Known in the college world as Fat Tuesday, February 21^st is really just an excuse for celebration. There isn’t any harm in finding things to celebrate in life; really life should be about the small things. This time of year also brings school vacations for students. For college students this is one of the best times of year; SPRING BREAK!

Depending upon the school attended, and the allotted time off for students; typically students head for warmer climates. Florida and California are some of the popular states within the United States, but many times students head overseas for all inclusive stays with friends. Mexico is a high traffic area during late February and March. Busy with both college students, and criminals waiting to pray on these college students. American teenagers need to remember they are not in their native country, and should be extra careful and conscious of their surroundings.

Awareness is half the battle, but sometimes college students get caught up in the heat of the moment. Many times these students are newly able to drink, and alcohol is often a factor, present at the scene of bad decisions. Most times criminals target students on a spring break vacation because of opportunity. Such as, they are seen with a pricey item, seen with an abundance of cash, or maybe just being careless when it comes to their surroundings. The main point is, these are crimes of opportunity, if the opportunity is not given they won’t take place. Obviously these situations cannot always be avoided, but understanding that you need to be EXTRA careful is vital.

Some things can only be learned by experience, and going on your first vacation without any parents is most certainly a learning experience (especially if it’s to another country). Especially during this spring break time, criminals are just waiting for the right opportunity to prey on unsuspecting travelers. Research has shown that many times criminals will even hang out around spring break filled hotels, be sure you don’t count the hotel staff completely out. Use your intuition in deciding if you can trust your hotel staff members, usually the hotel staff is very helpful and informative about the local area.

It’s important to keep a low profile, especially when it comes to money and spending. First, before you leave for an international vacation, it might be a good idea to alert your bank. When actually on the trip, the last thing you want to do is let anyone know that you have money on your person, or valuables in your hotel room. Especially in this economy, criminals are increasingly desperate. Be sure the windows in your hotel room are locked at all times, and you’re being choosey in giving people the number to your room or hotel name.

If you do need to visit the ATM, one inside the hotel is your best bet. If this is not possible find a well lit area that you feel safe; asking a trusted member of the hotel staff is a good strategy. If you plan to do some shopping while on your vacation, especially if this will be from street vendors using cash; have your money separated. The last thing you want to do is put a bulls-eye on your forehead by revealing all the cash you have for vacation in your wallet. This is definitely asking for trouble.

Although calls from your cell phone might be expensive since they are likely international; it’s still smart to have your phone with you! Just in case something were to happen, you’re going to want to be able to contact that girl that’s separated from the group, your parents, or even emergency services in that emergency situation. It’s smart to stay in groups and not veer off alone, but if someone does get separated you can stay in communication with them, or even quickly determine that something is not right. Don’t leave yourself without any means to communicate with others. Even during the bright sun of the day, when in another country, it’s important to be on high alert all the time.

Preparing and protecting yourself is really all you can do. To all college students: have an amazing and safe spring break vacation.

For more information about this topic, or to get some answers about your current insurance situation, please visit our virtual insurance agency at www.berryinsurance.com, stop by one of our two locations, or give us a call at (800) 941-3317.

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