Many high school and college students go on out-of-state with friends for spring break. It has become a big part of the school experience, but it is not without controversy. There are some Spring Break Safety Tips one should always put in place.
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Spring Break Safety Tips
For years spring break trips are often known as wild, week-long parties with no supervision or rules. There is no reason spring break has to be that way though, if you put a little bit of creativity into it.
Here are some things to think about if you let your teen or young adult attend out-of-state spring break activities. Safety tips, things to talk about and options if you choose to not allow a spring break trip.
Questions to Ask Yourself
If your high school student has asked to go on an out-of-state spring break trip, you will immediately have questions going through your mind. How mature is your child? What kind of decisions do they have a track record of making? Who is going on the spring break activity? What will they be doing?
All these questions will help you decide whether the activity is something you even wish to take into consideration. Not every idea a young person has when it comes to spring break travels may align with your values or what you want for your child.
Set Rules
If your child has a track record of making good decisions, and has a group of responsible, close friends who are going along, you might decide to allow him (or her) to go. If you do, you will want to be sure to set some firm ground rules in place. Perhaps you will require him/her to pay for part of their trip in order to give him a feeling of responsibility. This will be a great learning experience along with the fun.
Having your child come up with a portion of the money for the trip also means that if they do it, they really are committed to going. However, that commitment might still not be enough for you to want to let them go.
Require a Chaperone
It is a wise move to have a respectable chaperone going along as well. Although your child may have a good head on his or her shoulders, peer pressure can cause even the most responsible young person to make bad decisions. And even if they stand up for what they believe in, they may end up isolated or in a situation you would never want your child to end up in… especially being so far away from home. A chaperone will minimize this risk.
Requiring a chaperone might make your child upset. Explain to them that the chaperone isn’t really there to watch their every move. A chaperone is there for emergencies and to make sure everyone stays safe.
Know all the Details
As the adult and a parent it is your right to know all the details about the trip. While young adults might feel that is an invasion, they are still under your care and you make the rules.
Some young adults/teens might be upset and if they are, then maybe they are not level headed enough to venture out on a solo trip for spring break.
Safety Tips
- Travel safe/Arrive safe. Drive only during the day if possible.
- Don’t take chances at your hotel. Always locking doors and using the buddy system.
- Protect your location, and don’t share about where you are while you are there.
- Carry cash and phone numbers. Take pictures of your credit cards with your cell phone so if they go missing you can call and cancel them asap.
- Use the buddy system and stick to it. Always have your buddy with, everywhere, even the bathroom.
- Create a code word that everyone knows, and uses if ever in trouble or feels unsafe.
- Practice safe drinking if of drinking age. Never set down a drink and walk away because that’s when creepers strike. Drill this into your college kids head.
- Let them know that if they need help, ask for it. Don’t be shy, just ask anyone at any time.
- Hydrate and wear sunscreen.
- Carry a small, practical, and easy to use personal protection tool.
Out of the Country Spring Break Safety Tips
- If you’re child is traveling outside of the country:
- Sign up online for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
- Look up the address or contact information for the American consulate or U.S. Embassy in the country where they are headed.
- Tell them what to do in an emergency. Drill it into their heads.
- Call your credit card and cash card companies in advance or set up a way for them to get money when travelling abroad.
- Make sure they have their passport, drivers license (if they have one) and any documents needed for travel. A travel wallet is ideal to have with.
Make Other Plans
Not every kid needs to “go away” for spring break alone, or at all. There are many other things that can be done during this time of year.
It might be a money factor, or maybe you feel your child isn’t ready to go on a solo trip. Regardless of the reason, here are some other idea.
Staycation
If for any reason, you have decided not to allow your child to go along on a typical spring break trip, there are plenty of other things they can do.
Why not help your high schooler organize a “staycation” with their closest friends? Help them plan a fun week filled with local attractions to keep them busy and entertained.
Family Spring Break Vacation
Maybe now is a good time for you to plan for a family vacation. Sure, it may cost more than sending just your high school student away, but it will certainly help him feel like he is not missing out on the beaches and sun. And it is a great time to bond as a family before he graduates and heads out into the world.
Wondering what kind of family vacation you could do. Check out my Book Your Trip page for lots of ideas and booking tools to help plan the perfect spring break vacation.
Final Thoughts on Spring Break Safety Tips
There are many things to consider when your high schooler or college student wants to go on a spring break trip. Take your time and think it over. There are many options to make this the best spring break ever, whatever you decide.
Keeping our kids safe should always be at the forefront so whatever you decide, they will understand. Maybe not at first, especially if your don’t let them go. But, in the end they will understand.
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