That time of the year is quickly approaching! With spring break right around the corner, it seems all to think about are the clear blue waters, partying with friends and enjoying some sex on the beach (the drink, of course!). It can be easy to get caught up in the wonderful daydreams, but don’t forget to actually plan out your vacation. A poorly planned spring break can be a complete disaster, haunting you long after the week is over. Here are some helpful tips to ensure that your trip goes as smoothly as your pick-up lines.
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Pack half of what you think you need and twice the money! Traveling light definitely has its advantages: lighter luggage to carry, less hassle at the airport and less to unpack when you reach your destination. With items that can be shared, decide among your group who can bring what (there’s no need for four blow dryers in the same hotel room!). Don’t forget the essentials such as sunscreen, your bathing suit, and your cutest dress. Have an estimate of how much money you think you’ll need including cost of food, drinks, clubs and cab fares! Bringing extra cash is always a good idea in case an unexpected expense arises. - If there is even a slight chance that you’re going to be engaging in any sexual activities, make sure you protect yourself! Carry a few in your purse when you go out. Don’t depend on whoever you’re hooking up with to have them readily available. You want to come back from your vacation with a tan, not an STD. If you really want to play it safe, bring Plan B® One Step with you. Condoms can slip off or break and the last thing you need is a pregnancy scare.
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Guard your drink like it’s your job. Make sure you keep an eye on your beverage at all times or have a friend watch it if you’re going to the ladies’ room. Mom warned you never to talk to strangers; well the same goes for drinks.
NEVER accept a drink from someone you don’t trust. It doesn’t matter how cute the guy is or if he looks like an upstanding citizen, it’s better to be safe than sorry! It’s only ok if he is buying it for you at the bar and you personally see the bartender making it. - When going out for the night, the first thing you and your friends should do when you arrive at the club is find a spot where you guys can meet up in case anyone get separated. If you are in a foreign country, I cannot stress enough how important it is to stick together! However, if somehow someone gets lost in the crowd, you have a set location to reunite.
- Take turns being the designated sober friend. We don’t tend to make the best decisions when intoxicated so it’s a good idea to have one or two friends be ‘mom’ for the night. This doesn’t mean they have to be completely sober; just enough to keep everyone else in check and to make sure no one leaves with some sketchy guy from the club. If you’re out of the country, there should be a strict rule that no one is to leave alone with a new “friend.”
- Think twice before uploading those spring break pictures on Facebook. Most employers nowadays look up your social networking profile before making their decision. Don’t let pictures of you boozing and partying get in the way of employment opportunities! Go through your pictures and decide which ones are best kept offline. If you decide to upload the photos anyway, make sure you change your privacy settings so that only friends can see. If you are friends with any of your bosses on Facebook, make sure you list them as people to hide the album from!
We all know spring break is the week of debauchery and risky behavior, but be smart in your choices! Have fun with your friends but don’t forget that bad decisions have consequences.
Travel safely and have a blast my lovely collegiettes!