With spring on the horizon and academic breaks coming up quickly, it’s important for college students with spring break trips in the works to plan and be prepared to enjoy themselves safely. Traveling to popular spring break destinations (foreign and domestic) can involve some challenges and having a plan in place can help reduce the likelihood that students will face risky situations.
Today’s article focuses on several tips that can help keep students no matter where they travel for spring break.
Protect Your Social Media
Just like any vacation, posting travel plans on social media can open the door to a number of dangerous situations that are easily preventable. In addition to protecting their home by not alerting the internet that they’ll be out of town, being selective about sharing their spring break activities can help avoid the chances that someone will use information about their whereabouts maliciously. Encouraging students to be cautious about checking in with their exact location, enhancing their privacy settings to only share updates with close friends and family, and even discouraging use of social media until they return from vacation can all be helpful in keeping students safe.
At the very least, students should consider waiting until after they’ve finished up at any given place and moved on to their next activity before posting pictures, status updates, and location-based check-ins.
Have Travel Insurance
Many people think of travel insurance as protection against unexpected delays and cancellations, but for students adventuring alone or with friends for the first time, travel insurance can also be an invaluable resource when it comes to staying healthy away from home. If a student becomes injured or ill (especially in a foreign country) a travel insurance company can get them the help they need, when they need it, and make sure that their needs are covered financially.
Carry The Essentials
When traveling somewhere for the first time, particularly to a foreign country, having a small list of essential items on your person can make a big difference. Cash (in dollars or foreign currency), a list of emergency phone numbers (including cab companies, the hotel or resort, medical facilities, and family contacts), and a copy of their passport can all make a huge difference when confronted with a difficult situation.
Have a Code Word
If a student is traveling with friends to a spring break destination full of strangers, they may sometimes find themselves in uncomfortable situation. On the one hand, being surrounded by one’s peers can be a thrilling experience; but on the other hand, sometimes things just don’t feel right. Having your student talk to their friends about a code word that will indicate they need intervention can help them get out of a risky situation without feeling scared or like they’re blowing things out of proportion.
