While going to Mexico over spring break may be somewhat risky, other vacation spots are more perilous:
Madagascar: It may have been a cute movie, but the U.S. Department of State recommends postponing all non-essential trips to the country at the moment as escalating civil unrest is putting the country in a volatile state. Due to political issues between supporters of the former mayor of the capital city of Antananarivo and Madagascar's government, violent political demonstrations, looting and arson rates have been increasing since January.
Nepal: The Young Communist League (YCL) has been continuously engaging in acts of extortion, abuse and threats of violence in rural areas. Violent demonstrations and terrorist attacks have decreased since the recent elections and transfer of power in the country, but crime rates in the Kathmandu Valley, notably harassment of women, have persisted and are continuing to rise.
The Philippines: A distant island getaway is an ideal option for students, but U.S. citizens are advised to stay away from Mindanao and the islands of the Sulu Archipelago, as regional terrorist groups have been carrying out car bombings and actively kidnapping foreigners for ransom. Travelers to these areas are advised to avoid assembling in public areas.
The Palestinian territories: The West Bank and Gaza are still on the list of unsafe travel destinations posted by the Department of State. Such a recommendation has existed since October 2003, and visitors are still warned to be cautious when visiting these areas. Because of a longstanding prohibition on travel for U.S. government employees to the strip, the consular staff is unable to offer much assistance to American travelers.
