Spring Break Safety: Travel Tips for Teens and Families
Spring Break can be something that families look forward to whether traveling or staying home. Parents may have worries about communicating with their teen, what their teen will do on this trip if they are not around, etc. If spring break does include travel, you may want to consider how to assist your teen in having the safest trip possible. This week we are providing safety tips that may ease your mind and help your teen have a fun and safe trip on their spring break vacation.
- Keep in Touch
If teens are traveling, most of the time it is the parents who pay for the trip. Feel comfortable in setting limits on your child’s travel companions and destination.
Text messages and phone calls can help remind your children of the limits both of you agreed to before they left. Contacting your children and asking about what they are doing also can reduce the tension parents feel over what they can’t see or control.
- Research
Get background information about the specific destination, travel warnings, and public announcements detailing any serious crime, terrorism, health risks, natural disasters or other dangers for specific countries.
- Have a frank talk
Parents can start by having a frank discussion with their children, says psychologist Scott Bea, PsyD. Start by reminding your children what spring break is all about.
- Stick with friends you know and trust
Never go out alone or leave a safe place with strangers. Even if you meet people who seem friendly, they might not have the best intentions.
- Go with your gut
Be aware of your surroundings. If you feel like something is not right, trust your instincts. If you are being followed the Office of International Education at the University of Richmond suggests, “Step into a store or other safe place and wait to see if the person you think is following has passed.”
- Lock Up
When going out make sure you leave your important valuables and documents in your hotel’s safe deposit box. Try to steer away from wearing expensive jewelry or other valuables in areas that you are not familiar with.
- Stay safe in your hotel room
A spring break safety tip sheet from Longwood University recommends the following: “Ensure there is a peep hole in the door and that the dead bolt and other locks are in good working order. Never open your door to anyone you do not know. If the person states they work for the hotel, call the front desk and confirm this before allowing them entry.”
- Choose Transportation Wisely
Use recommended shuttle services or buses to get around. Only use reputable, licensed taxi services. If using riding services such as Uber or Lyft, try to go with a friend and make sure to verify the license plate number and name before getting inside.