Spring break is a time for adventure, relaxation and making memories. Stay safe during your spring break travel with these tips that will ensure it is enjoyable and worry-free.

Planning For a Safe Spring Break

Here are things you can do before your trip to enhance safety and prepare for unexpected situations.

• Make copies of important documents: Photocopy your passport, ID, and travel itinerary and leave a copy with a trusted person back home. Keep a digital version on your phone or email.
• Share your travel plans: Let a close friend or family member know your full itinerary, including where you’ll be staying and how you’ll be traveling.
• Shop ahead for safety items: Bring essential and easy-to-transport safety gear such as a door wedge alarm for the hotel or Airbnb, portable chargers, and first aid kit.
• Write down emergency contacts: Save local emergency numbers and if you’re traveling internally, the address of local U.S. embassy or consulate. Travel Insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost belongings.
• Check the latest TSA guidelines for packing personal or self-defense items: For example, pepper spray can be packed in checked luggage only and is limited to one 4 fl. oz. (118 ml) container provided it is equipped with a safety mechanism to prevent accidental discharge. Self-defense sprays containing more than 2 percent by mass of tear gas (CS or CN) are prohibited in checked baggage.

Safety en Route

Flying Safely

• Keep your valuables close: Always carry essential documents, electronics, and money in your carry-on bag.
• Be aware of your surroundings: Keep an eye on your bags and avoid leaving them unattended at the airport.
• Use reliable transportation: Arrange for trusted airport transportation or use official taxi services and rideshare apps with good reviews. Do not take rides from people soliciting passengers.

Driving Safely

• Inspect your vehicle: If you're driving to your destination, check the condition of your car, including tires (don’t forget the spare tire!), brakes and oil levels.
• Avoid unknown areas: Stick to well-lit highways and avoid isolated roads, especially in unfamiliar places.
• Switch drivers if possible: If traveling with others, rotate drivers to prevent fatigue.
• Follow traffic laws: Respect local speed limits and road signs, and avoid distractions like texting while driving. Spring break travel is always busy, so watch traffic trends and be prepared in the event of road closures, detours or stopped and slowed traffic.
• Pack car safety necessities: Put a jack and lug wrench, jumper cables, a flashlight, safety, reflective triangle or flares, blankets, basic toolkit and extra flashlight batteries in the trunk just in case you need them.

Hotel Room & Airbnb Safety

Most hotels and vacation rentals, like Airbnb, are designed for comfort – and security. There are also precautions you can take to enhance your safety.

• Keep hotel room numbers private: Do not give out your hotel room number or carry the hotel room key card with it listed.
• Use all available locking mechanisms: Lock all your doors and windows when you leave, especially on lower floors, and ensure all doors are locked before turning in for the night.
• Pack additional safety items: Wedge door stop alarms, hinged door locks and door handle alarms are portable and take up very little space in your luggage.

Here are even more tips from the U.S. Department of State.

Safely Participate in Vacation Activities

Once you reach your destination, balance fun with personal safety. Here are ways to protect yourself while enjoying your trip:

• Be smart with money: Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Use credit or debit cards when possible and keep emergency cash in a separate location.
• Secure your belongings: If visiting busy tourist areas, use a money belt or an anti-theft bag to protect your valuables.
• Dress appropriately: Check local dress codes and think ahead to what activities you have planned to pack accordingly. Also, don’t forget essential toiletries like sunblock, sunglasses, and a hat to avoid sunburn.
• Stay in groups: Traveling with friends or family is safer than exploring alone, especially at night.

Stay Safe in Mexico and Other International Destinations

If you're heading to Mexico or another international destination, extra precautions should be taken:

• Research local laws: Understand the legal drinking age, drug laws, and customs regulations of the country.
• Use trusted transportation: Avoid unregistered taxis. Instead, use ride-sharing apps or hotel-recommended transport.
• Be cautious of scams: Tourists are often targets of scams. Be skeptical of strangers offering unsolicited help or deals that seem too good to be true.
• Stay in safe areas: Stick to well-reviewed hotels and avoid venturing into unsafe neighborhoods.
• Know the local emergency number: Unlike 911 in the U.S., other countries have different emergency contact numbers.
• Register with your country’s State Department: In the U.S. register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), a free service from the U.S. Department of State that sends you emails with updates from the local U.S. embassy or consulate. If there’s an emergency where you are, it helps us contact you with instructions on what to do.

College Students Spring Break Safety

College students have heightened risks during spring break due to increased alcohol consumption and a party atmosphere. Read our blog on college student spring break safety for tips to stay safe – and have fun – on your trip.

Spring break can be a fantastic experience when approached with safety in mind. By planning ahead, staying aware of your surroundings, and making smart decisions, you can enjoy your trip while minimizing risks. Whether traveling with friends, family, or solo, these precautions will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable spring break adventure.