Spring Break Travel: Stay Healthy and Safe

Getting ready for spring break is more than just picking a destination.

While you are choosing among an exotic island getaway, a ski vacation, or just a short ride down the highway, follow these simple steps to ensure you have a healthy and safe spring break trip.

For those going abroad

Vaccination before vacation. Before you go abroad, it is important to find out about vaccines and any health concerns that pose a risk to you at your destination. Check with the local health department or a travel medicine specialist 6 to 8 weeks before you are scheduled to leave the United States.

Remember, it is still flu season. Vaccines are the most important tool we have for preventing the flu. Talk with your doctor about getting a seasonal flu vaccination and a vaccination against the 2009 H1N1 virus (also commonly called swine flu). Information is available at www.flu.gov.

Travel health insurance. Consider health insurance if you're traveling outside the United States because your regular carrier might not cover expenses. Coverage for emergency medical evacuation can be useful, particularly if you will do extreme sports, such as mountain-climbing or heli-skiing.

Active vacations. Whether your sport is ice-climbing or reef-diving, depend on reliable outfitters for success. When making reservations, ask questions to make sure you will be with properly trained guides and will be using well-maintained equipment. Don't take chances that might cause injuries—or worse.

You are what you eat. Tempted to indulge in the local cuisine? Food may be the best or the worst part of your international trip. In developing countries, eat food that has been fully cooked and served hot. Avoid eating fresh vegetables and fruits, unless you can peel them yourself. Unpasteurized dairy products are a big gamble.

Is it worth the risk? The frequently heard phrase “what happens on spring break stays on spring break” can imply that it is okay—even expected—to engage in risky behaviors that you would not normally consider in your daily life.

Avoid engaging in sexual behaviors that might place you at risk for sexually transmitted diseases. Use latex condoms if you have sex; see Sexually Transmitted Diseases.
To prevent infections such as HIV and hepatitis B, avoid getting tattoos, piercings, or injections.
Monitor alcohol consumption carefully, and be sure to have a designated driver so a sober friend can do the driving if you are "under the influence." Alcohol is a major cause of road traffic injuries in other countries. Remember the basics of safe driving: wear seatbelts, maintain the speed limit, and avoid distractions like talking on the phone or texting while driving.
Keep your head. Stay alert and rely on common sense. Be aware when you move from a safe neighborhood to a dangerous area. Stick with a buddy rather than venturing out alone.

Travel wise. The wisdom your parents taught you early on will protect your health and safety during spring break. Here are a few reminders to ensure smart traveling:

Stay hydrated. Drink water but make sure to select purified bottled water with intact seals if you are in a developing country.
Wear sunscreen. Avoid overexposure to the sun by wearing protective clothing and limit time in the sun during the hottest part of the day, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Swim in safe places. Before jumping in, ask about bacterial contamination, water depth, and other hazards, such as sharp rocks or coral, riptides, and dangerous sea creatures.
Pace yourself. This is especially important for the first couple of days while you are recovering from jet lag.
Check for weather changes and wear the right clothes. Very cold weather poses dangers, especially hypothermia or frostbite. Dress in layers and remember to cover your head, hands and feet properly.
Pack smart and remember that prevention can be travel-sized. Carry your own stash of first-aid supplies and medications. Insect repellent and antidiarrheal medicine are musts.

Politics, politics. The U.S. Department of State website, www.travel.state.gov, helps travelers gauge the political climate of unstable countries.

You have been busy, you have worked hard, so now relax and have a good time—you deserve it. We at the CDC want you and your travel mates to create memories that will last a lifetime.