Spring break is nearly here, and for many of you that means your first ever real college spring break: the beach, the drinks, the bikinis, the (lots and lots of) partying. I bet you can already taste the salt on your margarita. But before you pack those bags and head off for "the most epic vacation, EVER!!" there are a few things you should know.
Being an experienced elder who's been down that path (to Blackout City) before, I thought I'd share a few spring break truths with you. The real deal. The whole truth and nothing but the truth. The stuff that you won't see on MTV's week-long, beach-side coverage.
The truth is, spring break is awesome, but it's never as epic and picture-perfect as you think it will be. Just a few things to keep in mind:
1. You'll spend more than you plan to.
Did you set a budget for your trip? Great! Now throw it away. No matter how hard you try, you will incur extra expenses along the way. Whether it's a few extra bottles of aloe (the sun is stronger than you think down there!) a few extra rounds of shots (which are never included in an all-you-can-drink deal), or the many drunken cab rides with a shady driver determined to take advantage of you, you'll burn through that spring break fund fast. Be realistic and plan ahead for some "emergencies."
2. You'll need a vacation after the vacation.
One of the great things about spring break is that it comes just when you need it most. School is getting crazy, the weather is crappy (you know what I'm talking about, East Coast!) and all you want is a week to do absolutely nothing. Well, college spring break is not that week. Between the partying and the sun and the fact that you're sharing a room with three other girls and can't get more than three hours of sleep a night, you will be more tired at the end of spring break than you were when you left.
3. Really drunk people are annoying.
Especially when you are in such close quarters and you just can't get away from them.
4. What happens on spring break doesn't stay on spring break.
Just trust me on this one. When you're with a large group of people from your school, no secret is safe.
5. Drinking the water is the least of your problems.
Spring break in Mexico/Panama City/anywhere, really, does not offer the same sort of safety you've come to expect on your campus. The laws are different and so are the people you're partying with. Just be careful out there, and remember what they told you at orientation: never take a drink you didn't pour/open yourself. And stay in groups. And if you see anyone resembling The Situation, run away. Fast. There are some souvenirs you just don't want to bring home with you...
By Lauren of CollegeCandy.com
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