There is a certain idea that surrounds spring break for college students, and that idea usually involves excessive amounts of alcohol, poor choices involving strangers of the opposite sex, unfortunate tattoos, and going home with very cloudy memories of the whole weekend. Sadly, many people end up regretting their decisions during the vacation in the years to follow, and some people put themselves in very serious danger during their stay.
If you plan on visiting another state or city to enjoy the activities associated with spring break, then you need some ideas on how to stay safe and how to have a vacation you actually enjoy (and remember).
Don’t Get Sick
The number one rule of spring break is that you need to stay hydrated. You most likely will be visiting somewhere with plenty of sand and sun, and that can equal losing fluids very quickly. Take the time out of your activities to drink plenty, and rum or beer don’t count. You need to make sure you are drinking enough water to keep from dehydration, which can ruin your whole vacation.
Keep Safety at the Top of Your List
If you have kept up with the news in the past few years, then you know there have been some incidents for young women on spring break. While this isn’t the normal occurrence, you still need to take the proper precautions and keep yourself safe. A few rules of thumb include:
- If you are renting a house with a home security system, arm it at night. Burglars tend to prey on vacationers and a security system can be a great line of defense.
- Don’t leave a populated place with a stranger.
- Don’t get drunk alone. You could be putting yourself at risk if you don’t have friends with you.
- Be aware of your surroundings at night.
Safety should be a top priority for you while you are enjoying your vacation. Honestly, many people tend to lose their inhibitions when they are partying on spring break, and this could open them up to danger. Be smarter and you can still enjoy your vacation.
Remember That If You Go Cheap, You Will Get Cheap
The old adage “you get what you pay for” holds true. If you attempt to save money by choosing that out-of-the-way hotel you’ve never heard of before, then you may end up in a run-down, seedy establishment in a bad part of town. Look for quality places to stay that offer security systems of some type and that are located in decent neighborhoods.
Additionally, if you want to be close to the beach and all of the night life spots, you will have to spend a little more money. If you stay in that location claiming to be “close to the beach” you will probably end up spending more money paying for cab fares.
Consider the Alternatives
Many people think they have to go crazy during spring break to actually enjoy the time, but these are the people who end up regretting their decisions. There is definitely a difference between having fun and coming home with a weird tattoo—or worse, a communicable disease. There is a new trend called the alternative spring break. These vacations include plenty of enjoyable activities that don’t involve questionable decisions.
If you will be going on spring break this year, remember to be smart about your decisions. Take your security to the top of your list of importance and make sure you avoid getting sick. Additionally, be willing to spend a little more to stay safe and have fun. Finally, consider the alternative spring break so that you will look back at your college years with one less regret.