It’s finally that time of the year when students across the country have an entire week of freedom. Spring break is practically universal for “let loose and go wild.” But while you’ve got your right to have a fun, relaxing, and exciting week off from school, it’s essential not to ruin it by losing all caution to the wind. Keep these valuable tips in mind to have a memorable Spring Break for all the right reasons.

1.  Book the Right Hotel
While several factors determine the best hotel for your vacation, many people don’t give enough value to the location. User reviews and prices are critical, but try finding a hotel near where you plan to spend most of your time. If possible, try to find one that enables you to walk everywhere to reduce your traveling.

2.  Have Taxi Numbers Handy
If you need a vehicle to get you to areas around your Spring Break destination, ensure to book a taxi for immediate service. Not to mention the taxi driver will know the places better than you will get you spots faster. Be sure to save the numbers of reputable taxi drivers on your phone before you head out. While you’re at it, be sure to get out the local emergency number ahead of time and save it.

3.  Stay Safe at the Beach
The beach is one of the most famous destinations for traveling Spring Breakers, but it brings its own set of risks. To avoid the worst hazards when swimming, always look for beaches with lifeguards present; this gives someone to help in an emergency and lets you know the beach is safe in general. Also, be sure to stay hydrated. Drink lots of water (not soft drinks or alcohol), even if you don’t feel thirsty.

4.  Beware the Sun
While this is also necessary to keep in mind at the beach, the sun will likely play a big part in whatever Spring Break destination you choose, either from lounging poolside or involving in any activity where you spend a lot of time outside. Even when it’s cloudy out, skin-burning light is still coming through, so ensure to use sunscreen with an SPF number of at least 15, but preferably 30 or more.

5.  Be Careful at an ATM
Anyone interested in a quick payday and a disregard for the law can view the ATM as an easy source of income, making any trip to use one dangerous. If you need to use one, don’t go alone. Always do a full scan of the area, and if you notice anyone or anything suspicious, move on, either coming back later or getting a new one. Having a group also helps stay away would-be thieves, and someone else can act as a lookout.

6.  Stay in Groups
It’s critical to be alone in an unfamiliar place, and it will be evident to criminals that you’re in that situation. Pickpocketing, abductions, and muggings are all more likely when you’re spending extra energy trying to adapt yourself to your new surroundings. But there is power in numbers, so stay together, particularly at night.

7.  Protect Your Location
Sharing too much information on social media may threaten your safety. Don’t broadcast your location on any social media platform; instead, save your photos and post them after returning.

8.  Avoid Random Meetings
There are many interesting people to meet while you’re on holiday from a different location than you and who will have different points of view on many things. Interacting with them can be lots of fun, but there are lots of risks. Scam artists looking to get you alone to trick you or kidnap you on a date with a stranger can lead to severe problems down the road.

By the way, before we get to these useful tips, for anyone that is still conflicted on where to travel to for school and spring break vacation, the Discovery Bit travel directory could get you started on finding great tourist attractions near you.