Every year between March and April, millions of people across the country prepare to take off on spring break vacations to popular destinations like Las Vegas, Panama City Beach and Cabo San Lucas. While spending time away from your busy life and basking in the sun sounds great, there are numerous spring break dangers that can occur while in your blissful state, such as becoming prey for local assailants, drinking too much and venturing into dangerous parts of town.

Below are some tips from Krav Maga Worldwide, a global leader in personal defense training, on what you can do to have a safe and enjoyable spring break.

Research, plan and research some more. You can never be too safe when it comes to picking your vacation destination, which hotel you will be staying at and the activities you will be doing. Research any recent criminal activities that have happened in the city you have your eye on and check user review sites for actual guests’ opinions on hotels and activities. It’s also important to note and keep in mind where the closest hospital and police station is in relation to where you’ll be staying.

Equip yourself with lifesaving knowledge. Before hitting the open road or boarding a plane to your destination, make self-defense training a part of your preparations. Krav Maga Worldwide training on fundamental self-defense techniques like straight punches, kicks to the groin and escaping bear hugs, grabs or chokes will give you the skills you need to fight back in a self-defense situation and get away safe. Make the time to make regular training (two or three times a week) a part of your routine. It’s the best way to keep your self-defense skills sharp.

Use the buddy system. Take a friend or two along on your vacation and make sure to fill in a couple friends and family members back home on your travel itinerary and your hotel’s contact information. Once you get to your destination, make sure to travel in pairs when you can, even when walking to the corner store.
Don’t leave your common sense at home. It’s easy to get caught up in the bright lights or the sound of palm trees swaying in wind, but keep your head on straight and stay alert. Don’t take drinks from strangers, check the conditions of the water before diving in (check for undertows or strong currents) and stay in safe areas of town. If you get the gut feeling something doesn’t feel right, don’t ignore it.

Don’t spend your time wasted. It’s fun to let go and have a few drinks while on vacation, but don’t come back home with just drinking stories. Limit your consumption when you go out and make sure your travel companions help you stick to it. Side effects of overdrinking can include impaired judgment, blacking out and getting physically sick — none of which sound like the great spring break vacation you had in mind!

Dress smart while sightseeing. Jeans and sneakers will help you blend in and, if needed, enable you to make a quick getaway. Also, avoid wearing large and expensive-looking jewelry that can draw additional attention to you. Although crossbody purses are convenient while walking around, wearing a purse strap across your body makes you more connected to your bag. If someone tries to steal your purse, you will be pulled with the strap. You can become unbalanced and put into a vulnerable position, or you could end up in a physical altercation with the assailant. If your purse is draped on one shoulder, you can easily let go of it.

For more information, visit kravmaga.com.

Krav Maga Worldwide trains and certifies instructors and licenses more than 150 authorized Krav Maga Worldwide training centers in the United States, Canada, Japan, Mexico, South America and Europe, as well as more than 800 law enforcement agencies and military units. Krav Maga offers instruction to thousands of people, supporting the company’s core commitment to improving and saving lives.