To teenagers in High School, Spring Break is almost as great as summer vacation. For seniors it’s all about getting a group of friends together and traveling to somewhere warm and partying. Parents are usually not involved in the spring break vacations and the students could care less. The thought of having so much fun with friends seems to cover up the consequences of these getaways.

As teenagers, we know that there are dangers in almost every situation. But, when you’re out of your hometown with thousands of other teenagers from around the world, the precautions need to be heightened. In some places, seniors are allowed to drink and as much as they choose. Underage drinking is the most dangerous activity occurring during spring break. Binge drinking is often done when the drinking age is lowered wherever you are. Binge drinking leads to confusion, danger from others, and of course a lot of bad decisions. According to drugfreenoblecounty.com, the average male reported drinking 18 drinks per day and the average female reported 10 drinks per day. Thinking about all the places there are to buy drinks, there is probably more alcohol consumed.

With alcohol aside, teens have to remember that a new place means new people. People you have never seen before who could easily harm you if they had the chance. Drinks could be spiked, kidnappers can surround you, and bad decisions could be made after all the drinks you’ve had. Natalee Holloway, a student who vanished during a high school graduation trip, has never been found. Holloway was in Aruba and met a group of boys. Everyone knows it didn’t end well from there. Obviously not every situation is scary when you’re on a vacation, but the dangers are heightened and need to be taken seriously.

Parents want to keep their kids safe and when going away with friends, it’s more stressful to not be able to keep an eye out for them. According to about.com, 71 percent of parents are concerned about their child having unprotected sex, and 70 percent concerned about drinking and driving. Teenagers don’t seem to care what their parents are concerned about, but safety should be the main priority of the spring break trip.

There is no way to be sure that something dangerous won’t happen, but being prepared is the best way to feel secure. Make sure to always have someone with you, no matter where you go, and always stay together. Make driving arrangements and have a participant offer to be the designated driver and to help watch the others for a night. Once a group is formed, a talk about safety should be essential to the group. Making plans beforehand and establishing responsibilities is important.  Having fun is easy but can also get out of hand. So, as a teenager traveling out of the state for Spring break, you must be aware of the dangers that could possibly happen and reinforce rules.