5 Tips for Safe Spring Break Travel

Whatever the plans are for spring break this year, there are some things to keep in mind in order to have a safer vacation. Whether you are taking the whole family along, or your kids are traveling with friends, remember that safety should always be the primary concern so that everyone makes it back in time to hit the books again.

Here are five tips to consider for a safer spring break season.

Tip 1. Remember to Pack all the Necessary Documents

Anytime you travel, it’s always good to have copies made of all important documents, especially if you plan to travel overseas. Make sure all forms of ID are copied and the copies are placed in a safe location. Contact information for each traveler should be recorded and accessible to everyone who may need it. The location and contact information for each stop on the trip should also be included in your document package. If your children plan on traveling without you, make sure that you know exactly where they are staying and who they are staying with. It may also be a good idea to purchase trip insurance or a form of health insurance if you are traveling abroad.

Remind your kids to keep their passports and travel documents in a safe location. If traveling to a country where there might be a significant language barrier, it’s always a good idea to carry the business card of the hotel where you are staying in order to show taxi drivers where you will need to go.

Tip 2. Pack and Monitor Medications

If anyone in your family takes medications regularly, ensure that they have an adequate supply for the time they are traveling. Many medications may not be available for purchase overseas or in remote areas, so it’s important to make sure you have enough on hand for the time you will be gone. Additionally, pack an emergency medical kit with general medications you may need while traveling. By having certain medications on hand, you can save time and possibly a more serious injury by being prepared to handle a medical situation.

Tip 3. Educate Your Kids on the Dangers of Drinking

This is a big issue if your older kids will be traveling without you this spring break. Make sure they are aware of alcohol safety. If anyone is under 21 years old, they should not be drinking at all in the U.S., however, some countries do allow drinking at 18 years old. If your kids are old enough to drink, remind them that they should never drive under any circumstance. Also, they should keep a close eye on their drinks, especially in crowded bars or clubs. Date rape drugs are popular toxins that can be slipped into drinks without detection if someone is not vigilant about where their drink is located. Remind your children to use the buddy system when out late at night, and do not accept drinks from strangers.

Tip 4. Don’t Broadcast Travel on Social Media

It might be tempting to talk about your trip and where you are going on your social media channels, but remember that this is a perfect way for strangers and criminals to know when you are away from your home. Talk to your kids about monitoring what they are posting on their social media accounts as well. You don’t want to create a situation where your home or family is vulnerable to a lurking stranger.

Tip 5. Stay in Touch and Have an Emergency Plan

Whether you are traveling together as a family, or your kids are traveling on their own, ensuring that you have open lines of communication is a big safety issue. Remind family members to keep their phones charged, and perhaps invest in portable chargers or extra batteries for remote travel.

In any location, have a family emergency plan. Find out where the nearest law enforcement station is, and have a meeting point if there is an emergency and communication is difficult. In the event that you are separated from your kids, make sure that they have multiple ways to contact you and their traveling companions in the event that they need help. If you plan on traveling overseas, make sure you have an Internet-based messaging service such as WhatsApp that the whole family can use to communicate in different places.

Conclusion
Spring Break is about taking time to enjoy a week off, but it should not be about taking a week off from safety. There is a lot of danger out there if you let your guard down. As parents, you have a responsibility to discuss safety with your kids before they travel. We hope everyone has a very safe and enjoyable spring break this year!