Survival Tips: Cancun
The majority of students spending the spring break in Cancun, Mexico—one of the most popular spring break “hotspots” for American college students—are doing so for the first time. Their enthusiasm, combined with a lack of experience and monumental social presence, can lead to an amazing vacation. But sometimes such a trip can pose a serious health threat, but one that can be easily avoided with some planning and level headedness.
Of course everyone knows why students under the age of twenty-one are so in love with Mexico as a holiday destination—the drinking age is just eighteen, so everyone in college is legal!
Alcohol is one of the most problematic ingredients in the spring break entertainment cocktail. It clouds judgment and makes one oblivious to the consequences of their actions. The fact that many students may not be very experienced consumers of alcohol makes this drug’s effects all the more dire, as they students are notoriously prone to over consumption.
The spring breaker needs only one mantra: do not binge drink, do not black out.
Before you go, make sure you follow our Cancun survival tips:
- Check the US Trip Advisory Page for the necessary vaccinations and to be updated on the various seasonal health risks that may arise in Mexico. Big ones include hepatitis, tuberculosis and HIV.
- If you are planning on being sexually active bring a supply of quality condoms. Regardless of whether you are male or female, bring condoms. Local varieties cannot always be depended on, as they may not meet stringent quality standards of the United States. Always use condoms during all types of sexual intercourse.
- Learn some phrases in Spanish. You never know when you’ll find yourself alone and in an emergency situation.
- Educate yourself about the serious risks of alcohol over consumption. The effects can be lethal.
- To guard yourself from various foot diseases, make sure to wear slippers in public areas at all times.
- Carry a water bottle with you at all times, especially if you are consuming alcohol. Remember, beer is not water. It does not hydrate—it dehydrates. Extreme heat and alcohol are a dangerous mix that can lead to unexpected heatstroke and life-threatening dehydration.
- Bring sun block. SPF 15 or above should be enough. Remember to reapply after swimming.
- Have a “safety reserve” of cash that you will spend only in an emergency. (And, no, running out of beer is not an emergency!)
- Last of all, remember to have fun and call your parents! Cheers!
29 December 05 | |