Travel Tips for Spring Break Safety

Before you set off for that fun week in the sun, stop and think. Yes, you're in college and used to taking care of yourself. Yes, you've been to some parties. Yes, you feel young and invincible. Put all of those thoughts out of your head. You're heading off campus, away from home and to a place that may or may not want to put up with your partying. If you want to enjoy Spring Break with your friends, rather than meeting new people in the hospital or a local police station, here's some rules you need to follow.

1. Bring a passport. You can't go anywhere without one these days. That includes Canada and Mexico. If you're of legal drinking age, be aware that many bars won't accept out-of-state driver's licenses as IDs, but they will take a passport.
2.  Keep your valuables with you at all times. That includes your passport, your cell phone, credit cards and cash. Leave everything else at home, including jewelry, laptops and your GameBoyDS. If it won't fit in your pocket and it's expensive or difficult to replace, it doesn't belong on Spring Break. Valuables have a nasty tendency to disappear at airports and border crossings.
3. Know the local laws. Whether you're going to Daytona or Cabo, find out what the laws are for public behavior. Don't drink or be lewd in public. Both can get you thrown in jail.
4. Steer clear of drugs. Around 1,200 US citizens are arrested abroad each year for drug violations. Police in foreign countries won't look the other way. Possession of even small amounts can leave you sitting in jail in Mexico for a year waiting for your trial.
5. Beware of diseases. "Don't drink the water" is good advice in some parts of the world, but that's often the least of your worries. Tropical destinations are havens for malaria and Dengue Fever. Long before you travel, check with your doctor to find out if any shots or prescriptions are recommended to avoid common illnesses. Load up on insect repellant once you hit the ground at your destination.
6. Check your health coverage. There's a very high chance that your health insurance won't cover an overseas accident. If you're heading abroad, even to Canada or Mexico, load up on travel insurance that will pay for any illnesses or accidents. The same goes for auto insurance; it won't cover you if you rent a car or a moped in a foreign country. Be sure to get a local insurance policy to cover you in case of an accident.
7. Never travel alone. Always have at least one person with you, preferably two or more, when you leave your hotel. There's safety in numbers.
8. Be careful with cars. Automobile safety standards are lower in some foreign countries. Automobile accidents are the second most common cause of death for US tourists abroad. Keep that in mind before you board a bus or a taxi.
9. Stay near your hotel. Some resorts will discourage you from leaving the grounds. Follow their advice. While the resort may be a fun place to stay, you could face real danger in the neighborhoods around it.
10. Check with the US State Department. Before traveling overseas, check for any travel warnings at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html. Avoid any destinations that are considered dangerous for Americans.