JENNA JAUREGUI
FEATURES EDITOR
The sober headlines announcing the death of Austin Bice, the SDSU International Business student who was studying abroad in Spain before he went missing in February, emblazoned the reality of travel dangers in stark black and white print. As CSUSM, students will soon leave behind the stress and anxiety of midterm exams and jet away for spring break adventures. Before packing your suitcase, refresh yourself with these travel guidelines that will help ensure a safe return home.
Before you pick a destination, check government travel websites to make sure there are no travel alerts or warnings for that area. Unstable government, war, terrorism, natural disasters and disease are all factors that may render a country or state unsafe for tourism. The CSUSM global education website contains links to these resources and more at csusm. edu/global/travelresources.
When deciding what to bring on your trip, keep in mind that you don’t want to make yourself a theft target. The website travel.safe.gov advises travelers to “carry the minimum number of valuables, and plan places to conceal them. Your passport, cash and credit cards are most secure when locked in a hotel safe. When you have to carry them on your person, you may wish to put them each in a different place rather than all in one wallet or pouch. Avoid handbags, fanny packs and outside pockets that are easy targets for thieves. Inside pockets and a sturdy shoulder bag with the strap worn across your chest are somewhat safer. One of the safest places to carry valuables is in a pouch or money belt worn under your clothing.”
Additionally, students should educate themselves about the laws of the state or country before beginning a trip. According to information on studentsabroad. state.gov, “Your U.S. citizenship does not make you exempt from full prosecution under another country’s criminal justice system, and the U.S. government cannot bail you out. Many countries impose harsh penalties for violations that would be considered minor in the United States, and unlike in the U.S., you may be considered guilty until proven innocent. Ignorance of the law is no excuse, so be informed.” Also be sure to secure proper documentation and any vaccinations needed to enter the country.
Once you arrive, exercise street smarts. You may be there to enjoy the nightlife, beaches and throngs of fun loving “spring breakers,” but enter the scene with a level head. Studentsabroad.state.gov says to avoid underage and excessive alcohol consumption, avoid drugs and drug use, use only licensed and regulated transportation, avoid carrying weapons, and be conscientious. Take precautions— don’t gamble with your safety. Make sure that you don’t go off alone and that someone you trust always knows were you are. Doing so may save your life.
These guidelines may help students to make wise choices and have fun while traveling, but their execution depends on you. Educate, control, and enjoy yourself this spring break—globetrotting can lead to amazing experiences if done the right way.
Photo courtesy of blog.statravel.com