Cancun, the Bahamas or Daytona Beach- wherever your destination may be, spring break is right around the corner. Many students are still booking flights and fine-tuning the final details of their vacations, but are we prepared to take care of ourselves in case of an emergency or something unexpected?

Ana Carter, a health educator for UNCW Health Promotion, believes the most important advice a student should follow when traveling on spring break is to know as much as possible about his or her destination.

“The most important precaution a student can take is to know which areas are safer than others, being familiar with local laws and customs and always using the buddy system,” Carter said.

Carter also noted that students should think about how they would handle risky or emergency situations before arriving at their locations. When traveling abroad, have a passport securely stored in a hotel room or luggage, and keep a copy of a passport in more than one place. It is also useful to know who to call and where the nearest medical clinic is located in the event of a medical emergency.

Al DeStefano is a group sales specialist for Epicurean Tours, an agency that aids many students in booking their spring break vacations. DeStefano believes the most common mistake many travelers make is being too careless once they arrive.

“People are so happy they are on vacation that they don’t pay attention to their purses or wallets, and things get stolen,” DeStefano said. He advised that students drink plenty of bottled water while traveling in places like Mexico and always bring a combination of cash, traveler’s checks and a credit card in case of an emergency.

Bacchus and Gamma, a peer education network, offers the following health and safety advice to students traveling:

Responsible sexual behavior and alcohol:

Alcohol impairs your judment and lowers your inhibitions. Sometimes a person does things when they are under the influence that they wouldn’t do sober.

Sex under the influence could be as risky as driving under the influence. The physical risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease, HIV or unintended pregnancy is much greater while under the influence.

Alcohol and predatory drugs:

Always be aware of your surroundings.

If you are planning to drink that night, make sure you know where your friends are and how you are getting home.

Beware of predatory drugs, such as GHB or “roofies.” If someone offers to get you a drink, go with him or her and watch him or her pour it.

Drink from tamper-proof bottles or cans and open them yourself.

Avoid being alone and be careful whom you invite back to your room.

Sun safety:

Limit your time in the sun.

Wear cover-up clothing.

If you must be in the sun during peak hours (10 a.m.-3 p.m.), get in the shade or bring something to shade you from the sun.

Make sure the sunscreens have sun protection factor and block both UVA and UVB rays.

Use water/sweat resistant sunscreen.

Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going out into the sun and re-apply every two hours or after swimming.

Travel safety:

Know about your destination before you arrive.

Use hotels/motels and rental car agencies that are reputable and recommended by travel agencies.

Leave an itinerary of your trip with a family member or trusted friend.

Make sure to pack wisely and to leave behind unnecessary valuables.

Never leave your luggage unattended.

Always use the buddy system.

For more information or a complete list of health and safety tips, visit Bacchus and Gamma on the Web at http://www.bacchusgamma.org.