Spring Break Safety Tips

Spring break can be super fun, but it can also be a recipe for disaster if you aren’t careful. A lot of people take this time to travel to new, exotic locations and party for a week in the sun. This is super fun and exciting, but it’s important to recognize the importance of being safe. There’s a lot of ways a fun moment can become dangerous really quickly, especially for a young girl. Here are some ways to be sure you have a fun and safe time this spring break!

Use the buddy system. Never, ever, ever travel alone, especially at night! I myself have broken this rule while traveling, and I understand that sometimes it’s just unavoidable. However, try to avoid it at all costs. If you’re going out with friends NEVER let someone walk home alone or go to the bathroom alone. Leave your hotel together and return together, nobody gets left behind! If you do find yourself separated from your buddy or the group, remain calm, walk with purpose, and stay in safe, well-lit, populated areas. If you get separated on the street, don’t continue to wander aimlessly in the dark. Find a nice, populated place,  and ask for directions. Good places to ask directions are nice hotels and lit restaurants. Don’t hesitate to ask if you can wait inside while you call your friends or wait for a ride!

Know your surroundings. It’s always a good idea to know the general area you’re going ahead of time to avoid problems. Study the local map or nearby landmarks. For example, when I was in Paris I couldn’t possibly tell you the street my hotel was on. However, I knew it was next to a certain monument, so I used that to ask for directions and get taxi rides.

Know your limits. I know it seems like binge drinking is the cool think to do for Spring Break, but let me tell you that throwing up is so not fun. Plus, you want to remember your trip don’t you? Make water your BFF and take your time! You’ll thank yourself in the morning!

Set a meeting place. Whenever you travel to a new location it’s important to set a meeting place with your group in case you get separated. Good meeting spot are the hotel you’re staying at or the main entrance of the establishment you’re in. Be sure to determine a time you all will meet in case you become separated.

Know the local safety information. If you’re traveling abroad, odds are the safety phone numbers are different than you are used to. Check out the 911 numbers abroad and enter them in your phone before you leave. Also, it’s useful to have your friends numbers memorized in case you lose your phone or it dies. This has happened to me so many times, and I’m so thankful I’ve got those numbers memorized.

Have a great break! Be safe and make good choices! Always trust your instinct, if it doesn’t feel safe then it probably isn’t.