Spring break is a college student’s time to let loose and enjoy time away from school. However, if you become to care free you could be in danger. Each year millions of college students go somewhere for spring break hoping to forget about school for a week and have a great time.

Every year with the growing number of college students more and more students flock to vacation spots hoping to set their inhibitions to the wind. Most are hoping to come back with a tan, a hangover and a few good stories to tell their friends. If you aren’t careful you’ll have too much fun and have a frightening story that could land you raped, robbed or worse, dead.

Trey Burbic, a senior at Auburn University, tells about his trip to Jamaica last year. Burbic was robbed on the first night of the trip while he was out with friends, robbed of his cell phone, wallet and the majority of his money. Stunned he spent the next day trying to recover what had been stolen from him.

Burbic landed himself in another awkward situation while in Jamaica. Burbic and a few friends took a taxi one day and when it was time to pay the driver didn’t agree with the price the students were trying to pay. The taxi driver pulled a machete out on them and threaten that they had to pay the price he said, although it was unreasonably high. They quickly agreed to his increased price as he threatened the group and left the car as quickly as possible.

Communities that host spring breakers usually have locals that are watching for college students who aren’t paying attention. Especially now with a struggling economy students traveling should be even more cautious for "pick-pocketers" and other people who look suspicious.

Also students traveling internationally should be even more aware of their surroundings. Always stick with your group and never leave anyone behind. Natalee Holloway, the Mountain Brook High School student who went missing in Aruba, was left behind by her friends the night she went missing. This is a sad but perfect example. Never leave a friend behind, regardless of the situation. When you are in unfamiliar territory anything could happen, so assume the worse and stick with your group.

Another important tip when traveling abroad, learn a few important phrases if you don’t know the native language. If something were to happen where you might need the police or help, learn a few phrases that could help get you out of trouble or just in the right direction.

Keeping track of your travel documents and emergency numbers is another necessity. Making copies of everything and leaving them with someone at home will help in case documents are lost, stolen or damaged. Even if you are just going to Destin,Fla. you should give your guardian a few of your friends numbers just in case something happens and they can’t get in touch with you.
Overall pay attention to your surroundings wherever you are. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t, so listen to your inner senses.

Risky behavior, alcohol, drugs and unexpected accidents can affect your safety so remember to pay attention, stick with your friends and think things through. Be careful and don’t risk what you have for stupidity that could affect the rest of your life.