1. Make a Plan

You’re an impulsive, spontaneous girl, but on Spring Break, it’s important to plan ahead so you can stay safe. Book your hotel well in advance, and rent your car ahead of time if possible, too, and save the spontaneity for things like which restaurant to choose for dinner. If you choose to wait to find a room or a car, you might find yourself staying somewhere less than savory, potentially sacrificing some of your safety.

2. Let Someone Know Your Whereabouts

Make sure your friends and family know where you are at all times. This sounds lame and childish, but it’s not, and it’s one of the best ways to stay safe on Spring Break. It’s also one of the best ways to keep in the loop on all of the hottest gossip!

3. Check in Often

Before you leave for Spring Break, make sure you set a time that you’ll check in with your mom or dad every single day you’re away. And stick to it! That way, if your contact doesn’t hear from you at that time, and they can’t reach you, they know to start a search.

4. Use the Buddy System

No matter where you go or what you do, make sure you always have a trusted friend with you at all times. This is the same buddy system we used when we were kids. You’ll be a much less attractive target for kidnappers, muggers, rapists, and other unsavories if you’re part of a pair… lone girls are much more likely to be targeted.

5. No Drinking or Drug Use!

Most Spring Breakers are too young to drink and certainly shouldn’t be using illicit drugs, but on spring Break, so many of them do, and it can lead to big trouble, fast. I’m not just talking about alcohol poisoning or a drug overdose. Girls who have been drinking are easier targets for harm… and drugs and alcohol can also impair a girl’s judgment. Stay safe on Spring Break - don’t drink or use drugs!

6. Don’t Hook-up

No matter how hot the guy is, it’s never a good idea to hook up with a stranger. If you do decide to ignore my very wise but stodgy suggestion not to hook up, at least protect yourself by insisting on a condom, and again, make sure someone knows where you are and who you’re with.

7. Listen to Your Gut

If you’re ever in a situation that makes you feel uncomfortable, leave. Trust your instincts! That’s why you have them! Usually your gut will be right - that skeezy guy IS following you. And you DID just see someone slip something in your drink. LEAVE! Get somewhere safe, and call for back-up.

These are my suggestions on staying safe on Spring Break - please follow them, sweetie! I want you to have fun on your much-needed and well-deserved break, but I want you to be safe! If you’re planning a holiday for Spring Break, how will you stay safe? What are your Spring Break safety plans? Please share!

Top Photo Credit: lesliee!!