Spring break is one of the most anticipated times of the year. Whether you are going to visit friends or family, party, or just take a vacation from the books, it is exciting. But how many of you are really prepared? Here are some tips to help you with planning and being safe on Spring break.

1. Tell family and friends your travel plans: A lot of Spring breakers are so excited to get away from the stresses of school and life in general, that they forget to actually write out their plans. It is very important to tell your friends and family where you are going and what you plan to do. Those whose plans go accordingly are fortunate, but for the few whose plans do not, a travel plan helps. You may think changing your plans daily is more spontaneous but it could lead to unwanted attention.

2. Bring several forms of Identification: You never know what situation you will be in that will require multiple forms of identification. If you are traveling outside of the U.S. this is helpful especially if you lose one, or need to withdraw money from a bank or pick up money from Western Union.

3. Check the weather: All Spring breakers should check the weather before traveling. You will want to pack accordingly for the weather. It also helps to know the weather just in case there are delays on a flight.

4. Set a budget: While some do have tons of money, others do not. It is good to set a budget and only take so much money. You definitely do not want to come back from Spring break with a lot of debt on your credit card.

5. Know your limit: While it may be fun to have a few drinks, know your limit. With drinking can come poor choices and you do not want to end up in a bad situation because of one too many awesome margaritas.

6. Do not leave the group: When you travel, make sure you are going in a group. It does not have to be a large group, but make sure that you are paired. This is especially true if you are in an unfamiliar place.  A Miami, Florida Police Department detective, said one of the biggest issues is a group being split up. Vacationers get lost, wind up in the wrong place at the wrong time, so again stay with your group! Many may have seen the A & E television series, “The First 48”, where a crime happens and the first 48 hours are critical to the detectives. Many of the episodes have to do with the victim being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

7. Do not flaunt money: It is never good to flaunt how much money you brought with you or how much money you make. You are asking for trouble if you do.

8. Do not tell strangers your plans or where you are staying: If you do tell, it is a good way to have unwanted and unexpected guests. You never know what someone else is thinking. You can be that one person that someone cannot resist and they may follow you whether you wanted them to or not. Only share those details with someone you are sure is safe.

9. Do not drink anything not made in front of you: If you are too drunk to care, you are too drunk to have more drinks. Experts say many date rapes or kidnappings happen due to the unwanted spiking of drinks. Keep your eye on your drink at all times and keep it close if you cannot hold it.

10. Do not get arrested: “Different state, different rules” is a good saying to keep in the back of your mind. Regardless of the state you should want to be safe and on your best behavior. Stay away from all illegal activity.

Plans change, things happen, and it is best to be prepared. Enjoy your Spring break.