Before your student heads off for spring break, parents should discuss the importance of safety while enjoying a week without classes. Many students will head home to be with family and friends,stay on campus to work or just enjoy a week in Atlanta without classes. For those of you who have a student who will be traveling, consider the following points as you discuss his or her travel plans.

• Plan Ahead: If your student will be traveling, encourage them to be aware of the laws at their destination. Ask your student to give you an itinerary of their trip, complete with hotel information as well as dates of departure and arrival. 
• Alcohol Use and Abuse: It is important to know the legal drinking age for the destination, the expectations, using a designated driver, not taking drinks from strangers, not leaving drinks unattended, feeling confident about choosing not to drink. 
• Staying Healthy: It is important to learn about staying hydrated, wearing sunscreen, and accessing local medical help. 
• Travel Safety: When traveling it is essential for students to aware of not driving when tired; know local traffic laws; know how to access embassies when abroad, and foreign travel customs. During this week, students should also always use the buddy system when possible.
• Finances: As a student setting and sticking to a budget, expectations for using or not using a credit card, how to get extra cash in an emergency, and avoid carrying all their money in their wallet or purse can be extremely beneficial. 

Visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s website for tips on Spring Break Health and safety.