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March 2026

Essential Tips for a Stress-Free Spring Break

Get ready for an unforgettable spring break by following general guidance for home security, social media safety, and travel insurance.

Summary

  • Secure your home before leaving by locking doors, checking security systems, and managing mail deliveries.
  • Be cautious with social media during your trip; consider posting after you return and avoid sharing your location in real-time.
  • “Pack” travel insurance to help protect against common travel issues and be prepared for unexpected situations like medical emergencies or flight disruptions.

It’s time to pack our bags, grab our sunscreen, and get ready for spring break. If you live in colder climates, jetting off to sandy, palm-tree-lined beaches sounds pretty good right now. If you already enjoy year-round summer weather, you might consider using your spring break to explore abroad, whether that’s the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu or the world-famous Blue Lagoon hot springs of Iceland.

For 2026, the top international spring break destinations trending right now include:  Belize, Greece, Iceland, Cancún, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and Peru. For those looking for direct flights or to stay in the U.S., Florida was the top destination across the search board, with Key West and Destin ranking as must-go-to spots this spring.

No matter where you're headed—whether it's a beloved destination like Florida or a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Capri, Greece—effective planning goes beyond just packing your sunglasses. Preparing for spring break travel should involve making sure your home is in good order, taking necessary safety precautions for your journey, and being ready for any surprises that may arise en route.

Secure your home before stepping on the jetway

Before embarking on your trip, get your home in tip-top order with these quick tips:

1. Start by walking your property. Ensure your landscaping looks kept up and tidy, and check that all entryways, including doors and windows, are securely closed and locked for added peace of mind. Some 7% of Americans surveyed do not lock their doors when they go out, and 23% do not lock them when they're home, which, according to criminologists, leaves those homes vulnerable. Take the time to lock up before you head out!

2. Test home security systems and cameras, as well as fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, to ensure they are in proper working order while you're away. If you don’t yet have a security system or cameras, you may want to consider adding them, as they could help make burglars less likely to consider your home.

3. Consider setting outdoor and indoor lights on a timer as an added security feature to make it appear you are home.

4. To handle your mail, think about scheduling a hold or enlisting a trusted neighbor to collect it while you’re gone. This helps maintain the appearance of an occupied home.

5. Give a spare key to your trusted neighbor or friend, rather than hiding it on your property.

6. Consider closing your window blinds and cutting power to remote garage door openers before embarking. These actions may help deter a potential intruder.

Taking these proactive measures could help protect your home (without setting traps or deploying marbles ala “Home Alone”) and allow you to truly relax and enjoy your vacation.

Spring break social media faux pas

Once you get to your fabulous spring break destination, it can be tempting to share the experience on social media. But oversharing may be risky, potentially leading to break-ins back home or phishing attacks from just one photo posted while traveling.

Thankfully, you can still share your spring break socially if you follow these easy-to-implement best practices: 

1. Consider posting after you’ve returned home, rather than in real-time.

2. Check that your phone is up to date with the latest software and review all your privacy settings.

3. If you do decide to post while on vacation, avoid using geotags or check-ins, as these share your location publicly.

4. Never share your passport, plane tickets, or hotel or resort name online or on social media.

You can learn more about protecting your digital world online, no matter where you travel, in our insights on cybersecurity.

“Pack” travel insurance 

Uncertainties from annoyances like lost baggage to more serious incidents like civil unrest or the need for medical evacuation may occur when traveling, and no one is immune.

Take the example of a couple vacationing in Hungary who needed medical evacuation and guidance to navigate the complex and challenging situation they suddenly found themselves in. Or consider how common flight delays and interruptions are these days.
 

Stranded in Hungary

  • One of the most invaluable benefits of travel insurance is the provision of medical care. Our claims team recently assisted a couple who faced a serious medical emergency while traveling abroad, leaving them stranded in a local hospital in Hungary. During this challenging time, they relied on a translator to communicate with the medical staff.
  • For the wife to visit her husband, she had to navigate specific visiting hours, endure long waits in line, and was limited to just 15 minutes of visitation per day.
  • Recognizing the urgency of their situation, our team worked diligently to secure a medical evacuation flight, ensuring the couple was safely returned to the United States for the critical treatment he needed.
  • In this situation, additional coverages such as trip interruption, fees for changing flights, and extra hotel charges also came into play. While these proved helpful, the couple's safety remained a top priority for our team.
  • This experience underscores the important role travel insurance may play and the value of working with knowledgeable professionals, like our team, who could help you navigate unforeseen events.

When you “pack” travel insurance in your spring-break suitcase alongside your favorite beachwear, you’re also packing access to around-the-clock emergency assistance, coordination of lengthy medical cases, emergency evacuation assistance, translation services, and peace of mind. This hopefully gives you the ability to take a true vacation, where you can lie back, soak up the sun, and know that if an eventuality occurs on your trip, our team will be there to guide and support you, and help find a resolution.

Request an insurance review with an experienced Personal Risk Advisor to ensure you're adequately insured for whatever life may bring.

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