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PHOENIX - AAA Arizona is offering travel tips for those spending spring break in Mexico.

The U.S. Department of State recently renewed its travel alert for Mexico, citing increased violence in areas such as Michoacán, Durango, Coahuila and Chihuahua.

The alert does not include Sonora, which is home to Rocky Point.

Last year, more than 100,000 Americans traveled to Mexico for spring break, according to the U.S. Department of State.

AAA offers the following tips to travelers:

Be prepared for new passport requirement laws. U.S. citizens are now required to present a passport book, or a passport card to gain re-entry into the U.S. Children under age 16 will be able to continue crossing land and sea borders using only a U.S. birth certificate (or other form of U.S. citizenship such as a naturalization certificate).

If driving, buy Mexico auto insurance. U.S. auto insurance is not valid in Mexico; though some companies extend their coverage a certain number of miles from the border, Mexican officials will not recognize this. If a collision occurs, a Mexico auto policy is the only form of insurance the authorities will accept as evidence of financial responsibility. If you cannot provide this, you could be arrested and jailed. Motorists interested in purchasing Mexico auto insurance can do so at any AAA branch office or by visiting http://www.aaaaz.com/insurance/mexico.htm.

Bring copies of important documents. Make copies of your passport, birth certificate, driver's license and travel itinerary and store them separate from originals. Leave copies of these documents with a friend or family member at home. Your itinerary should also include approximate arrival and departure times as well as destination information so a trusted friend or family member will know where and when you are expected home and how to get a hold of you in case of an emergency.

Know U.S. Embassy and Consulate information. Make sure you have U.S. Consulate and/or embassy contact information for the area you are traveling to in case you need help. These agencies are available to provide emergency assistance to U.S. citizens.

Check your international medical coverage. U.S. medical insurance is not usually accepted internationally. Uninsured medical expenses can be costly, especially outside the U.S. Consider purchasing a short-term travel insurance plan before you go to cover any medical emergencies that may arise. If you become seriously ill or injured, notify the U.S. Consulate immediately. Travelers interested in purchasing short-term medical insurance can do so at any AAA branch office or by visiting http://www.aaaaz.com/insurance/travelmedical.htm.

Know the laws. In Mexico, you are assumed guilty until proven innocent. This means that if you are arrested for any reason, you may be jailed until you can prove your innocence. For this reason, obey all laws in Mexico including traffic laws.

Take precautions against being a victim of crime. Stay with your party at all times and avoid sharing your travel itinerary with people you meet on vacation. Always ask your hotel, resort or restaurant to call an authorized taxi for you, rather than hailing one yourself. Leave valuables and expensive jewelry at home.

Consider using credit. Credit cards can be safer than carrying cash when traveling, as many cards offer protection against theft, a perk that cash or a debit card does not provide. However, be sure to notify your credit card company that you will be using your card abroad and be sure to have the company's international phone number in case of a lost or stolen card.

Use caution when renting recreational vehicles, such as jet skis and ATVs. These may be uninsured, underinsured or not covered by your personal insurance. Read rental contracts carefully. If you incur damage to other vehicles or people while operating a rented vehicle, you could be arrested until restitution is made.

Choose your return day and time carefully. According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, peak wait times at the border are Sundays and Mondays between noon and 7:00 p.m. Avoid returning on these days and arrive at the border before 9:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m. to reduce delays. Be prepared with all required documents before approaching border patrol agents.