7 Safety Tips To Have A Fun and Safe Spring Break

As college students and parents prepare for a much-needed respite that is spring break, there are a few safety tips to keep in mind to ensure your vacation plans remain safe and stress-free. Whether you’re going on an international trip, or simply relaxing at home with family, researching your destination is one of the best ways to keep you and your family safe. From packing the right travel gear, to pre-planning your itinerary and ultimately understanding differences in cultures and laws, we dive into just what is necessary when considering safety during a vacation.

1. Make Sure You Have Reliable Transportation

Ensuring you have reliable transportation is essential to keeping your vacation stress-free and enjoyable. If you plan on traveling far, consider looking into rental cars in advance as availability can be limited. Additionally, if there will be the consumption of adult beverages while on vacation, it is important to plan ahead and designate a sober driver or look into safe methods of public transportation. This will allow all parties traveling the opportunity to relax and enjoy a memorable vacation.  

2. Secure your belongings

When you’re traveling or staying in a hotel, there are some steps you can take to prevent theft of your belongings. The most important tip is to never leave your valuables out in the open or unattended.  Take extra precautions when it comes to securing and storing items like laptops or jewelry – it may be beneficial to store these items inside of a safe within the room if one is available. Additionally, try to avoid booking a room located on the first floor, as this increases your chances of being a target for thieves. It is also a good idea to research hotels within the locations you are traveling to ensure it meets the criteria for your vacation plans.

3. Have A Plan

Developing a plan for staying in touch with family and friends is essential for staying safe. One of the key elements to this plan should be having emergency contact phone numbers that can be used in situations where your safety is at risk. Additionally, if you find yourself in an uncomfortable or dangerous situation, it may help to have a code word (something no one else would know) you can use with your friends to communicate you may be in danger.  Finally, when out socializing, it’s best to travel with  friends to ensure everyone’s safety. By taking these precautionary steps, you can ensure the safety and well-being of your loved ones and travel companions.

4. Protect Your Location

In this digital age, it is important to exercise caution when sharing your location. Before you post on social media, ask yourself if it reveals too much information about where you are and who you might be with – all of which can be used by anyone from cybercriminals to stalkers. You should especially avoid “checking in” on social media.  Pinpointing your location can make you and those with you vulnerable to a potential attacker. Whenever possible, wait until after your trip has concluded to share photographs and stories – this will prevent anyone  from knowing your exact whereabouts creating additional obstacles for those who may be stalking you or looking for opportunities to commit a criminal act.These precautions will add another layer of defense for you and your loved ones during your travel.

5. Research The Area Before You Go

When planning a trip, learning about the area beforehand is extremely important. Researching local laws, and customs can help ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip all while respecting traditions and avoid potential legal issues. Being aware of the local culture can help you make the most of your time while knowing the geography will ensure you can make the most of your visit to see all your destination has to offer! Doing some basic research prior to arriving at your location can truly enhance your travel experience.

6. Take Precautions

When engaging in any type of water recreation which may involve use of alcoholic beverages, it is important to act responsibly and take careful precautions. Being aware of, and adhering to, local alcoholic drinking laws along with avoiding dangerous behavior is essential. Shockingly, according to the CDC statistics show that up to 70% of deaths related to recreational water activities involve alcohol. To stay safe, remember to drink in moderation, obey the law and practice sensible behavior when recreating in or near the water.

7. Download SaferWatch App

Going on spring break is supposed to be a time of fun and relaxation. It can also be a time when you are most vulnerable to crime. To reduce your exposure to crime, it’s important to protect yourself with a safety app like SaferWatch. SaferWatch allows you to report tips, threats and suspicious activity within the app via text, pictures or video. You can also get real-time alerts from local law enforcement within the city you are traveling in. So whether you’re hitting the beach or checking out the nightlife, make sure SaferWatch is there to help keep you safe!

Having a smooth and safe spring break requires planning, preparation and caution. It’s important to think about the potential consequences of your actions as well as take the necessary steps to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. From ensuring you have reliable transportation, to familiarizing yourself with the local laws and customs of where you are visiting, these steps provide a comprehensive approach for spring break safety. So, to make sure you are well prepared, follow the above steps and download the SaferWatch app today!  Have a memorable—and most of all safe—spring break. And don’t forget: Have fun! Contact us today to learn more about SaferWatch!