5 Ways to Stay Safe on Your Spring Break Trip
Introduction
It’s spring break season, which means hordes of travelers will jet off to warmer destinations. But before you pack your bags, take a few moments to lay the groundwork for a safe spring break travel experience. Here are five tips to ensure your spring getaway is not only fun but safe.
1. Do Your Research
All travelers should know the crime rate and natural disaster risks of their intended destination, especially international travelers.
“You wouldn't want to be at the wrong place at the wrong time,” said Sheryl Hill, CEO of Depart Smart, travel safety training experts. “Or get stranded in a snowstorm, hurricane, or even a raging forest fire.”
Key Points
- Crime Rate: Research the crime rate in your destination.
- Natural Disasters: Be aware of natural disaster risks.
Image Description: Infographic showing the importance of researching crime rates and natural disaster risks.
2. Understand the Different Threat Levels
The U.S. Department of State issues travel advisories for every country in the world. Familiarize yourself with this information and develop an understanding of what each of the four advisory levels means:
- Exercise Normal Precautions
- Exercise Increased Caution
- Reconsider Travel
- Do Not Travel
“Do not travel means seriously do not,” explains Hill. “The State Department may not be able to assist if violent crime or civil unrest is prevalent.”
Image Description: Chart explaining the four advisory levels issued by the U.S. Department of State.
3. Get the Proper Vaccines
It’s a good idea to visit a travel medicine specialist or your healthcare provider before embarking on an international trip to get required vaccinations and to find out what health risks may be prevalent in your intended destination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) website provides information regarding necessary vaccinations by country.
Travel Health Kit Essentials
- Over-the-Counter Medicines
- Insect Repellant
- Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer
Image Description: Infographic showing essential items for a travel health kit.
4. Get to Know Your Destination
Take the time to map key locations at your destination. Hill suggests creating a custom Google Map with pins dropped on important destinations like airports, hospitals, police stations, and bus stations in addition to the sites you want to see. Not only is this helpful for you, but it can also be shared with your emergency contacts.
“Knowing your surroundings can be a matter of life and death while traveling,” said Hill. “You need to know how far away you are from help and how to reach them.”
Image Description: Map showing key locations like airports, hospitals, and police stations.
5. Consider Travel Insurance
No one wants to get hurt or sick on vacation and travelers especially don’t want to deal with the out-of-pocket costs if they do. Most health insurance plans often will not cover patients overseas.
“If a spring breaker has a medical emergency while on a trip that’s outside of the United States, they may not be covered,” explained Jenna Hummer, spokeswoman for Squaremouth. “That’s where travel insurance comes in. Emergency medical coverage will pay travelers back for medical costs for an unexpected sickness or injury.”
Image Description: Infographic explaining the benefits of travel insurance.
