Golden sands, sapphire colored water and sunny skies are what you want for Spring Break? Well you better bring your favorite jacket, fuzzy socks, and jeans too because it’s gonna be cold on the northern gulf coast. Whether you’re traveling to Gulf Shores, Alabama or Panama City Beach, the fact remains that it’s very likely to be a bit chilly in the early weeks of March. However there’s no reason to fret, I have a few tips to help you get through it.

The car ride there...

Before you head out on your adventure be sure you check your tires and fill the car with gas. Breaking down in the cold is not a good way to start off your spring break experience. The drive to most of the spring break locations is between 4-6 hours, so be sure to pack a snack and neck pillow to get you through.

While you’re on the beach...

No worries, that cute bathing suit you've been working so hard to fit into isn't going to go to waste. Pack your favorite cover up, sarong, or that PFG shirt you stole—I mean, that was given to you as a gift, and pair them up to get you through those windy moments.

If Queen Bey can do it, so can you!

Looking to get the perfect Instagram picture in front of the water? Easy. After you and your friends pose as if it’s sunny and 75, get rid of that dreary sky by turning up the “warmth” setting on your Instagram filter. Suddenly you’re surrounded by an artificial sunset that is sure you get you at least150 likes!

Remember, spring break is a marathon, not a sprint. Pace yourself and drink lots and lots of water, because you can easily get just as dehydrated in the cold as you can in the burning sun. The same rule applies to sunscreen, put it on right when you wake up so you don’t have to drunkenly apply it later. Protect that porcelain skin because sunburn and windburn mixed together doesn't equal a fun spring break. This is a great time to test out your floppy derby hats. Hats can be a great and trendy way to protect your face from both sunburn and windburn. Take it a step further and get your monogram on it so you won’t lose it. Fellas, the same rules apply to you with your visors, except you might want to skip out on the monogram. 

When the sun sets...

The sign that you need to call it a day is when the temperature drops 15 degrees and the sky gets dark. There’s lot of different options when it comes to what you do once you retreat from the beach back into your homes for the week. Since you’re in a new place you should explore the town; check out the local restaurants and the nightlife. If you feel like socializing meet up with your friends at their beach houses. Or if you've gone too hard, just pull out your pajamas, a board game, and watch your favorite movie because at some point during the week you might need a night in, no judgement here.

Remember, spring break only happens once a year so whether it's cold or not make sure that you’re having the time of your life! Pack a jacket and don't forget your toothbrush!