With spring break just a week away, college students throughout the U.S. are purchasing airline tickets to various destinations around the world.

One notable destination is Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with its scenic beaches and vibrant night life. 

As someone that spent their first two years at a college minutes away from Fort Lauderdale, it’s understandable seeing many college students traveling down to Florida for spring break to escape the cold Illinois winter. 

However, there are many safety risks with coming down, especially during spring break. As the number of visitors increases during spring break, crime rates increase as well. Here are some helpful tips and tricks to have a safe yet entertaining spring break. 

1. Travel with a group

It’s tempting to travel solo during your break, but that independence can lead to some safety problems. 

Trafficking is a huge problem, especially in South Florida. Although the percent of human trafficking incidents have decreased, it’s not zero. As of 2024, around 200,000 people were exploited in sex trafficking in Florida. 

Traveling in a group increases safety, as you and your travel buddies can watch each other’s backs. 

2.Check out more than just the beach 

While the ocean waves and warm sands may allure you, there is way more to Fort Lauderdale than just the beach.

Fort Lauderdale is a lively and culture-rich area with lots of museums and shops. 

Some museums that I’ve personally enjoyed are the NSU Art Museum, located on 1 E. Las Olas Boulevard. The museum focuses on contemporary and Latin American art while shuffling various exhibitions. 

You can also visit the Bonnet House Museum, located on 900 N. Birch Road, to see a blend of history, artwork and nature. 

If you’re a big fan of nature, there’s a wide variety of airboat tours showcasing one of America’s national parks, the Everglades. 

3.Don’t waste your money on tourist trap shops

While you may want some memorabilia of a legendary spring break, keep in mind that the money spent on “tourist trap” shops could have been used elsewhere. 

One of the popular parts of Fort Lauderdale is Las Olas, as it has a variety of restaurants and shops alongside the beach. Unsurprisingly, this stretch of road has a ton of tourist traps. 

Avoid the shops with lots of advertised t-shirts that look like you could find them inside a Walmart, or shops that have “great deals” on clothing. 

Typically, these shops will raise the prices of their merchandise so that you end up paying $30 to $50 on a t-shirt that says “Fort Lauderdale, Florida.” 

Instead, that money could be used for food, drinks or events in the area. 

4.Opt out of going to The Wharf every day. 

One popular destination for college students during spring break is The Wharf, a restaurant and bar space located on 20 W. Las Olas Boulevard. 

Despite having a large space and good reviews online, many locals have said that typically it is overcrowded and uncomfortable, especially during the afternoon. 

Additionally, you need to be 23 years old or older in order to get into The Wharf, unlike other bars in the area. 

Instead of spending your entire week at The Wharf, you can enjoy a wide variety of restaurants and bars that turn into unique event spaces at night, including:

Voodoo Bayou, located on 715 E. Las Olas Boulevard; Elbo Room, located on 241 S. Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard; Tin Roof, located on 219 S. Andrews Ave; Palm Room, located on 825 E. Las Olas Boulevard.

These are just a few personal recommendations, but Fort Lauderdale has restaurants, bars or nightclubs for whatever experience you are looking for. 

5.Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, stay vigilant and have fun. 

Not to sound like your parent, but many students traveling to Fort Lauderdale forget how important it is to drink water and wear sunscreen during spring break. 

Between the sun’s high UV index and sun rays beaming on the water of the ocean, getting heat stroke is no joke, especially in an area you are unfamiliar with. 

While margaritas and mojitos sound delicious, only drinking alcoholic drinks during your spring break can lead to serious dehydration. 

Instead, take breaks in your day to rest, recover and stay hydrated. 

Although Fort Lauderdale is full of energy and good vibes, it still is a city that faces crimes such as human trafficking and theft. 

Keep an eye on your valuables and do not leave them unattended on the beach. Spring break is a prime week for pickpocketing. 

Most importantly, have fun in a safe way! Spring break is a week to relax and take a short time away from the stress of your winter semester courses.