Spring break marks a time when college students flock south to the warmth and camaraderie promised by beaches and bars.
Preparations for spring break trips begin well in advance, as prime hotels book quickly, and travelers need time to tone their beach bods.
Even though break is still five and a half weeks away, Rachel Walsh, an Ohio University sophomore studying biological sciences, has already started preparing. She and the 17 people with whom she will travel to Panama City Beach, Fla., have booked their rooms at the Holiday Inn, and all have begun their personal preparations as well.
I'm definitely working out more
Walsh said. She has started working out at least three times a week, whereas before she only worked out between one and two times. I'm probably going to start tanning too. I think everyone is. ... No one wants to look bad in a bathing suit.
People getting ready for their spring break adventures have many things to think about before leaving the cold of Athens behind for a traditional beach vacation.
Sexual Safety
High-risk sexual activities are an inevitability considering the number of college students who congregate in one place during spring break.
In any situation where there is alcohol involved like on spring break
I know that people may make worse decisions than they would normally be inclined to
said Matt Vonderbrink, a senior studying health service administration and a representative of the Latex League.
If one is under the influence of an illicit substance such as drugs or alcohol, Vonderbrink warns, sexual consent is not possible. If consent is possible, however, utilizing safe-sex techniques are key to keeping safe from unwanted pregnancies and STIs.
It's important to have information on safe-sex practices and be prepared to practice sex safely
Vonderbrink said. So try to be informed.
Tanning
Heading to the beach to develop a tan is one thing many spring breakers are attracted to. In order to avoid extreme sunburns the first time they encounter strong sun rays, many people turn to tanning beds before leaving on their trip.
A lot of the reason we see more customers before spring break is that they want to get a base tan
said Alyssa Dyas, an employee at Tropical Tanning Salon, 11 1/2 W. State St. They want to make sure to not burn when they get out in the sun.
For those people who start tanning to prepare for spring break but don't usually visit tanning salons, Dyas suggests starting slowly.
Average tanners who tan three or more times a week can go as much as they want to get ready
Dyas said. But a person who hasn't tanned in a year or hasn't been in the sun for say
six months - it's probably best to go gradually.
Slowly increasing the amount of time spent in a tanning bed and the number of times a person visits a salon helps ensure skin's safety.
You have to do it gradually
Dyas said. You usually burn if you don't
or the tan won't end up as good.
Getting Physically Fit
Before hitting the beach, many college students trade in their study sessions for extensive workouts to prepare their bodies for a week in bathing suits. People looking to slim down before their vacation, however, should do so safely, said Sarah Shore, the fitness director at Ping Recreation Center.
A lot of people will start off a week or two prior to spring break and do crash diets ... but it's not healthy
