![\"Safe](\"\/echo\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/safetravels-300x300.jpg\")
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By Piper Fuller
\nEcho Staff Writer<\/p>\n
In less than a week, RCTC students will leave their cares and stresses behind for a long-awaited break from school. Whether your plans will take you near or far, consider these safety tips from public safety experts.<\/p>\n
When traveling, keep your ID handy and your money tucked away. Plan ahead by having documents such as your travel information printed out and accessible. Always keep your phone and wallet with you, should you need your essentials in an emergency. In general, pack what you need and keep valuables at home.<\/p>\n
An emergency phone charger or extra transportation cash will help with any unexpected hiccups in spring break plans. While you can\u2019t plan for everything, it is important to be prepared for worst case scenarios.<\/p>\n
Let your friends know of your plans as an added safety measure. Create a code word to let them know where you are or if you\u2019re uncomfortable. It\u2019s best not to travel alone. When in doubt, get a trusted friend to drive or walk with.<\/p>\n
Moderate the effects of alcohol by drinking water and avoiding binge drinking. Never leave a drink unattended. Unfortunately, it\u2019s not uncommon for alcohol to be spiked in the college drinking environment, so it is best to stick to canned or bottled drinks. Safe drinking includes safe driving. Don\u2019t drive after drinking and don\u2019t drive with anyone under the influence either; even a short drive under the influence can have irreversible consequences.<\/p>\n
Take responsibility. Regardless of gender expression or sexual orientation, everyone can practice consent. To expand on the buzz phrase \u201cno means no,\u201d if it\u2019s not a distinct \u201cyes,\u201d it\u2019s a \u201cno.\u201d Use contraceptives like condoms, birth control, and dental dams.<\/p>\n
College students often feel invincible but there are consequences to this mindset. A DUI or underage drinking charge is something remaining on your record even after college. This spring break, don\u2019t bring home a misdemeanor as a souvenir.<\/p>\n
Sunscreen and proper hydration are mandatory for a safe and healthy break. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, using sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30 daily is one of the best ways to prevent skin cancer. Drinking plenty of water and getting quality sleep will keep you at your physical peak.<\/p>\n
If something feels off, trust your gut. Travel Guard News suggests putting away your phone and taking off your headphones when walking or traveling to keep senses heightened in a new environment.<\/p>\n
In a group setting, it\u2019s easy to get swept into peer pressure. Don\u2019t be afraid to speak up if you\u2019re uncomfortable or feel unsafe. Your safety is more important than fitting in with the crowd. Have someone you trust available to keep you accountable or remove yourself from the scene.<\/p>\n
Any time of year, it\u2019s important to check in with yourself throughout the day. Spring break is a great time to regroup and form better habits for the rest of the semester. Catch up on sleep and take a well-deserved break! Use the week to refresh your mind and body to finish the semester strong.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Bring along these practical travel tips so you can focus on fun. By Piper Fuller Echo Staff Writer In less than a week, RCTC students will leave their cares and stresses behind for a long-awaited break from school. Whether your plans will take you near or far, consider these safety tips from public safety experts. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1015,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[51,48],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-10840","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-news","category-campus"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rctc.edu\/echo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10840","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rctc.edu\/echo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rctc.edu\/echo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rctc.edu\/echo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1015"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rctc.edu\/echo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10840"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.rctc.edu\/echo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10840\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rctc.edu\/echo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10840"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rctc.edu\/echo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10840"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rctc.edu\/echo\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10840"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}