by Ted Sherman

Created on: February 03, 2009   Last Updated: February 09, 2009

Staying safe on spring break may seem like an empty warning, because many school and college kids embark on the annual flaming youth orgy to do anything but worry about safety. However, if any of you young whippersnappers out there are paying attention, here are some hints about personal safety you'll probably totally ignore. However, as a former teen hellraiser myself, here are my thoughts.

1. You can increase your chances of staying safe while in the spring break area by dressing down. Don't call attention to yourself with bright, gaudy clothing, shining jewelry, glaring hair color, and constantly yakking while leaning out car windows or on your cell phone. If you look and act like an obvious mark for muggers, you may as well paint a target on your back. On the other side of the law, the most flashy partygoer is the one who attracts police attention.

2. If you're a smart spring breaker, you'll do some homework before you visit unfamiliar places. If you've never been to the most popular spring break sites, such as Las Vegas, Atlantic City, Fort Lauderdale, Tijuana or other such destinations, get on the internet before you leave. Find websites that tell of both the positive and negative aspects of those cities. How tolerant are the cops in Vegas? What are the oldest scams in Tijuana? What neighborhoods should you avoid in Fort Lauderdale? What are the typical scams in Atlantic City? Get yourself the smarts to keep you safe when you're most vulnerable.

3. Protect your valuables at all times with a tight-to-the body purse or money belt. Be sure your ID cards are well tucked in. Don't take them out for anyone other than recognizable officials or if you're carded. Be aware of pickpockets, including that group of lovable little Tijuana kids who want to hug you real tight.

4. Carry a minimum stash of cash. Leave the big bills locked in the hotel safe. If you expect to spend some significant dollars, buy travelers checks. If you'll be in a foreign country, it's also a good idea to do all your currency exchanging at American Express or other reliable money office. Use your credit cards sparingly or not at all. Those restaurant receipts you sign could make easy targets for thieves to use in making illegal purchases.

5. No matter how attractive they look or are recommended by a friendly taxi driver, don't wander off well-lighted public areas into questionable neighborhoods. Not that there should be any sympathy for muggers, but some cities are known as drug havens for wandering

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