This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at IU chapter.
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Wear SUNBLOCK. I know, you’re gonna want to show of your tan after vacation when you return to school, and there’s nothing quite like the feeling of warm sunrays on your skin. But in addition to risking skin cancer and melanoma, tanning and sun exposure causes signs of premature aging such as wrinkles, sagging cheeks, and skin discoloration. Attractive, huh? Wear sunblock with at least an SPF 15, reapply every two hours, and accessorize with a stylish hat and sunglasses. Your skin will thank you!
- Be smart. This means go on vacation with college pals, and know where your friends are at all times. Have a printed out list of everyone’s phone numbers back in your hotel room on the fridge. Make a plan for if you get separated from the group. Don’t bring sexy (but possible serial killer) strangers back to your hotel room. Unless you’ve done a background check on that cutie at the bar, you can’t know for sure if he is a “nice guy”. Keep a business card with the hotel address on you at all times so you can find your way back.
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Use condoms. You really don’t want to bring an unplanned souvenir back to college with you (i.e. an STD or an unwanted pregnancy). According to a 2010 survey, 76% of male college students want to sleep with someone they meet on spring break, while 19% of female college students have the same plan. A report by the American Medical Association found that approximately 3 out of 5 women had friends that had unprotected sex while on Spring Break. Ewww. Lil Wayne puts it best: “Safe sex is great sex, better wear a latex.”
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Know your drinking limits. Just because everyone else is getting blackout drunk and out of control doesn’t mean that you have to. The more you drink, the less likely you are to be in control of the situation. When logic, reasoning, and responsibility go out the window, spring breakers become at risk for dangers such as sexual assault, crime, scams, and theft. Always have a designated member in your group who is sober and looking out for the welfare of the others. And like your mother told you, watch your drinks!
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Watch your purse. Yes, you’re going to be at the beach, clubbing, and having a great time. Keeping your eye on your clutch is probably not what you’re thinking about. But seriously, think how much spring break would suck if you lost your camera, phone, and credit cards because your bag got stolen? Wear a trendy cross body bag, so you can dance and party hands free no worries.
- And most importantly, have fun!