Скачать или смотреть Spring Break 2023 | Travel/Safety Tips

Dear Students,

Spring Break is about to begin! You may have already decided what to do; whether you will stay in the Washington DMV area, travel domestically, or internationally, we want you to return happy, healthy, and hopefully more rested for the remainder of the spring semester! Here are some important safety considerations to keep in mind if you are traveling for spring break.

Know the Risks

If you are traveling to a new place, do a little research about the location, laws, customs, and expectations. Some cities in Florida have beefed up their security and no-tolerance policies because of past issues with college spring break students. Some international locations have been identified as high-risk sites and travel there is not advised (recent Mexican cartel kidnappings led to two American deaths).

For international travelers, the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service that allows U.S. citizens and nationals to enroll in your trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The benefits include receiving important information about safety conditions in the country so you can make informed decisions as well as help them or your family and friends get in touch with you in an emergency. For travel advisories, check out travel.state.gov.

Any time you find yourself in a situation or have a problem with the law, always go straight to the US Embassy for help. It would be advisable to be familiar with the laws of the country that you are visiting. Got travel insurance? Make sure your health insurance plan covers medical expenses, including medical evacuation at your destination; if not, it may be wise to obtain some form of travel insurance. This is especially important for international travelers. 

Have a Plan

Remember to be responsible. Check out the Peer Health Advocate Video with Spring Break Tips! Muggings and sexual assault locally or out of town are often facilitated by alcohol and other drugs. Once you know the risks and have a plan, stick together and support each other as a group.