Springbreak and The Savvy Traveler

Springbreak and The Savvy Traveler

For many college students, spring break is an exciting part of their college experience. It is a chance to get away from classes, relax, and maybe even take a vacation. Some students travel either in the U.S. or outside of the country, or even just enjoy time with family at home, but the truth remains that safety is an important factor to be remembered during spring break. While most students will have a safe and pleasant spring break, occasionally some trips have some unexpected ripples in plans and can turn into a nightmare for both the students and their parents. In order to avoid dangerous events that may happen on spring break, several organizations have developed spring break safety tips for students in order to steer clear of trouble.

In an article written by the U.S. Department of State on international travel safety for students, drugs, alcohol, and disorderly behavior are cited as the most common causes of ruined vacations. In fact, each year over 2500 Americans are arrested in foreign countries for possession of illegal drugs and narcotic charges. This large number of arrests is likely due to two things: drugs that are legal in one country may be illegal in a neighboring country that students also visit and since many students are unaware of each country’s laws, some young people may become victimized. In addition to drugs, alcohol is often a problem on spring break. Charges such as drunk in public, underage drinking, and drunk driving are all major causes of student arrests while on spring break. Disorderly behavior and security issues are also a primary concern of the government for students. The safety, supervision, and security in foreign countries differ from that of the U.S., making it easier for students to become injured or worse die; students have died from automobile accidents, falls from balconies or into open ditches, drowning in the ocean, and water sport accidents.

Besides specific tips for students to stay safe while traveling abroad, many organizations have offered trips for driving and also general safety tips while on vacation. Road trips can be a great way to bond with your friends, see new things, and also cut down on traveling costs. However, many students fail to remember the dangers that driving can present, even if they have been driving for several years.