While it seems like the rest of the college population is gearing up to head out to Cancun, Jamaica, Panama City Beach, or Disney World, I am preparing for nice, weeklong visit HOME. To my parent’s house. I’m more than a little bit financially challenged right now, so a cruise through international waters just isn’t in the books for me this spring break. However, let’s look at the bright side. If you’re staying home for break like me, here’s a nice list of things that WON’T be happening to you.
1. Alcohol Poisoning
Yeah, okay. This can happen anywhere if you aren’t careful, but if you’re taking your vacation on a cruise ship that has a swim-up bar in the pool, it’s a little bit more likely. Always make sure you hydrate (with WATER) between drinks, and it should be smooth-sailing for you.
2. Lost Luggage
Have you ever stood at the baggage claim in an airport and had that overwhelming sense of panic when you recognize other people from your flight as they grab their suitcases and hurry away while yours is nowhere to be seen? Do you remember how quickly you took stock of everything you’d packed in that bag–including the Bombshell swimsuit top that you literally JUST bought–and thought about how lost you’d be if it were gone? If you’re staying home for break, there’s no way an airline can lose your luggage. Score.
3. Hotel Fiascos
A lot of popular spring break destinations have strict age rules about who rents their hotel rooms. Even here in Wilmington, most places require that you be over 21. However, it isn’t always explicitly stated on their site or even AT the hotel if the place has an age restriction–meaning you and your friends may arrive at your hotel in Panama City Beach and suddenly have nowhere to unpack and lay your heads. I’ll sleep soundly in my room at home knowing that my parents (probably) won’t kick me out for being under 21.
4. Crazy Sunburn
This may or may not be a side effect of day drinking. If you have a few beers on the beach and decide to take a little snooze, even with sunscreen on the prolonged exposure to the sun while you nap could have you permanently “wearing” that bikini top until you have a chance to even it out over the summer. Always monitor your alcohol intake on the beach or by the pool, and make sure you’re applying a good sunscreen regularly if you’re sweating, swimming, or tanning.
If you’re lucky enough to be sailing off on a cruise, heading to Disney to hang with Mickey, or even flying to another country, stay safe and mindful. You wouldn’t want to end up like Kimberly here.