One of the most anticipated times of the year for college students is rapidly approaching and many can only think about one thing: Spring break.

This weeklong vacation gives students the opportunity to take time away from the stress of midterms and papers and get some much-deserved rest and relaxation. It should be a time devoted to having fun, but it is important for students to be aware of potential safety risks before traveling.

College students flock to destinations all over the world with the common goal of having a great time. Unfortunately, many students tend to forget that it is necessary to be cautious and to know ways to protect themselves, whether they are traveling in the U.S. or abroad.

With help from the KU Public Safety Office, here are a few tips on how you can protect yourself while visiting an unfamiliar place:

1. Never go out alone. It might sound like a given, but you are less likely to become a victim if you are with a group. Also, be a good friend and make sure fellow travelers don’t make stupid decisions. Never go home with strangers.
2. Do not carry large amounts of cash and credit cards. Many hotels have safes available, either in rooms or at the front desk, where visitors can store valuables. Use these.
3. If you go abroad, go prepared with the contact information of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate Office. That way, if you are a victim of a crime, or accused of one, you can call for support. Many assaults made while abroad are committed by an acquaintance of the victim. Do not go out alone with anyone you have only known for a few days; don’t give into the hype, not everyone is hooking up while on spring break.
4. Remember that date rape drugs are odorless and tasteless. Always watch the bartender mix your drink and never leave a glass unattended. If you start to feel more intoxicated than normal or you start to feel faint, have your friends take you somewhere safe.
5. Laws set by Kansas are usually the same in other parts of the country. According to the Safe Break pamphlet distributed by the KU Public Safety Office, all states have a legal drinking age of 21 and all states have laws against open containers in a car. Most jurisdictions will hold an individual who lives out of state in jail until you appear before a judge or until you can post a cash bond — even for a misdemeanor. It may also be required of someone who is arrested or ticketed to go back to the jurisdiction where they were charged to appear for their court appearance — Even places that are fun to visit during spring break tend to lose their allure when you have to go back to visit a judge.

Spring break is a time to have fun and unwind from day-to-day stress. But, as students make voyages to national and international hotspots, they need to remember it pays to be cautious.

— Stefanie Penn for The Kansan Editorial Board