It's that time of year again, when college students head south for a week of fun in the sun. Unfortunately, every year news reports come out about Spring Break trips that didn't go as planned and took wrong turns. Here's what you need to remember before hitting the beaches:

1. There are gonna be creeps.

Unfortunately, there will always be people who aren't just looking to go to the beach with their friends. Fortunately, it isn't too hard to spot these people in the crowd. Do they follow you and your friends around, show up every place you go (even when you're just grabbing a quick coffee at a quiet cafe?), constantly find ways to talk to you even after you've shot them down, or are they way too old for the college spring break crowd? It's probably best to stay away.

2. Know where you're staying.

Write it in your notes app. Write it on a Post-It note and stick it in your wallet. Write it on a note card and keep it in your bag. Just make sure that you have the address, and know how to get back from where you're going.

3. Stay hydrated.

What do the following have in common: being out on the beach under the sun, drinking, and being in a hot climate. If you answered "they dehydrate you", you'd be correct. So keep a water bottle on you, and make sure that you're getting enough fluids -- no one wants to end a vacation in the hospital.

4. Have a group chat with your travel buddies.

Not only will you not annoy your main group chat with "wait when are we leaving for the beach" and "hey, the group in the next room over are going out for drinks tonight and invited us, should we go?", this is also practical from a safety standpoint.

5. Know the area you're visiting.

Before leaving, check out your destination on Google Maps. How far is the beach from the hotel? Where are the restaurants located? Is anything far enough to warrant an Uber or is everything walkable?

6. And speaking of Uber...

Decide what the payment situation will be before you go. Will one of you pay for all rides then get reimbursed after, or will you switch off paying?

7. Let your parents know what's up.

It may be annoying, but before you go, it doesn't hurt to let them know who you're going with and where you'll be staying, just in case.

8. Double check your suitcase.

Do you have a toothbrush? Toothpaste? Run through your packing list twice to avoid having to buy anything when you get to your destination.

9. Make sure any prescriptions are marked.

In many places, it's illegal to carry unmarked pills. If you do take prescriptions, make sure that they're in their original container and clearly marked. Also, if you'll be changing time zones, be sure to keep that in mind for any prescriptions that have to be taken at a specific time each day.

10. Some professors are gonna assign homework.

Yes, it sucks, but like it or not, some professors assign work over spring break. While it can be tempting to just not do it, remember that this work will affect your average. Besides, you'll probably find time to do it while traveling, whether while waiting for your flight or while on the plane.