The weather is beginning to turn for the better, and we are all itching to get out and explore. Before hopping on the road to your spring break retreat, we want to encourage you to plan this year’s trip as safely as possible with these tips. 

Watch the Weather

As the days count down toward your spring break vacation, make sure to keep an eye on the weather at your destination. Additionally, check the weather for the route if you are planning to travel by car. Spring can be a tumultuous time of year for weather conditions in the midwest. With tornado season ramping up and the chance for late-season snow and ice, the chances for inclement weather are high. Make sure to plan your trip around clear skies and sunny forecasts. In addition to making your trip safer, it’ll be much more enjoyable as well!

Don’t Overshare

With the rise in popularity of social media, it is almost more difficult these days not to know where people are at all times. When preparing for a week or longer away from home, however, it is important to remember the dangers of posting about your trip dates online. We know you’re excited to share all of the amazing pictures and excursions you embark on during your holiday away from home, but one tip is to never include the start and end dates of your vacation. 

Stay Hydrated 

This sound advice for everyday living becomes even more imperative when traveling. The added exposure to sun in addition to the exertion of energy that comes with exploring new places makes adequate hydration all the more important on your spring break trip. If you are planning to spend a week at the beach, make your trip the most enjoyable it can be by keeping the water nearby. Dehydration can cause headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and can even lead to hospitalization if it gets on top of you, all recipes for disaster when trying to enjoy a bit of relaxation. Make your water bottle a vacation staple the next time you embark on a sunny getaway.

Protect Your Valuables

Speaking of spending time on the beach, plan to keep any valuables you may have on you safely tucked away. Leave as much as you can back in your room when you plan on lounging in the sand or exploring the shore away from your towel. The fewer opportunities thieves have to take advantage of your wandering gaze the better. Additionally, avoid carrying large sums of cash when on vacation. Tourists are often distinguishable from locals and can easily become targets for pickpockets and other criminals. Play it safe by travelling light.

Swim Safely

A lot of people use spring break as a chance to visit the ocean for the first time. If this is your first time visiting, or if you are not a frequent ocean swimmer, it is so important to be aware of the current. Keep a close and constant eye on young children playing in the water, and make sure everyone in your travel party understands the dangers of swimming too deep. 

Use the Buddy System

Having a person with you at all times is the safest way to travel, especially in unfamiliar territory. There is power in numbers, which is why sticking by others on vacation is such a beneficial safety practice. 

Use Sunscreen

We know how tempting it can be to go for that spring break, sun-kissed glow on your vacation, but don’t underestimate the damage that UV rays have on skin. Especially if you are not used acclimated to your destination’s environment, the consequences of ditching the sunscreen for even a few hours can be detrimental to your health and to the enjoyment of your trip. Make sure that your friends and family members are keeping up on their sunscreen throughout the week.

No matter how you choose to spend your spring break vacation, make sure it is a safe one with these simple and effective safety tips!