Spring Break Safety Tips for College Students

Spring break is the perfect time to unwind, explore new places, and create unforgettable memories. According to U.S. News Travel, the top college spring break destinations this year are Cancun, Miami Beach, and Key West. Whether you're heading to a tropical beach, an exciting city, or a quiet retreat, a little preparation can help keep you safe. By adopting these smart safety habits, you can enjoy your trip with confidence.

How to stay safe on college spring break?

1. Stay Connected 

   Staying connected on spring break starts before you leave. Share your full itinerary—including flight details, hotel reservations, and planned activities—with a trusted friend or family member. Regularly check in with them, especially if your plans change. Utilize location-sharing apps like Find My Friends or Google Maps' location sharing to stay connected with your spring break travel group, ensuring everyone is accounted for at all times. Similarly, use location sharing when getting into an Uber or Lyft. It is equally important to set up specific meeting points and times, avoid going out alone, and ensure everyone leaves when it is time to go - even if someone insists they want to stay out! In case of an emergency, having someone who knows your whereabouts can be invaluable for quickly getting help. Establish a check-in routine, such as a daily text or call, to provide peace of mind for both you and your loved ones.

    

2. Transportation Safety 

   Safe transportation is critical to avoiding risky situations. Only use licensed rideshares, taxis, or hotel shuttles. When using rideshare services, always verify the driver’s identity and vehicle details before getting in. Share your ride status with a trusted friend or family member and sit in the back seat for added safety. Avoid accepting rides from strangers and trust your instincts—if something feels off, don't get in the vehicle. Spring break is a time to meet new people, but do not get into a car with someone you just met, even if they are the same age and seem trustworthy.  

   For an added layer of confidence, pack SABRE’s mighty discreet pepper spray in your purse wherever you go. This compact safety device can provide a critical advantage in unexpected situations by temporarily incapacitating a potential threat, giving you precious seconds to escape and seek help.

3. Watch Your Drink 

   Drink safety is a crucial part of staying protected during spring break for college students. In crowded or unfamiliar environments, drink tampering can be a real concern, and staying aware of your beverage helps reduce the risk of being drugged. Whether you're consuming alcohol or not, always keep your drink in your possession, and never leave it unattended—even for a moment. If you set it down and lose track of it, it's safest to get a new one.  If someone offers to buy you a drink, go with them to the bar and have the bartender hand it to you directly. 

   It is tempting to let loose on spring break and new surroundings present new risks. Before starting each day, ensure everyone has set up location sharing and share the responsibility for being sober. Each night, designate one or two people in the group who will remain sober (or, primarily sober) to ensure everyone leaves together.  

4. Hotel Safety 

   During the planning stage you may be asking yourself if it is safe to stay in a hotel alone. The best way to improve hotel safety is by keeping your room number private, locking all doors and windows, and packing a portable door lock or wedge door stop alarm for extra protection. Discard the hotel key sleeve with the room number on it and use the Airbnb and hotel apps to get the information you need - do not write it down separately. Before leaving on your trip, ask, “What do I need to stay safe in a hotel?” Many of the answers are obvious, but for hotels, Airbnb apartments, and condos, book a higher room; and don’t give out the location to anyone you’ve just met. For additional hotel safety tips, read portable travel safety tools for hotels and Airbnbs.

5. Stay Aware of Your Surroundings 

   Your parents were right - watch where you’re going! Public events and crowded settings dominate spring break activities. Always stay mindful of your surroundings and identify exits in case of an emergency. Keep your valuables secure with a money belt or anti-theft bag. If neither of those are your style, keep your ID, credit cards and money close to you, such as inside your bra, an interior pocket or the like. Also, keep some form of identification on you at all times but leave your passport in the hotel safe. Do not carry all your money at once. Distribute it between what you take with you, the hotel safe, and hidden in your luggage or articles of clothing. Lastly, leave expensive jewelry at home. 
   Avoid distractions like excessive phone use, and trust your instincts—if something feels off, move to a safer area. When attending events with your college friends, establish a check-in system and designate a meeting spot in case you get separated. By staying aware and proactive, you can enjoy the experience while prioritizing your safety. 

Pro tip #1: Make copies of your passport, ID and credit card and give them to a friend or family member as backup. You can shred them when you get back home. 
Pro tip #2: Put the local emergency phone numbers in your phone before you leave. Dialing 911 in the United States connects to police and fire but emergency contact information varies by country.

Pack Personal Safety Devices

Recognized by Travel & Leisure Magazine, these highly recommended personal safety products provide an extra layer of protection, giving you confidence and peace of mind wherever your spring break travels take you. If you have questions about whether you can pack pepper spray or safety alarms, we have you covered. We’ve rounded up our favorite personal safety devices and even broken them down by which ones are carry-on approved. 

Currently, the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) allows pepper spray in checked baggage only, with a limit of one 4 fluid ounces (118 ml) container provided it is equipped with a safety mechanism to prevent accidental discharge. Self defense sprays containing more than 2% by mass of tear gas (CS or CN) are prohibited even in checked luggage. Check TSA before your trip for the latest guidelines on what you can bring: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/

Hopefully after educating yourself with these college spring break safety tips you feel more confident about how to stay safe during your travel plans. We encourage everyone to stay informed and prepared so you can focus on making unforgettable memories.