Whether you're hitting the beach, the slopes, or going home, it's important to keep your health and well-being as a priority. 

A 'wild and crazy' spring break is almost regarded at a rite of passage for college students. 

Spring Break is a time to really go all out, have fun with your friends, and ultimately create some great college memories. I know plenty of you are planning some excellent trips, whether it be a cruise, a road trip to the sunny beaches in Florida, or even a ski trip. Ultimately, I think I'm not the only one that is a little worried at times about staying safe in an unfamiliar place. That being said, I've compiled a brief guide on how to come back to Spring Break in one piece and with everything you left with.

Know your area
Prior to your departure, try to talk to older brothers/sisters in your house who may have traveled to the same area for advice and what to expect. Once you're there.. if you're setting off on an adventure to Panama City Beach, for example, take a few hours to get in the car and just drive around the area where you're staying. Locate the nearest police station and hospitals, just in case (HOPEFULLY not) you need to go to either one at some point. Be sure to have important numbers in your phone, such as the previously mentioned locations and also your hotel's phone number. In whatever hotel room you're staying in, really thoroughly look around to see what condition the room is in when you arrived (to avoid any sort of charges later on) and also to locate where the safe is for valuables. Keep your room number written down just in case you forget.

Power in numbers
For the love of all that is good, please DO NOT separate from your group or venture off by yourself somewhere. That's just asking for trouble. If you will split into two or more smaller groups of people to embark on different activities for the day, create a meeting time and place for later on in the day before setting off so everyone will be on the same page. A group text (GroupMe, anyone?) will also be a very great thing to try for your entire vacation group. Also, a head count at the end of the day before heading to bed is crucial, because who wants to be worrying about where a friend is?

Keep your health as a priority
If you're going to be at the beach, be sure to know about the flag warning system to know how the water's condition is that day. Be aware of currents, and know that if you're caught in a rip current to swim along it, not directly towards shore, or else you can get exhausted (that can spell trouble in terms of drowning dangers). Also be sure that if you're going to be out in the sun to apply ample amounts of sunscreen, wear sunglasses with UV protection, and also maybe a hat to shade your face and cover your scalp. Also be cautious of dehydration, ESPECIALLY if you're planning on drinking. Keep water with you or nearby and keep drinking it, even if you don't feel thirsty. Heat exhaustion/stroke is a real thing, people.

Know your limits
I know that plenty of you are planning on some partying during spring break. Please, please, please be careful and plan ahead. The last thing you need is to put yourself in danger in a foreign location. Plan how many drinks you want to consume for the day, and keep this in mind with how your body processes alcohol from past experiences (we all have different levels of tolerance). Also, look out for your friends too. KNOW THE SIGNS OF ALCOHOL POISONING which include vomiting, seizures, and slow/irregular breathing and don't hesitate to call 911 if it is necessary for the safety of your friend. Would you rather risk a drinking ticket or someone's life?

All in all, ultimately I hope that you have an absolute blast on Spring Break, no matter where you go or who you go with. It's a week to relax and really enjoy yourself. At the same time, remember that ultimately your safety is what matters most.