Spring Break is coming up, and Mexico is an obvious destination for collegiate vacationers: it is wonderfully hot, relatively cheap, exotic and different, and sufficiently large to absorb the invasion of spring breakers without changing its character. And therefore it's important to note that in the latest State Department advisory about the dangers of traveling within several areas of drug-related conflict, four distinct and large sections of Mexico get a free pass: the State Department doesn't even mention them as places to avoid.
 
These are, first and foremost, Cancun and the Maya Riviera, including Tulum. No significant threats to the safety of tourists have been encountered or are presently feared in this favorite resort area of millions of yearly visitors.
 
Second, Cabo San Lucas at the southernmost tip of the Baja peninsula. West coast Americans can vacation there in safety.
 
Third, Mexico City and the colonial cities (San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato) reached by bus from the north bus station of the capital. A great many retired Americans continue to live there.
 
And finally, Puerto Vallarta and the adjoining Nayarit district. Those tourist-heavy resort areas have so far been spared any drug-related violence, and continue to be popular.
 
I must say that these omissions from the State Department's list of danger areas have been confirmed to me by numerous tourists who have gone to Cancun, Cabo san Lucas, Mexico City, and Puerto Vallarta. These recent travellers are usually strong in their opinions that Americans can continue to vacation safely in a country that has otherwise been badly affected by violence in other areas, especially near the border with the United States.