by Shannon Bradford

Created on: February 02, 2009   Last Updated: April 14, 2009

Spring break plans are all about having fun and relaxing from the stresses of school or work, yet it's important to take the time to think about safety for your upcoming vacation. Planning a trip down to the very second can't eradicate the possibility of something going awry, so it's essential that you take several steps to ensure that you stay as safe as possible, and that you return to your hometown in one solid, well-rested piece.

Research your destination. It seems obvious, but many travelers don't get to know their destination before they depart. It's essential to know what you're getting yourself into before you arrive. Have there been any recent civil wars? Is there a certain part of town notorious for pickpocketing? Are there political uprisings of any sort? What is the political history? These are all essential questions to ask before boarding the plane. Even if you'll be within a well-contained group, sightseeing, or just rabble-rousing at local bars, it's always a good idea to delve a bit into the local history. This ensures that you are a well-informed visitor, and it avoids embarrassing slipups on your part. Be ready to name the current president, prime minister or otherwise. This always scores points with the locals.

Dress smart. Dangling gold watches, sparkling diamonds and iPods that scream "HUNDREDS OF RESALE DOLLARS" don't bode well on the open streets of a foreign country, or even a crowded area in large U.S. cities. This makes you a prime target for pickpocketing. Don't assume that thieves will have common decencies: it is not unheard of, or even uncommon, to see thieves swipe earrings, necklaces, and sunglasses right off the face or neck of a person in broad daylight. Always keep your mind on your belongings, and it's best to leave the valuables at the hotel in a locked vault. Your best bet is to leave the pricey stuff at home altogether!

Spread it out. At home, you probably run around with most of your credit cards and dollar bills in one tidy wallet. On Spring Break, this is the biggest no-no. In one quick swipe, your entire funding for the vacation can be stolen, so be mindful of where your credit cards and cash are. Keep an emergency credit card locked up in the vault at the hotel, a small sum of money in a hidden pocket or inside your sock, and the rest of your money distributed through purses and wallets. This way, if someone happens to hijack your purse, you still have money in your pocket AND at the hotel. Always try to think ahead

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