10 tips for spring break health and safety

March 4, 2026

Spring break ushers in an opportunity for all students to relax and unwind from a busy semester. Whether you are seeking warm weather, snow-capped climates or staying local, it is important to prioritize your health, well-being and personal safety during the break.

Remember, wherever you are, if you need help, ask for it. If there’s an emergency, don’t delay calling 911 or the local emergency number. Make the call yourself instead of relying on a bystander so you can be sure first responders or police get the message.

Here are 10 tips the Center for Student Wellbeing and Emory Global Engagement suggests you consider:

1. Know the rules and regulations.

The place(s) you visit may have laws different from Atlanta or your home. Become familiar with the rules for spring breakers, including open container/alcohol consumption, curfews, amplified sound, prohibited/illegal items, rules about gatherings, garbage disposal and other environmental impacts for the places you are visiting.

2. Reconsider international travel.

Following the recent U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, Emory Global Engagement advises everyone to carefully weigh the need for international travel, given the uncertain nature of the ongoing conflict. Students should not travel to the Middle East region, specifically the following countries: Bahrain, Cyprus, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.

Anyone going abroad should register their travel with the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Be sure to share your travels plans with a trusted friend or family member.

3. Be vigilant about your safety.

Lock doors in hotels, travel with a buddy, share your locations, don’t get in vehicles with folks you do not know, confirm the rideshare tag numbers before entering a vehicle, and do not leave with strangers. Be cautious about revealing personal information and always be mindful of your surroundings.

4. Use the buddy system.

It may seem elementary, but looking after one another is a critical shared responsibility when traveling or out with others. Plan your night ahead before going out; you are more likely to look out for yourself and friends with a plan in place. Stay with your friend group. Make sure you have each other's contact information, including emergency contacts. Share your location with trusted friends. A quick location share helps your friends stay connected and respond if you need support. Create a code word in case you need assistance to get out of an uncomfortable situation and need intervention. Take care of each other and do not hesitate to ask for help if you need it.

5. Understand your limits.

Follow the laws around alcohol consumption and practice safe drinking. Only accept drinks that you’ve watched get made and keep an eye on your cup/glass. Follow best practice guidance such as:

Alternate alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic drinks like water.
Avoid mixing alcohol with drinks that contain caffeine.
Sip, don’t chug, your beverages.
Eat before and/or during drinking alcohol.
Consider limiting your consumption to one standard drink (one 12-oz. regular 5% beer; one 5-oz. glass of wine; 1 oz. of hard liquor, etc.) per hour. Remember that alcohol content can vary per ounce. For more information, visit the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

6. Do not accept items from strangers.

Whether it is legal or not, do not take drinks, pills or medication from anyone operating without a legal license or prescribed to you. Unless they have a license, you do not know what is in the substance.

7. Practice healthy habits.

What happens on a trip doesn’t necessarily stay on the trip. Healthy habits including using safer sex practices can protect against STIs and unintended pregnancy. Also consider adding movement to your time away from classes. Taking some breaks, going for a short walk, or being outdoors is linked to reducing more stress than sitting inside.

8. Keep your belongings close.

Always keep valuables secure and with you. Avoid being conspicuous with valuables and cash. Bring extra chargers and carry cash and important phone numbers in case you lose your phone.

9. Consider environmental impacts.

Be aware of local creatures and critters and their natural habitats. Spring break might take place during nesting or migration seasons for some animals. Interacting with or endangering animals may be regulated, as well as unsafe.

10. Hydrate and wear sunscreen.

Whether you’re enjoying sand or slopes, too much time in the sun can leave you dehydrated and with an increased risk of sunburn. In warm weather, you can lose one to two liters of fluid per hour through sweat! So, take your SPF (remembering to reapply it throughout the day) and a bottle of water wherever you go.

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