The Quad

Issue date: 3/3/08 Section: Features

It's that time of year again. No, not tax time - spring break. This is the time of year when college students take a week-long vacation from their mundane lives on campus and temporarily forget about the 10-page term paper due as soon as break is over. Some people go home or visit friends, but lots of others head off on vacations. There are some simple strategies to follow to make any trip you take easier and safer.

Always leave a copy of your itinerary including flights, hotels and contact information with a family member or responsible friend. Also, leave them a copy of your passport, if you will be traveling abroad. Make a plan to call and check-in at least once during your trip, and definitely call if your plans change.

Something that most people forget to do before leaving is to secure their dorm/home and/or car. Set lights to timers to keep with a normal routine. Make sure windows and doors are locked. Remember to keep an answering machine on. Let someone at home or a trusted neighbor know where you are staying and how to reach you in case anything happens to your place.

If leaving your car, make sure you park it in a safe, legal spot. Otherwise, if you live in West Chester, you may have the surprise of countless tickets or have to make a trip to the towing garage when you return. If driving to your destination, check the car's belts, oil, hoses and tires. Make sure you have enough gas and money to arrive at your destination and return home. And of course, wear your seat belt.

When planning an island getaway, like most people, you think about a great hotel with a swimming pool, that perfect bathing suit and the potential hook ups. Unfortunately, you may fail to think about crimes, such as theft and assault, which are not uncommon during spring break. To reduce your risk, it's vital to be informed about your destination before you go. Learn what precautions to take to avoid trouble once you arrive and who to contact for help while you are there.

Whether you are a seasoned traveler or this is your first big trip, it's important to learn as much as you can about your destination before going. Every country's laws, customs and standards for safety and health differ. Start your research by visiting the U.S. State Department's Web site, which has Destination Specific Consular Information Sheets for about 170 countries. These documents contain background information about travel and safety in each destination.

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