For those of you who have a student who will be traveling over spring break, consider the following talking points as you discuss his or her travel plans.

• Plan Ahead – Encourage them to be aware of the laws at their destination. Also, ask your student to give you an itinerary, complete with his or her hotel information as well as arrival and departure times.
• Alcohol Use & Abuse – Discuss legal drinking age for the destination and your expectations. Caution your student to use a designated driver, not take drinks from strangers, and not leave drinks unattended. Also, encourage your student to feel confident about choosing not to drink.
• Staying Healthy – Remind them to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and access local medical help if they need it.
• Travel Safety – Your student should avoid driving when tired, know local traffic laws, know how to access embassies if abroad, and be aware of foreign travel customs. Students should also use the buddy system as much as possible.
• Finances – Discuss setting and sticking to a budget, expectations for using or not using a credit card, how to get extra cash in an emergency, and not keeping all money (credit cards, debit cards, checks and cash) in one location such as a wallet or purse.

Check out some of the following links for more information on spring break safety and traveling abroad:

Visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s website for tips on spring break health and safety.

Register your trip outside the United States with the U.S. Department of State.

Find information on infectious diseases on the World Health Organization’s website.

Visit the State Department’s website for information on student travel abroad.