The Texas government is advising college spring breakers to stay away from Mexico, due to increased levels of drug-related violence. “The Mexican government has made great strides battling the cartels, and we commend [its] continued commitment to making Mexico a safer place to live and visit,” says Steven McCraw, director for the Texas Department of Public Safety. “However, drug cartel violence and other criminal activity represent a significant safety threat, even in some resort areas.” While this news may be a bummer for college students looking for a little sun, sand and salacious nightlife, it’s easy to understand why Texas issued the warning. Popular party spots are often prime locales for drug dealers, and drug-related murders have skyrocketed lately. Nearly 13,000 narcotic-related deaths were reported in the country in 2011 alone. Not many of those deaths are Americans, of course, but that doesn’t necessarily translate to safety. In 2007, 35 Americans were murdered in Mexico. In 2011, 120 were. (ABC News)