up to both standards—one of those being Mexico. Despite the known danger to tourists from drug cartels, prison breaks, and tourist deaths, Mexico has become increasingly popular for vacations.

In 2002, Mexico had approximately 19.6 million inbound flights, compared to approximately 22,250,000 in 2010, with its spike of approximately 22.55 million in 2008. The growth may be due to the packages offered by many companies and travel services becoming more accessible. Enrique Peña Nieto was elected into office and took necessary steps to make Mexico safer so that traveling to Mexico became more appealing to tourists.

However safe and lively Mexico is thought to be, that is contradicted by all the deaths caused by drug violence. On December 21, 2011, half a family was killed when their bus was attacked by a drug cartel, and, not long after, on January 3, 2012, a man was shot and killed during an invasion of his hotel room.

There have been perennial travel warnings on Mexico issued by the United States government since 2008. The United States government has even created a page on it to advise travelers before they journey to Mexico.

“I would go [to Mexico] only if more of Mexico’s dangerous problems [had] been solved, including the drug cartels,” said freshman Aaron Zhang.

Students of Seminole find Mexico not only dangerous but find the travel warnings necessary, too.

Junior Isaiah Wilson said, “I think the travel warning on Mexico is important because the Mexicans [can be] dangerous.”

Some countries, like Canada, have claimed Mexico is safe, but the multiple prison breaks and drug busts have shown otherwise. In June of 2011 there was a major prison break of 140 inmates, followed by another break in September 2011 that freed about 60 inmates. Late that November 132 inmates escaped from a prison. This leaves hundreds of former convicts on the loose in Mexico, which makes it anything but safe for tourists.

Freshman Anila Mehdihassan said, “I think [travel to Mexico] is not safe and that people should search for a more efficient way to secure prisoners in jail. I think people should travel more warily and be cautious of who they associate with when in Mexico.”

Although many deaths in Mexico can be contributed to violence over drugs, some tourists die from ordinary causes too such as tidal waves, falling off balconies, etc. In any light, Mexico can be a dangerous place and those traveling to Mexico are advised to be extremely cautious when there.