It’s that time of year again. Spring Break 2018. It doesn’t matter if you’re racing Jet Skis in the Bahamas or sunbathing on the back porch at home. Every student looks forward to this week all year long to relax, soak up some Vitamin D, and most importantly, have fun. Whichever way you are choosing to spend your Spring Break, there are certainly many do’s and dont’s for you to remember. Keep reading for some tips on how to survive spring break … in whatever way you may choose.
Whether you are flying half way across the country or staying within the comforts of your own home, remember to show your family some love and let them know you’re safe. Even a simple text or quick conversation before you start your day will keep your parents from worrying and helicopter moms off your back. If you’re traveling, download apps such as “What’s App” and “Viber” to stay in touch without cell service. If you’re relaxing at home, make sure you set aside time with your Mom or Dad. They will appreciate it more than you realize.
This should go without saying. You aren’t invincible! (Especially if you’re three mai-thais deep in an unfamiliar place.) Make sure you never venture anywhere alone, even if it is just to go to the bathroom or run back up to your hotel room. Establish a buddy system with your friends, (and if you feel too lame saying that out loud,) keep a mental check of where all your friends are at all times.
It’s understandable that you’ll want to post those fantastic pictures you took of the sunset on Instagram, but don’t spend too much time posting. Wait until you get back to go through all of your pictures and live in the moment while you’re actually at your dream destination!
The last thing you want to do is make a post at 3 am while you’re borderline blackout drunk. By the time you realize what you posted, it’ll be too late, and your friends and family will have already seen it.
Staying hydrated is one of those things you may only realize when it’s too late. It’s always smart to drink bottled water, especially if your spring break destination is out of the country. The last thing you want is to get even more sick because you were so drunk, you drank straight from the sink.
Drinking plenty of water each day is absolutely critical if you want to survive spring break. Not only are you probably outside in the hot sun all day, but you’re also most likely consuming plenty of alcohol. Keep water by your bed and have a glass when you first wake up in the morning to kick-start your organs and metabolism. Chug a bottle of water before you fall asleep at night to risk a bad hangover. Seriously, it works!
No one wants to end up penniless in a foreign country while their friends are all enjoying surf lessons. Make sure you budget out exactly what you will need prior to the trip and refrain from buying the duty-free 4.5 liter Grey Goose bottle at the airport. If you promised a friend a travel token upon your return, you can count whatever pennies you have left on the last day of the trip and splurge on knick-knacks then.
This may seem comical, but seriously, try not to get arrested. Think before you act. The last thing you want is to end up having to call your parents and asking them to hop on a flight and bail you out of jail on some tropical island. Remember that different cultures have different rules and regulations. Learn them and abide by them.
Sorry for mentioning it. But this is important to remember. While not many people expect you to do homework while you’re on Spring Break, make sure you’re aware of what assignments you have waiting for you when you get home. Take an hour out of your trip to relax on the beach and organize your school responsibilities for when you return.
Your ID, passport, credit cards, social security card…Make sure you keep all these in one place and never leave them unattended. If you’re going to be out in the water, leave them with a friend you can trust or ask the resort if they have a safe you can lock them in.
The days of thinking sunscreen is “un-cool” are over. That’s just dumb. Nothing ruins a spring break trip like getting a nasty sun burn your first day on the beach. The key is to remember to re-apply. Make sure to apply at least 30 SPF (anything less is basically just lotion,) a half hour before you venture outside. Wear a baseball cap, large sun hat, (also in style,) or a fun scarf as extra sun protection. And yes, you can still get just as bad of a burn when it’s cloudy.
You’re going to meet so many new people at the resort, or at the local party. Whether they’re a drinking buddy, a hookup, or someone from a neighboring college back home, it’s the people we meet during our travels that make them so memorable.
If you’ve always wanted to go scuba diving, or at least snorkeling, now is the time to make it happen! It doesn’t mean you should be pressured to try something out of your comfort zone, like skydiving with your friends, but keep an open mind while you’re traveling.
The most obvious rule to survive Spring break successfully. Have fun! This means going with the flow and enjoying whatever situation for whatever it may be. Nothing ruins a Spring Break like petty drama between friends or selfishly refusing to accompany a lonely friend in need. Be smart, be safe, be nice, and ENJOY YOURSELF!
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