A week or two on a Costa somewhere has almost become a rite of passage for many students after sitting their Leaving Cert. But there are steps you can take to make the most of your new-found freedom without putting yourself in harm's way, writes Louise Holden.
A week of clubbing in Crete or Santa Ponsa has become the standard reward for a Leaving Cert well done. Post-exam students know exactly where they want to go - most are following the recommendations of last year's school leavers. According to travel agents, many have researched the trip right down to their preferred apartment complex.
While carrying out in-depth research projects on the best beaches, clubs, shopping and sporting activities, teens and their parents should research a couple of other details too. A good guide book, such as one from the Lonely Planet series or Work and Travel in Europe, is useful even for those heading to a resort. These guides are very detailed and will contain all kinds of phone numbers you might need - police, embassies, hospitals and even local taxi numbers.
Do not leave home without travel insurance - for a week's holiday you can expect to be charged between €20 and €30, which is well worth it. A standard package will cover you for medical expenses and loss of baggage. If you're planning a holiday that includes extreme sports such as bungee jumping, watersports or climbing, make sure you have cover for what the insurance industry calls "hazardous pursuits" - this will usually mean an additional premium on top of the basics.
When you get to the resort, common sense applies. Unfortunately when people are on holidays they often take chances they wouldn't dream of taking at home, such as strolling around alone at night or hurling themselves into any body of water that presents itself. Crime and water are the two chief culprits when it comes to mishaps on holidays, so be respectful of both. Take local advice about safe places to swim. Think twice about late-night dips after clubbing. Tempting as it might seem, many lives are lost that way.
Seona Mac Reamonn of the student travel company USIT has plenty of experience with post-Leaving students on the tear in Greece, Spain and Cyprus and she reminds all students, and especially girls, to look out for each other in bars and clubs.
"Make sure that you leave the club with the same number of people you arrived with. Maybe set up an informal 'buddy' system in the group so that everyone is accounted for. Strike a balance between being a style guru and giving off the wrong signals by the amount of clothing you wear. Know your way home - make landmarks, as in these complexes all the apartments look the same."
As soon as you arrive at the complex, or before if possible, get some local taxi numbers and put them in your phone with the appropriate dialling codes. Make sure you know the address of the apartment and if you find yourself detached from the group late at night call a cab and get yourself home.
On the subject of phones, make sure that your mobile is set up for roaming before you leave the country. Contact your mobile network provider and check if you can use your phone overseas. Do this well in advance - it can take a week or two to set up. Ask your network provider what you have to dial to use international roaming. This may not be as simple as just using the 00353 international prefix for Ireland. Pre-programme into your mobile the telephone number of the nearest Irish embassy, the telephone number of your hotel and tour representative. Phone or text home at least once!
Mac Raemonn strongly advises that you take a trip to a copy centre with all your documents before you go. Make two photocopies of your passport, leave one at home and take one with you. If the real thing is lost or stolen you will at least have some form of identification. Carry the copy with you when you're out in case you run into trouble and need identification. It's a good idea to make a copy of your travel insurance policy and leave it with your parents. If you end up in hospital it will be easier for them to sort out claims from home.
It's worth noting that if you get injured or ill as a result of drugs, your holiday insurance may be invalidated and your tour operator can refuse to fly you home. If you're caught in possession of drugs abroad you might also face extreme difficulty getting home.
Don't carry much cash around and that which you have you should hand over immediately if threatened. Never put up a fight over a few euro or a mobile phone.
Trevor Ryan of Irish student travel company Sayit reports several incidents of Irish teens being mugged abroad, usually in Greece or Spain while walking back to the apartment alone or in pairs after clubbing.
"If you feel like leaving the club early, get some of your friends to walk you home," he advises.
"You might also consider investing in a personal alarm device to carry with you at night. Always carry identification, the address of the apartment and a contact number with you when you're out in case you are hospitalised."
It goes without saying that these incidents are rare enough and rarer still if you stay in a group. Unfortunately when drink is involved, sense can abandon you so make up your mind before you start drinking that you will stick to your rules no matter what.
Drinking is an integral part of the week away, but think ahead as you start your night's revelry. A good night out can be eight hours long - think like an athlete and pace yourself. There's no point in downing three cocktails in the first hour and ending up asleep on the beach by 10 p.m. Pace yourself, don't drink large amounts of concoctions you're not accustomed to and try to alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks for a clearer head, a longer night and a less spiteful hangover on the beach the next day.
