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Advice given to break travelers
You've booked your flight, finalized your hotel accommodations and you think you are ready to turn your attention to a new dilemma: which pair of sunglasses to buy for your trip. But are you really ready?
One of the most common illnesses of students going on vacation is sunburn. A report by the SCSU Health Services shows sunburn can increase the risk of developing skin cancer by as much as 50 percent.
"Students coming from Minnesota are not used to the climate," said Fay Chawla, who works in St. Cloud Hospital's Travel Clinic. "The sun is hot and they fail to protect themselves and it puts them at risk."
To prevent sunburn and the potential future problems it can create, avoid being in direct sunlight from 10 a.m. to noon when the sun is most strong. When going outdoors, in order for sunscreen to be effective it must be applied at least 30 minutes before direct contact with the sun and reapplied often.
Another common illness encountered by students who travel to Mexico, Central America and South America is diarrhea, which usually lasts several days.
"Gastrointestinal problems for students are very common because they are not used to the water in different countries," Chawla said. "If you can't peel it or boil it, don't eat it. If you are drinking water, make sure it is bottled, and if you eat fruit, even like an apple, peel it."
Chawla recommends vaccinations to ensure a safer trip as well.
"They vary depending on where you are going, but you should have all of your childhood immunizations: Measles, Mumps, Rubella; in addition to vaccines for flu and Hepatitis," Chawla said. "Even if you are staying at a five-star hotel, the people preparing your food are still locals, and you never know if you may get into an accident or something and need a blood transfusion. You will need that additional protection."
Chawla also advises to make sure you have enough medication with you before you leave if you have a chronic illness and to always wash off after coming out of an ocean, lake, pool or hot tub to avoid getting skin rash.
"It's an expensive trip, and we don't want you not to enjoy yourself. Be mindful of what you are doing and what you are eating," Chawla said.
International Travel
A favorite travel destination for college students is Cancun, Mexico. While predominantly a paradise of a tourist area, Cancun is subject to the same types of crime as any other city.
According to the State Department's Consular Information sheet the most frequent crimes involving tourists are taxi robbery, armed robbery, pick-pocketing and purse-snatching. Tourists are discouraged from hiking alone in backcountry areas or sparsely populated beaches, ruins or trails.
According to the State Department, bars and nightclubs in resort cities such as Cancun, Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Acapulco often harbor drug dealers and petty criminals, and in some places the drinks are drugged or contaminated. In some of these cases, the victims, who were almost always unaccompanied, have been raped, robbed or abducted.
Airport Security
In response to the terrorist plane hijacking Sept. 11, Spring Break air travel will be a little different this year from previous years. Some tips to have a smooth flight:
- Arrive at least 2 hours before flight, possibly more to allow time for parking which is also under increased regulations.
- Passengers should have a photo ID at check in and carry it with them at all times.
- Only ticketed passengers are allowed beyond X-ray security unless a pass is obtained from the ticket counter.
- Bags and personal belongings may also be inspected at the gate
- No knives, metal nail files, corkscrews, golf clubs, bats, pool cues, ski poles, scissors or other cutting or piercing instruments of any sort will be allowed on passengers or in their carry-on luggage.
- Laptops, cell phones and other electronic devices may be screened by security.
Advice from a traveler
Trish Tegen, a senior English major, is no stranger to travel. This jetsetter has been to Ireland, the Netherlands, France, Germany, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Greece and Germany, and through those experiences learned some lessons about travel and preparation.
"It is important to pack light because most people want to bring back souvenirs so give yourself leeway for that," Tegen said. "Buy sunscreen here because they will rip you off for it some place else. I suggest bringing a first aid kit and duct tape because duct tape can fix pretty much anything, like if your suitcase rips."
Tegen suggests travelers let family members know where they are in case of an emergency.
"As much as we don't want our parents to know what is going on, give them a copy of your itinerary and make sure they have a way to reach you in case of an emergency," Tegen said. "If you are not going to be with your friends, let them know where you are going to be at all times and have a rendezvous point."
Students have already invested a lot of money into airfare and hotel accommodations, but Tegen offers some small ways that can cut back expenses when spring breakers actually reach their travel destination.
"Instead of going to restaurants for every meal, stop at a grocery store and get some peanut butter and jelly or something simple that you can make yourself at home," Tegen said. "You should of course sample the cuisine, but if you eat out every meal it starts to get pricey."
To prevent getting robbed, Tegen makes several suggestions.
"Don't carry all of your money in one place, that way if it gets stolen you'll still have back up cash," she said. "Don't carry anything in your back pockets because its harder to notice if it's missing. And if you wear a backpack, get luggage locks for the zippers."
For students who might visit some bars or clubs, go with friends.
"Take the same precautions you would when you are at any bar," Tegen said. "Try to drink things out of bottles, and if you are a girl, keep your thumb over the lip of the bottle so you don't get slipped anything. And watch your friends. If they are acting any differently than they normally do when they are drinking, get them out of there."
When in another culture, it is also advisable not to draw undue attention to yourself.
"If you take all of these things into consideration you are more likely to have a fun and safe trip."
Kristen J. Kubisiak can be reached at: [email protected]
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