Having A Safe Beach Vacation

When people think of a beach vacation, they think of warm sun, blue waters and plenty of relaxing times by the shore. While these things certainly can and do happen, a beach vacation also carries some unique risks. Every year, scores of tourists return from their beach vacation with less than terrific sand tales to tell. It only takes a few minutes to stay safe on your beach vacation with these tips: •Read about the location your beach vacation will take place in. You don't have to spend hours in the library researching the dangers of your beach vacation, but getting a recent travel guide to read on the plan ride is a great idea. Look for information about beaches and about possible dangers. That way, you will know what to look out for and will be able to stay safe and have a great beach vacation. •When you actually head to the beach during your beach vacation, only go swimming if there is a bodyguard or if you are with a friend. Be sure to check ahead of time to see whether the beach is safe for swimming, and be sure to ask about possible dangers such as jellyfish. •Consider taking your beach vacation with a friend so that you can each keep an eye out for each other. •Be sure to investigate ahead of time what the beach area is like after night fall. Many people on beach vacation find out too late that beaches are often far less safe after dark than they are during the day. •Be sure to stay at a hotel that

has good security features, especially if you are traveling alone. •Wear plenty of sun screen and hats. A beach vacation is a great chance to get skin0-damaging sunburn. If you are pale skinned, take extra precautions and pack a small bottle of sun screen with you when you head for the beach. Reapply sun screen every few hours, especially if you are doing plenty of swimming. •Bring traveler's checks on your beach vacation. If you lose them or they are stolen, you can easily have them replaced. •Be sure to take out traveler's insurance before heading for your beach vacation. If you are injured or catch an illness, the medical expenses could cost much more than your beach vacation.