Travelers' agendas during spring break are normally heavy on the partying, plastic cups and one-night stands. Students become so caught up in the idea of escaping the academic world that the last thing on their minds is self-protection and getting home safely.
"You are in a new place and you're not familiar with the physical surroundings, so somebody else has the home-court advantage," said Jane Fischer, director of SBI Health Education. "When you mix a new place with new people and a sense of wild freedom with the possibility of drug and alcohol use, you are put at a further disadvantage."
Rachel Kennedy, a sophomore psychology major, believes that occurrences regarding unsafe sex habits have become more of a problem during spring break due to the freedoms of excessive party scenes.
"Significant others cheat during spring break because they have the urge to act on impulses, but they should take precautions to avoid negative consequences," Kennedy said. "Students should bring their significant others with them during outings to suppress any temptations."
Sex is an issue that follows students no matter where they go during spring break.
Kayla Maryles, a junior communication major, feels that students unwilling to account for themselves and their unsafe practices as part of the problem.
"I think in order to bring down the statistics, we need to promote awareness to create more open discussion about serious topics that can affect all of us," Maryles said. "Because some parents make [sex] taboo, it can make people uncomfortable with being open about these topics."
A lack of loyalty between couples and unsafe sex practices are not the only issues that surface during spring break. Alcohol consumption, whether it's excessive or just a few sips, can become problematic.
"It's a crazy party time, so the biggest concern would be overdrinking and having someone slip something in your drink, especially in the big party cities, such as Miami or Cancun," said Julianne Stiene, a sophomore nutrition and exercise science major. "Know your area, your hotel and never be alone."
Spring break is a time of heavy travel because many students choose to spend it by vacationing in a hot spot. Students who travel should be aware of events surrounding their trip, according to Emily Briglia, a senior psychology and health and human services major and supervising counselor for SBI Health Education.
"I would say being prepared, staying with friends and knowing your boundaries is important," Briglia said. "Students traveling to Mexico should definitely be aware of the travel advisories."
Fischer believes that nobody should leave friends in a situation that may pose a potential risk. This goes for partying locally and certainly should be applied by those vacationing outside of their hometown.
Nearly four years ago, a young girl went missing in Aruba during a senior trip. The Natalee Holloway case touched the hearts of millions and the mistakes that were made the night she disappeared can become as a learning experience to others.
"The key is really sticking together," Fischer said. "The idea of leaving an intoxicated friend behind in the company of strangers who might even seem cool could be scary and could end up bad."
Friends should be looking out for one another, but should also have enough sense to not put their friends in a situation where they have to be responsible for them, according to Fischer.
"The reality is, college students are adults and should be expected to be responsible for their own well being," Fischer said. "However, things happen and that common sense goes out the window."
