Vacation, All I Ever Wanted

By: DeAnna Britton                                                                                                                  

picture courtsey of visitingnewengland.com.

As a junior in college, I fantasize about the places I will go on spring break. The possibilities are endless! First, I’ve never been to the west coast, so California seems like a good place. Then I thought about Baja, Mexico, just below California. I’ve always wanted to go to Mexico and it’s beautiful. Then I thought more exotic, like some place in South America. Finally, coming back to reality, I check my bank account and realize I will have to wait one more year to see any of these dreams come true. Spring break consists of heavy planning and money spending. I’ve decided to stay in New York or perhaps go back to Maine and relax on the beach, although it is nowhere near as warm as any of my fantasy destinations. For those of you lucky enough to go to the places of your choice, here are some helpful tips to staying safe. I guess we still have to be realists in the world we live in.

• Know where you are going. Get a map before hand of places around your hotel and a map of the city around you so that you don’t appear to be lost.

• If you’re traveling to a different country make sure you have all the identification and paperwork you need. You don’t want to be stuck back home while everyone else gets to get away. Also make sure to make copies of your passport and license just in case they get lost.

• When spending a night on the town, have someone know where you are at all times. Try avoid being alone.

• Make sure you exchange currency before you get to a different country. There’s nothing worse than have American dollars in some place that only take Pesos.

• 080 is the 911 number in Mexico. Before traveling anywhere outside the country, know the emergency number. Save it in your phone.

• Remember skin safety. Packed suntan lotion and aloe just in case you missed a spot. Also bring sunglasses.

• Remember your medicine if you take a prescription and also remember your birth control.

• For those of you old enough to drink, be careful to not run into the problem of dehydration. Always drink water during the day and right before you go to sleep.

• NEVER accept a drink from a stranger. You never know what could be in it.

• Be aware of your surroundings and look out for your friends and/or family.

Most of all make sure you have fun! Try new things when you’re out and about. Explore the cities and places around you. Take lots of pictures and make great memories. That’s what a spring break should be about. Even though I will not be travelling far, I am determined to try something new and discover a new place I didn’t know before. Spring is the season of new beginnings!

Tags: beach, college, safety, spring break, travel, vacation