10 Spring Break Faux Pas That Are NOT a Good Look
Spring Break is a term that sometimes elicits an eye roll. The once innocent school vacation has become synonymous with a barrage of negative clichés. From becoming too intoxicated to making thoughtless decisions, Spring Break rarely lives up to the good, clean fun it was once intended to facilitate. Blame it on movies like 22 Jump Street or even Spring Breakers, but the reality is, all clichés are born out of some truth. From overpriced hotel rooms and $16 drinks, to demeaning contests that aim to rile up a crowd, Spring Break can get pretty raunchy. True, this is the most cynical end of the spectrum, but it doesn’t make it any less real. So whether you’re headed somewhere sunny or already there, here are the top 10 Spring Break clichés to avoid — trust us, you’ll be thanking us later.
1/8The Crash Diet
The temptation to go on a crash diet before spending 10 days in a bikini is definitely real, but one you should ignore. Marcella Lentini, a certified holistic health coach, reminds us that aside from the fact that literally every body is worthy of whatever swimsuit you choose, crash dieting is just plain bad for you. “You often end up robbing your body of important nutrients you would get through a more balanced approach,” she says. “Diets that promise fast changes can unintentionally sabotage your results by slowing down your metabolism and increasing cortisol, your stress hormone,” Marcella says. Hear that? Just don’t.
2/8__Binge Drinking __
Binge drinking, which is defined as having five or more drinks within two hours, is extremely prevalent with college kids. It’s estimated that nearly half of all college students binge drink at some point, and this [statistic only worsens] (http://www.forbes.com/sites/robertglatter/2014/03/11/spring-breaks-greatest-danger/#513d804c6dfb) over Spring Break. The stats are uncompromisingly morbid — 1,800 college students die each year from alcohol-related accidents, 646,000 students are assaulted each year by an intoxicated peer, and close to 100,000 incidents of rape or sexual assault are alcohol-related to alcohol. So if you’re going to drink, please do so responsibly.
3/8Not Using Protection
Just because you’re on vacation doesn’t mean you can throw caution to the wind. You might feel relaxed, but the dangers of unprotected sex are just as great [if not greater] (http://www.hercampus.com/school/gsu/top-3-spring-break-destinations-and-their-stistd-rates) during Spring Break. According to the Pregnancy Resource Clinic, 75% of students admitted “never or rarely” using a condom while on break. It’s also crucial to remember that STDs can just as easily be passed through oral sex. So do yourself a favor, and wrap it up — properly.
4/8Losing Things
Is there anything worse than losing your wallet? Your phone? Your purse? There’s something about Spring Break that subconsciously encourages people to completely abandon their usually organized and sensible selves. Just because you’re on holiday doesn’t mean you can be lax. Always lock your hotel room door, keep extra money and credit cards in the safe, and only try to take exactly what you need when you go out. Unfortunately petty thieves know all too well that Spring Breakers aren’t always the most vigilant. So surprise them.
5/8Contests
This is probably the most predictable Spring Break cliché. Even though it might feel fun in the moment, it’s important to avoid these beachside competitions. When you actually break it down most of these contests are geared toward women doing provocative and even demeaning things for the amusement of men. It’s not funny, it’s not cool, and it’s not worth it.
6/8Sunburn
Yes, after a long cold winter we’re all excited for some much-needed Vitamin D, but it’s crucial to avoid the health risks of a sunburn. Dermatologist Melinda Longaker, MD, explains it’s actually pretty easy to prevent — so there’s really no excuse. “Sun protection is an easy thing to forget when you're having fun on the beach but it's really important. Get a fresh tube of broad spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher — I like Neutrogena’s Ultra Sheer Dry Touch.” Dr. Longaker explains that you should apply it at least 15 minutes before going out and should use about a Dixie cup's worth. And don’t forget to reapply every two hours, and to also protect your lips with a balm that has at least an SPF 15.
7/8Blowing your Budget
Three months before Spring Break you probably feel totally great about how much the whole thing will cost you. But a week after your trip you look at your bank account and there’s nothing in there. Like, nothing.
Avoid spending silly money by planning ahead. Your first priority should be booking your flight and lodging as early as possible. This will help you save if you’re a super-planner, but if not, you can usually find some great last-minute deals on sites like Travelzoo. If you can, find a hotel option that offers complimentary breakfast and try finding a local market for snacks and to make lunch sandwiches. And when you’re out during the day, set aside a specific amount of cash you’re OK with spending. You don’t actually need that fourth souvenir for your great-aunt Ida. She’ll be OK, but if you don’t budget properly, you won’t be.
8/8Social Posts You’ll Regret
Once on the web, always on the web. Don’t get caught up in the moment and post something that feels “cheeky,” but is actually just inappropriate. Not only will your friends see what you’ve been up, but also, possibly, future employers. A 2014 study from CareerBuilder found that 43% of potential bosses look up candidates on social media and 46% of those who did eliminated applicants based on what they found. And if you’re still in high school or college and planning to go to grad school, admission officers know how to use Facebook and Instagram, too. So think before you pose.
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