Beach Restrictions Will Be Enforced for Louisiana Spring Breakers

In a little less than two weeks students from LSU in Baton Rouge will be taking off for the college ritual that is known as Spring Break. Students who attend classes in Lafayette at the University of Louisiana and in Lake Charles at McNeese State will have to wait a little longer for their time at the beach. Spring Break for those schools doesn't start until April 18th, while at LSU in Baton Rouge, the break from coursework begins on March 31st.

For many students and families too taking a break from classroom studies means a chance to get away for a few days. For a lot of Louisiana residents that means a trip to the beach. And while many of the beaches along the Redneck Riviera are primed and ready to receive visitors those with travel plans that are a little more adventurous will want to know about the latest advisories from the United States Department of State. 

Spring Break Restrictions In Place for Gulf Shores

As of March 1, there is a ban on consuming alcohol on the beaches that are in the city limits of Gulf Shores Alabama. Law enforcement will be on the lookout for those violating the ban which is in place through April 28.

Spring Break Restrictions in Place for Pensacola Beach

In Pensacola Beach, there are also alcohol restrictions but they are not as extensive as those in Gulf Shores. Alcohol is permitted on Pensacola Beach except for the designated area near the Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier.

You should also know that motorized vehicles, generators, fires, and loud music are not permitted on the beach. The noise ordinance is also being enforced along major roadways in the Pensacola area.

Spring Break Restrictions at Fort Walton Beach

They are similar to those being enforced at Pensacola Beach. In both cases the use of glass containers on the beach is not allowed. And there are implications for underage drinking and public drunkenness as well.  You're not allowed to drive on the beach and if you're putting up a tent it can't be larger than 10x10.

Spring Break Restrictions at Navarre Beach

Again, very similar to Fort Walton and Pensacola. There is no overnight camping allowed on Navarre Beach as well as restrictions on fires and pets. You should note that consumption of alcohol while allowed at Pensacola and Fort Walton is not allowed on Navarre Beach.

State Department Issues Travel Advisories for Popular Beach Destinations in the Caribbean and Mexico

According to those advisories, many destinations popular with American travelers are not safe for travel. If your Spring Break plans include travel to Mexico, you might want to reconsider since many popular beach destinations have recommendations to "exercise extreme caution". Those destinations include Cancun and Cabo San Lucas.

And if you had plans to visit the Pacific resort town of Puerto Vallarta you're being advised to reconsider going at all. In each case, the threat of crime and kidnapping are the greatest threats posed to American travelers.

Jamaica, another popular Spring Break spot now has a Level 3 advisory from the U.S. Department of State. The homicide rate in Jamaica is among the highest in the Western Hemisphere and even travel in and around the resort areas could be compromised by criminal activity.

The threat level for the Islands of the Bahamas has been reduced back to Level 2 but vacationers are still being advised that because of crime in the trendy tourist areas to keep their heads on a swivel and expect trouble. Robbery and sexual assault are mentioned as some of the most common crimes committed against tourists there.

The Dominican Republic also carries a Level 2 threat for travelers this spring. Violent crimes such as robbery, homicide, and sexual assault are on the increase in that island nation as well. So if you do travel there plan to stay inside your resort and make sure your transfers to and from the airport have been thoroughly vetted.