Spring Break
Spring Break
4-10-09
Is spring break just another work week or do you pack up the car with kids and pets and head to grandmother’s house? Many families use this vacation from school to reconnect with family especially since gas prices are hovering below two dollars a gallon. The airlines are offering some great deals on flights within the United States and taking off for warmer climates is perfectly understandable given our frosty nights and rain soaked cold. So some may head to Florida, Texas or even California.
There are some considerations. Travelling with children deserves special planning. Will there be kid-friendly things to do and how easy is the access? The Disney and Universal Florida vacations are non-stop fun designed for children and adults. Theme parks are designed with families in mind so the transportation and interests are all covered. But don’t discredit a trip to an historical site or museum if they are paced and laden with interesting opportunities.
Travelling abroad is popular especially for college students who seek the warmth of the sun and the friendly beaches of Mexico or the Caribbean. Travelling helps families see and discover each other in a whole new way.
ABC news reports that families are headed out of the country to beach resorts but there are several things to keep in mind when travelling. Here is their list of suggestions:
- Be careful of what’s on your laptops and phones, as these are subject to seizure and review.
- Once you get there, get out of the airport immediately. This is a thriving ground for pick-pocketers and thieves.
- Don’t wait until you get to the airport to exchange currency. -If you will be in a foreign country longer than two weeks, register with the local U.S. Consulate. You are subject to the laws of whatever country you are in. U.S. laws do not apply to you when not on U.S. soil.
- Dress conservatively. Think about slogans on T-shirts, etc. Try not to look like a tourist.
- Walk purposefully and only ask military or police officers for directions.
- Be careful about where and when you take photos.
- Limit the valuables you carry with you and keep your passport locked in your hotel safe.
- Be careful what you say when talking to strangers.
They suggest that women should never travel alone to a foreign country, but I disagree. Given the right precautions and the right country, a woman can be safe and enjoy her vacation if she chooses.
If you are travelling to Mexico be aware that there have been recent kidnappings of US citizens by drug cartels. The best advice is to stick with the main roads and travel during daylight.
In Jamaica the resorts are fairly safe, but harassment and theft are a problem outside those patrolled areas. In Jamaica if it is not locked-up, or nailed-down, it is liable to be stolen. You must always be on guard for this.
Puerto Rico’s crime is focused near the big cities of San Juan and Ponce but the tourist areas are heavily patrolled by police and violent crime directed against tourists is very rare. Theft, especially of cars, is the bigger concern for tourists. Be sure to take care where you leave your car and don’t leave valuables inside.
When in a foreign country it is important to travel with a low profile, don’t wear flashy jewelry and stick to the main roads during the day. Ask your hotel or resort personnel for information about the best places to visit to insure a safe and happy time.
