Spring Break Safety
In this Issue: Spring Break safety tips
Spring Break is coming up soon: March 9-17. Whether your Deac comes home, goes to a friend’s house, goes on a vacation, or stays on campus, we want them to have a fun – and safe – Spring Break!
Here are some tips you might want to discuss with your student before the travel period begins.
For students who might be traveling
Let a family member/loved one know your travel plans, including the name and location of your hotel/where you are staying, and your dates for arrival and departure.
Do not advertise your plans about being out of town on social media.
If you are driving, be sure to have your car checked/serviced prior to a long trip.
Take only one credit card and your debit card. Keep them on you at all times. Leave jewelry or other valuables at home.
Make copies of your credit cards in case they are lost. Include the phone number to call and cancel the cards if needed.
Carry your cell phone at all times and be sure it is fully charged.
Lock the doors to wherever you are staying and do not open your door to anyone you do not know. If the person states they work for the hotel, call the front desk and confirm this before allowing them entry.
Use a hotel safe or in-room safe for valuables.
Use the buddy system at your destination – don’t leave any friends behind, and don’t walk alone at night.
Always have a credit card and enough money on your person to get back to wherever you are staying.
Do not accept food or drinks from strangers. Even if you meet people who seem friendly, they may not have the best intentions. Never provide strangers with your hotel name/street address of where you are staying.
Be aware of your surroundings. If you feel like something is amiss, trust your instincts. If you think you are being followed, walk into a store, restaurant, business or other safe place and ask for help.
If you choose to drink alcohol, make sure you get drinks directly from a bartender or person you know and trust. Never leave your drink unattended.
Remember your medications (and sunscreen if you are going to a beach or warm area).
Special considerations for students who go abroad for Spring Break
Check the U.S. State Department travel advisories website for countries on their list.
Make two copies of your passport in case it is lost. Include the phone number to call to report lost passports. Leave one copy with a family member or trusted friend not traveling with you.
Leave important valuables and documents (especially your passport) in your room safe/hotel safe deposit box, not in your room.
Arrive in a new country with a small amount of cash in the local currency. You do not want to stand out in a crowd trying to get change for a large bill.
Contact your cell provider in advance to get foreign country coverage; roaming charges for service can be VERY expensive.
Only use established taxis or ride services. Some countries allow anyone to act as a taxi with a sign. Ask how much it will cost to take you to your destination and settle on the price before getting in the car.
Do not allow anyone to take you to an unknown destination.
Find out how you contact police, hospitals, and make phone calls once you arrive in another country.
Remember not all countries have safety requirements or inspections for things such as Zip Lines and Parasailing.
For students who are staying on campus for Spring Break
Campus does not close for Spring Break, but we typically make adjustments to dining, shuttles, and other campus operations. I anticipate having information on Spring Break hours of operation early next week. Stay tuned until then.