During their spring break trip, American college students were confronted with guns pointed at them and were presented with three options.

During their long-awaited spring break in Cancún, Mexico, three college students' dream vacation turned into a nightmare when they were robbed at gunpoint at their beachfront hotel.

An unidentified father of a Florida State University student recounted to Planet Chronicle Digital how his 20-year-old daughter's spring break trip to Ocean Dream Cancun by Guru Hotel turned into a nightmare.

"Before they went, I researched it and found it to be a safe place. They didn't venture into the inner city."

On the first day of their beach trip, his daughter and her two companions were confronted by four individuals brandishing rifles.

Two of the individuals were dressed in camo gear, while the other two were dressed in Mexican police gear, as the father explained.

Three girls were accused of trespassing by four individuals who pointed rifles at them and presented them with three options.

"The father told his daughter that she could either leave the country by going to the airport or go to jail, which would not be comfortable. Alternatively, she could each give them $300."

The girls chose the third option, turning over $900.

One of the girls was permitted by the armed robbers to return to their hotel room and retrieve the money.

After they were let go, the girls were shaken by the experience.

They were scared. They had rifles in their faces. — Father of Florida State University student

"He said, "They were scared because they had rifles in their faces.""

The students reported that they conversed with other spring breakers who experienced similar events.

"The father remarked, "I believe that occurs frequently there since they observed American children checking in and knew they possessed funds.""

"They saw American kids checking in, and they know they have money." — FSU student's father

A former FBI special agent and Planet Chronicle contributor, Nicole Parker, stated that this story is relatable to many spring breakers and families visiting the white-sand beaches and crystal-blue waters in Mexico.

"Parker remarked that this is a typical story, the students were seeking enjoyment, but then it took a turn. It's noteworthy that others at the hotel had similar experiences."

"Just be very, very aware," she added.

Before traveling to Mexico, Americans should take safety precautions, advised former FBI special agents.

"Parker advised that travelers should follow the travel advisories issued by the State Department at state.gov and enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program when traveling outside the continental U.S. If a travel advisory is strongly worded but doesn't say "Do Not Travel," then travelers should heed the warning and understand that various factors go into that warning. If the advisory says "Do Not Travel" or "Reconsider Travel," then travelers should not go and if they do not heed the warning, they should have travel insurance such as emergency medical evacuation."

It is advised by Parker that individuals traveling to Mexico should investigate the resort or hotel they will be staying at and determine the location of the nearest U.S. consulate.

If you are a USA citizen and experience a crime overseas, promptly contact the nearest USA consulate and report the incident to the FBI at fbi.gov or 800-CALL-FBI. The FBI has extraterritorial squads and Legal Attaches (Legats) worldwide that can assist the host nation in conducting investigations.

""I always advise people to research their destinations before traveling," Parker said."

In March, spring breakers received a warning from the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico.

Mexico experiences a high rate of violent crimes, including homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery.

The warning outlined 10 potential dangers, some of which are not related to violence, such as drowning, immigration, and medical emergencies.

Here are the specific travel advisories issued by the U.S. State Department for Mexican states and cities.

The U.S. State Department, the Mexican embassy in the U.S., and Ocean Dream Cancun by Guru Hotel have been contacted by Planet Chronicle for comment.