With the end of February quickly approaching, it can only mean one thing: Spring Break is almost here. For many students, Spring Break means a vacation to a tropical place to escape the colder weather of the Northeast. Spring Break is the highlight of a lot of people’s college careers. But as always, the key to a successful and enjoyable time is to be smart and stay safe. Whether you’re off to Puerto Vallarta, Cancun, Cabo, Punta Cana, or any other tropical paradise this coming Spring Break, here are some tips you’ll need to remember to ensure your vacation is one to remember.
1. Pack Sunscreen!
Sure, during Spring Break you are going to want to soak up as much sun as you possibly can, but remember your sunscreen. If you’re going to a more tropical location, remember you will be in an area where the sun’s rays are much more direct than what we experience further north. On top of that, you will be outside in probably just a bathing suit all day, leaving you pretty exposed to harmful rays. No one wants to be sore and miserable from sunburn during their week away, so remember to put on some sunscreen throughout the day!
2. Use Pre-Arranged Transportation
If you are going to a foreign country, especially one where you may not speak the native language, always make sure you are using pre-arranged transportation provided by your resort. While you’re not likely to run into any major issues if you do take a cab, it is always better to play it on the safe side. Many stories you hear about people getting pick pocketed or robbed when on tropical vacations usually happens when they are trying to get a ride back to their resort. Basically all resorts provide bus transportation, so be sure to use it!
3. Be Careful Drinking
Clearly, you will be drinking during Spring Break. Many resorts provide all-inclusive packages that also include alcoholic beverages. By all means, use this to your advantage. However, just because you are on Spring Break, do not let all inhibitions go out the door. As always, do not accept a drink from anyone unless you personally saw the drink being made by the bartender. Further, watch how much you drink. Spring Break is a marathon, not a sprint, and the last thing you want is to be hungover in bed missing a day of the fun because you drank way too much all at once.
4. Watch for Hidden Fees
While on Spring Break, you are probably staying at an all-inclusive resort, which is awesome. You don’t have to travel with a lot of extra money for food, drinks, and whatever else. However, just because you are travelling on an all-inclusive plan, does not mean there are not extra fees you’ll have to shell out. First, remember that the airline you are travelling on will probably charge a fee for you bags. Also, many resorts have security deposits that are not included in your package price. Make sure you look on your travel agent and resort’s websites and read all the fine print so you are not surprised having to pay a little bit of extra money.
5. Keep Valuables Safe
This should go without saying, but refrain from travelling with anything too valuable. Leave expensive electronics, jewelry, accessories, and other items at home. Further, many resorts offer in-room safes for guest use. Even if the resort charges a small deposit for the key to the safe, it is always worth it to pay this price in order to keep super important items like wallets, passports, and spending money safe while you are not in the room. Keep track of all of your items, especially your passport. Nothing could ruin an otherwise relaxing vacation like a lost passport!
Spring Break is the one event that many college students look forward to all year. It is a time to let lose, have fun with friends, and forget about school and cold weather for one week. Spring Break is sure to be a fun time for any traveler. With that being said, make sure you stay smart and safe on your Spring Break trip. Don’t let your vacation of a lifetime be ruined by poor decisions and carelessness!
