Texas A&M and Blinn College spring break runs from March 15 - 19. Although many students go home, work, or stay on campus, others travel to destinations such as Cancun, South Padre Island or Panama City. However, because such trips frequently involve the combination of large crowds and alcohol, it is particularly important for students to be aware of their own safety and the safety of their friends.

Here are some safety tips to consider:

• Make sure your friends and relatives know where you will be vacationing, when you will depart, and when you expect to return. Call friends or family members to let them know that you have arrived and returned safely.
• Travel with a reputable travel agency. Know what kind of transportation, housing, food and beverages are included in your travel package.
• If you plan on drinking as part of your spring break experience, consider the following:
• Know the alcohol laws at your destination. Ask your travel agent for information on age of consumption and local laws regarding alcohol use. Some areas will ticket for open containers, while others may have stiff penalties for public intoxication.
• Plan ahead on how much you will drink. Talk with a friend about when the friend should intervene and make a plan for how you will return to your hotel. Stay with someone who knows you when you are drinking -- don't wander off alone. Make sure that someone in your group is not drinking so that they can get everyone home.
• Don't assume that someone you've just met will look out for your best interests. Keep in mind that more people are sexually assaulted by acquaintances than by strangers.
• Only accept drinks from a licensed bartender or drinks that you pour yourself. You put yourself at risk for receiving an altered beverage if you don't know the source of the drink.
• If a friend feels sick, don't leave them alone. If you feel sick, ask someone to look out for you.
• If a member of your group passes out, turn them on their side to prevent choking and call 911 immediately.
• Don't horseplay or climb on balconies. Never sit on railings and always keep both feet on the floor at all times. Falls from balconies, even those on lower floors, can be fatal.
• Don't carry all of your credit or bank cards in your wallet or purse. Carry the minimum amount of cash that you will need. If you have extra cash, leave it in your hotel room, hidden from sight.