Spring break is a time to relax and have fun. Follow these tips to have a safe and memorable trip.
After months of exams, research papers and group projects, spring break is an opportunity to relax and have fun. Don't let bad judgment and peer pressure ruin your vacation. By being adequately prepared and using a little common sense, you can have a safe (and fun!) trip.
Spring break is known for excessive drinking and partying, but if you're not careful, you could end up in a dangerous situation. Know your alcohol limit and have a pre-set limit for alcohol consumption. The stress of peer pressure can make having a pre-set limit tough, but saying no can prevent alcohol poisoning and keep you from putting yourself or your friends in a dangerous situation. If you are drinking, don't drive. Talk to your friends ahead of time about a designated driver.
Use good judgment when staying at a hotel. Never let strangers into your room and keep your door locked. If an unexpected hotel employee requests entry to your room, call the front desk to confirm before granting access. You should leave valuables at home, but if you decide to bring expensive jewelry or electronics, don't keep them in the hotel room. Ask a hotel employee about a lock box to store the items. When going out, keep your wallet and ID cards in an inside jacket pocket.
If you plan on spending lazy days at the beach, make sure to wear sunscreen. By applying SPF 45 you will be protecting yourself from skin cancer and ensuring that you don't spend the rest of your vacation looking like a lobster. If you're going to be in the sun for extended periods of time, drink lots of water to keep yourself hydrated. Avoid carbonated or sugary beverages.
Many popular spring break destinations, such as Cancun and Daytona Beach, are filled with fellow college students and it can be difficult to see the dangers surrounding you. Never go anywhere alone, especially with a stranger. Alcohol loosens inhibitions, and makes people more susceptible to being a victim or perpetrator of violence. To minimize the risk, stay with a group of trusted friends and make it a point to look after one another. Never leave your drink unattended and never accept an open drink from a stranger.
If you are traveling outside of the country, do your homework. Find out if there are any special precautions you need to be aware of before you leave. If you are going to Mexico, for example, be aware of what you eat and drink. Stick to hot, well-cooked foods and carbonated beverages. Even bottled water can increase your chances of getting diarrhea from a parasite or virus. If you are concerned about contracting a virus while abroad, visit a travel clinic before you leave. Often they will give you a travel prescription and offer helpful tips on staying healthy.
It's also important to remember that foreign laws might be different. Items and behaviors legal at home could get you arrested abroad. Respect the local culture and its laws. Being a spring break tourist does not give you permission to run wild. Nothing will ruin your spring break faster than ending up in a foreign prison.
Your most important spring break tool is your common sense. Follow your gut instinct when it comes to issues of safety. If your friends are wondering into an isolated and unfamiliar area, speak up. By being aware of your surroundings and making safety a priority, you and your friends will have a fun, memorable spring break. Don't forget to take pictures!
