Spring break is often a time for college students to travel, relax, and have fun with friends. Whether it's traveling to the beach, overseas, or on an alternative spring break trip, having fun with friends is what spring break is typically about.
There are several things, however, that college students should keep in mind in order to stay safe on spring break. Potentially dangerous situations can range from severe sunburn to theft and even worse situations, so college students on spring break vacations should be careful while traveling.
Travel Precautions and Safety While on Spring Break
Any kind of travel, whether it is between classes or to another country, has an inherent risk. However, travel risks while on vacation or traveling abroad can make a situation dangerous in a short amount of time.
Safespringbreak.org recommends making copies of important travel documents and financial documents, such as credit cards, and leaving copies of these documents at home with parents or a trusted adult that can be contacted in case of an emergency. Leaving copies of these documents at home can help a student's consulate, embassy, or financial institution in case of an emergency:
- passport and/or citizenship documentation
- visa
- driver's license
- credit and/or debit cards
- immunization records (if special immunizations are required for entry to the destination's country)
- itineraries
- contact information for travel agent, tour operator, cruise line, hotel, airline, and any other accommodations, such as rental car companies
Smarter Travel also recommends that students traveling abroad for spring break should also know where the closest consulate or embassy is for their country of citizenship, as well as be able to speak a couple of important phrases in the native language of the student's destination. Phrases such as "help," "stop," "I need a doctor," "police," and "telephone" may prove to be helpful in an emergency.
The United States Department of State also has a wealth of resources for students looking to travel abroad on spring break, including information on health and terrorism alerts, travel documentation, immunization requirements, and information about specific countries that travelers - especially women - may need to know to be respectful of a native culture.
Staying Healthy While On Spring Break Vacation
Partying while on spring break is a common activity. However, it is important to use alcohol wisely and only party with people you know and trust. The United States Centers for Disease Control recommends only buying alcoholic drinks from a bartender and do not leave drinks unattended. If a student feels that his or her drink has been tampered with, discard it immediately.
Students should also watch their sun exposure while on spring break. While spending hours on a sunny beach is a welcome break from cold winter weather, spending too much time in the sun without appropriate sunscreen and clothing, such as sunglasses and a hat, can lead to sun poisoning and possibly skin cancer later in life.
Dehydration is also a potentially serious problem for students while on spring break. Spending a lot of time in the sun, consuming large amounts of alcohol, and not drinking enough water all lead to dehydration, which can become serious if not prevented or treated immediately. In order to stay properly hydrated, UCLA recommends that spring break travelers should make sure that they are drinking plenty of non-carbonated, non-alcoholic beverages throughout the day, and to consume water regularly, even if a student does not feel thirsty.
Avoid Property Theft While Traveling on Spring Break
When traveling, it may be tempting to take certain expensive items, such as computers or iPods, or carry a large amount of cash while on vacation.
However, theft is always an issue while traveling, especially while on spring break due to the large amount of people that are visiting popular spring break destinations. Smarter Travel recommends several ways to avoid property theft while traveling:
- Only book hotel rooms that come with a safe
- Keep important personal belongings, travel documents, and financial documents in the safe at all times
- Leave expensive or expensive-looking items at home
- Know where the key to the hotel room is at all times
- Only take transportation, such as taxis, that are registered and licensed
- Be aware of personal items such as purses and book bags at all times. Do not leave these items unattended.
The United States Department of State also has a listing of places to avoid while traveling, as well as information about local areas around popular tourist destinations.
Spring break is meant to be a fun and relaxing time for college students to get away from the demands of college life. However, spring break can become a stressful and dangerous time if students are not aware of their surroundings and practice safety precautions while traveling on spring break.
Sources
- "Country Specific Information" The U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs. Travel.state.gov, accessed 27 January 2011.
- Feltner, Molly. "Keeping safe on spring break." Smartertravel.com, published 19 July 2005, accessed 27 January 2011.
- "Spring Break 2011" The U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs. Travel.state.gov, accessed 27 January 2011.
- "Spring Break Health and Safety Tips" The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Cdc.gov, accessed 27 January 2011.
- "Spring Break Tips for Staying Safe and Healthy" University of California - Los Angeles Lifeskills Listserv, Ucla.edu, published March 2007, accessed 27 January 2011.
- "Welcome to Safespringbreak.org" Safespringbreak.org, accessed 27 January 2011.
Ashley Anderson - Ashley is an Ohio-based writer and editor with specializations in higher education, writing, and social activism.
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