Spring Break Do's and Dont's!

Last year for spring break, I went to South Padre Island with a huge group of my friends from high school. It was one of the best weeks of my life! This year I am travelling to Gulf Shores, Alabama, with a big group of people, including my pledge class. I have heard great things about Gulf Shores, and I am ready for my second spring break as a college student! For those freshmen experiencing their first college Spring Break, here are some of my tips for making your Spring Break a fun and SAFE time.

Image by Jacrews7 on flickr.com

DO: Hit the gym before hitting the bikini. Lets face it, from January 1^st to March 12^th it is highly unlikely you’ll be able to go from “Freshman 15” to Victoria’s Secret Angel, but working out before putting on a bathing suit can make you feel tons better about the way you look.

DON’T: Tan in the tanning bed. We all know how bad this is for us, but everyone does it. STOP IT! Tan skin is not worth the risks of getting a deadly skin cancer.

Instead… DO: get a bronze glow before hitting the beach via Sunless Tanning products. Whether it is Versa Spa or Mystic Tanning, this is a safe and healthy way to get a good base coat of color. Then when you do get to the beach, lay out there!

Image by aarmono on flickr.com

DON’T: Go home with someone you just met. I know this is a rule that should be set at all times, but emotions are running high during Spring Break and that hott guy you just met may be saying all the right things, but when morning comes you will never see him again!

However…DO: Exchange numbers with any interesting people you meet. One of the coolest things about Spring break is that so many college students come from all over the country to the same vacation spots! You may meet a girl who is actually from your hometown or a guy who knows your cousin and so you want to be able to keep in touch!

Image by natalielucier on flickr.com

DO: Guard your drink at all times. We have all heard the horror stories of people slipping something into your drink that could perhaps impair your judgment or memory, but everyone, including me, thinks that would NEVER happen to them. Bottom line, better to be safe then sorry.

DON’T: Try to out drink anyone. Always remember your limits. Trying to go head to head with the boys could get you into trouble the next morning.

Along with that one…

DON’T: Experiment. The amount of college students on vacation will open the door up to endless opportunities and experiences. But the mixture of the sun and alcohol is not set an appropriate setting to try anything new.

Image by Sarebear:) on flickr.com

DON’T: Post on Facebook/Twitter anything that will reflect negatively upon yourself or your group/sorority. Especially with recruitment coming up quickly, your sorority will not appreciate if you are representing the chapter in a bad way or a way that is associated with drinking, partying, etc. Other groups (sports teams, theater, etc.) often have standards you are expected to uphold, too. Even if you aren’t traveling with a group like that, you wouldn’t want a Spring Break photo to keep you from getting hired for your dream job, so keep it classy! If you wouldn’t want your sweet grandmother to see it, DON’T post it.

Image by Ed Yourdon on flickr.com

DO: Drink a ton of water and wear sunscreen! Taking care of yourself is especially important during this week of craziness. Your normal routine will be thrown out of whack and maintaining hydration for your body is very important!

DO: Keep each other in check. Always make sure that someone reliable in your group knows where you are at all times. Watch out for your friends and make sure they watch out for you. Have a set meeting time or place, just in case someone gets lost. This will hopefully ensure a safe trip!

All in all, have fun, be careful, and make long-lasting memories!

XOXO,

Tomi