Spring Break 2024: When Ohio's major universities, colleges go on break, travel warnings issued

Here comes the sun: Spring Break season is approaching.

From Mexico to Florida, spring breakers at major universities and colleges across Ohio will soon flood a host of tropical destinations this March and April despite travel warnings from U.S. Embassies in Mexico.

Looking to dodge the spring break crowds this spring? Here are the dates to avoid, when Ohio's major universities are going on spring break.

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When do Ohio's universities, colleges go on Spring Break?

Here's when some Ohio colleges and universities go on its 2024 spring break, according to the respective 2023-24 academic calendar.

• Baldwin Wallace University: March 2-10.
• Bowling Green State University: March 4-8.
• Cleveland State University: March 11-17.
• Denison University: March 11-15.
• Kent State University: March 25-31.
• Kenyon College: March 2-16.
• Miami University: March 25-31.
• Oberlin College: March 23-31.
• Ohio State University: March 11-15.
• Ohio University: March 10-16.
• The University of Akron: March 25-31.
• The University of Toledo: March 4-8.
• University of Cincinnati: March 11-17.
• University of Dayton: February 21-26.
• Xavier University: March 4-8.

U.S. issues spring break travel warning

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico has issued a spring break travel warning for Americans planning to visit the country. The message posted on Monday highlighted a range of potential safety threats in the popular destination, like crime.

“U.S. citizens should exercise increased caution in the downtown areas of popular spring break locations including Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum, especially after dark,” the advisory said, though it noted that crime can occur anywhere in Mexico. The U.S. State Department's travel advisory for the country notes various warning levels for different states, ranging from Level 1 (“exercise normal precautions") through 4 (“do not travel”).

The message also warned of other potential hazards like unregulated alcohol and pharmaceuticals. “Unregulated alcohol may be contaminated, and U.S. citizens have reported losing consciousness or becoming injured after consuming alcohol that was possibly tainted,” the advisory said. 

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The U.S. Embassy and Consulates noted that counterfeit medication is “common” and could be ineffective or an incorrect strength. Those products may also have dangerous ingredients.

The advisory warned of drowning and high private hospital prices, as well, among other risks. The message urged travelers to take precautions like keeping an eye on their drinks; staying with a group of friends in bars and clubs, while walking in dark areas or in taxis at night; and letting family and friends know about their travel plans.

Despite the warning, however, it noted that “the vast majority” of U.S. citizens visiting Mexico at spring break each year do so safely.

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