With spring break right around the corner, it’s time to start packing your bathing suits, sunglasses, towels, and flip flops! I’m sure most college students are expecting to have one of the best weeks of their lives on spring break, which very well might be true. But before you jet off to Cancun, the Bahamas, or wherever else you may be going, you should make sure you know how to protect yourself and stay safe during your vacation first.
Being in an unfamiliar city or country can be tons of fun: new people, nice weather, amazing food, and lots of drinks. Enjoying your vacation is a must, but that can only happen if you’re smart about your safety during your trip. So, take a look at these quick spring break safety tips before you leave to soak up the sun!
1. Know where your travel documents are at all times
You might think because classes are done until you get back, you don’t have to think about being organized or responsible. If you’re traveling out of the country you are going to need to keep track of your passport, license, and any other documents you may need. Make copies of your passport to carry around with you, and scan a copy as well to email to yourself in case you lose the copies.
Having copies of your passport can help you if your purse gets stolen or if you get separated from the group. It would also be a good idea to leave your flight information, hotel details, and phone numbers of your friends with your parents.
2. Use the buddy system
It might sound cliche, but you really should never be alone in a foreign country, especially at night. Stay with your group of friends! The whole point of spring break is to enjoy each others’ company, anyway, right? Also, you should make a conscious effort to communicate your plans to the whole group. If your big group splits up into smaller groups, decide on a place to meet in case someone in your group gets separated. This is crucial because most of the time, it’s hard to use your cell phone in a different country, and you aren’t always going to have wifi.
3. Pack sunscreen
The sun is most likely a lot stronger than what you are used to at home, so just be careful when it comes to protecting yourself. You won’t have any fun on spring break if you’re spending your trip applying aloe to your burning red sunburn! Water-resistant sunscreen is a good idea in case you go in the pool or ocean.
4. Try not to leave the resort
If you’re traveling outside of the country, you should stay on the resort at all times, especially at night. Many of these vacation spots are located in dangerous areas once you step outside the resort. Especially if you are unfamiliar with the country, you shouldn’t do it. The resort has all you can ask for anyway, such as bars, pools, and beaches! But if you feel like you absolutely have to leave the resort for whatever reason, tell the front desk you are leaving, and let them know where you are going. DO NOT go alone!
5. Do not put your drink down
You never know what people are capable of. If you do put your drink down, it is safer to just get a new one and leave the old one there. Also, try to pace yourself! Alcohol mixed with the heat can dehydrate you, so be careful and aware.
6. Be aware
Make sure you’re not leaving your purse or any belongings lying around on the beach or by the pool if you’re not going to stay in that same spot. Definitely leave your designer bags and expensive jewelry at home!
7. Have fun!
As long as you’re conscious about your safety, you shouldn’t get yourself into too much trouble. Although you should be responsible, it’s possible to still have the time of your life on your spring break. You’re only in college once, so enjoy it!
Remember, a fun spring break starts with a safe trip! Start your spring break 2015 preps now with Travefy’s awesome travel planner. And don’t forget to add to the conversation: what are your top travel safety tricks?