A Spring Break getaway can be the ultimate reward for conquering mid-terms and slaying research papers. Thinking of hitting the sought-after beaches of Florida, Puerto Rico, or Hawaii? Or are you planning to take your Spring Break off the beaten path?
However you spend your Spring Break having fun is paramount. Equally important, though, and ironically essential to having fun is playing it safe. Party all day and keep the drama at bay with these Spring Break travel tips.
Use the Buddy System
This one is so common, you probably learned it as a kid, but as you get older using the buddy system with your friends becomes even more crucial. Two people traveling together are simply less vulnerable than one solo traveler.
As the typical Spring Break locales tend to be over-crowded, alcohol-fueled and raucous, traveling in twos and trios is essential to ensuring the safety of everyone in your group. When hitting the beach bars and nightclubs, arrive as a group, but more importantly, leave as a group. Don’t leave your friends behind.
Be Careful with Money
As you shrug off all the stresses of school, it can be tempting to splurge and spend big. Keep in mind, though, you don’t want to rack up unnecessary debt. Budget yourself and plan your trip accordingly. This can be challenging when you’re going with a group of people who may have widely different means of income. The key is to be honest with yourself and with your friends about what you can truly afford. Your friends will listen.
Spring Break hot spots can attract pickpockets and petty thieves. If you’re hitting the waves, don’t leave your valuables unattended on the shore. Likewise, keep your wallet in your front pockets. Wear your purse cross-body so it’s harder to snatch.
Know Your Hotel Security Protocols
Research your hotel’s amenities. This doesn’t just mean checking out the spa treatments and room service fare on offer. It means knowing where to go if you need immediate medical help, knowing where hotel security is located, checking in with the concierge when you want to call a taxi.
Drink Safely
Don’t drink if you’re underage. The consequences are just not worth the risk. If you are of legal drinking age, drink responsibly. This means a few things. Don’t drink to get drunk. If your group arrives at a party in their own car, don’t drink and drive. Have a designated driver. Cut your friends off, if you think they’ve had too much to drink. This can be a hard thing to do but it’s vital to their safety. Alcohol poisoning is all too common during spring break.
But drinking safely doesn’t just pertain to alcohol consumption. The most popular spots for Spring Break travelers are often, literally, the hottest. Stay hydrated, drink plenty of water. If you’re celebrating Spring Break in a foreign country, the water may not be safe for you to drink. In this case, you’ll want to have cases of bottled water on hand.
Road Tripping? Be sure to Rotate Drivers
If you’re planning on a road trip this Spring Break, be sure to switch drivers. Putting the responsibility of driving on only one member of your party, even if it’s their own car, can put everyone at risk. Clear eyes and fresh focus can mean the difference between a safe highway excursion and a disastrous one.
Keep it Legal
Be well aware of the laws of the land and make sure you and every member of your group adheres to them. Whether these laws pertain to drugs like marijuana, drinking age, or sexual consent, they are designed to keep you and your fellow revelers safe.
Health Safety Considerations for Spring Break
Anytime you’re in densely populated areas there’s always a risk of contracting an illness like Covid or the flu. It still a good idea to adopt some of the measures used during the pandemic like wearing face masks and using hand sanitizer. Travelers still need to be wary and take precautions for themselves and their fellow Spring Breakers.
Rent a Vacation Home
One of the best ways to lower your risks of contracting an illness like Covid or becoming a victim of theft is by renting a vacation home for Spring Break. If you’re planning to travel with a larger group of people, this can also be one of the most economical ways to secure lodging. While you may go out to bars or hit the beach surrounded by throngs of people, If you stay in a vacation home, you’re lowering the number of people with whom you come in contact. As a bonus, if you have a travel insurance policy and need to cancel your plans, you can be reimbursed for certain prepaid expenses like vacation home rental deposits.
Take Your Fun Seriously with Trip Insurance Protections
At VisitorsCoverage, we take your fun seriously. That’s why we offer a wide array of travel insurance options. Trip insurance protects your investment, gives you peace of mind, and offers a host of surprising benefits. From lost luggage to missed connections, trip insurance helps your trip stay on track so you can focus on creating a Spring Break to remember.
Unsure of your Travel Plans? CFAR Coverage Can Help
Sometimes travelers have to cancel their plans. If you think there’s a chance you’ll have to cancel or reschedule your Spring Break trip, a travel insurance policy with a Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) option can give you the flexibility to change your plans without losing money. If you’re curious about how CFAR can help you, you can learn more here.
Spring Break is a time to let loose and relax after months of studying hard, a time to unwind and make memories. Following these travel safety tips can help ensure that unexpected drama doesn’t get in the way of your fun. For more assistance and trip insurance coverage options visit www.visitorscoverage.com.
