Cancun, Acapulco, Cuba, Dominican Republic — these are just a few of the many popular vacation destinations that students choose to escape to during spring break. These vacations typically earn the title of "best week of my college year" for many students. Unfortunately, people tend to make many rookie mistakes that can lead to a ruined week or a catastrophic end.

Many of these issues are obvious, but they are consistently ignored by all sorts of vacationers.

First off, you're leaving Canada during the prime winter months and going to somewhere sunny and hot. Bring your sunscreen! If you are light-skinned, a red head or sensitive to the sun, then bring a stronger sun block than SPF 15. People either forget to protect their skin or they don't use sunscreen because they want to look like Pauly D from Jersey Shore. Using tanning oils can make the situation worse, since you are further welcoming the sun. Tan wisely, don't bake in the sun all day. You will find that, even with sunscreen, you will have a great tan halfway through your trip and your skin will thank you for it.

Don't forget to stay hydrated. All-inclusive alcohol, combined with hours of sun bathing, combined with being a 19-year-old who thinks he or she is indestructible is a terrible combination! Take breaks from the sun and get into some shade so you can avoid getting a sunburn or heat stroke. Carry a large water bottle with you and constantly drink from it throughout the day. Try to avoid gorging yourself with massive, salty meals, which will further dehydrate you.

Lastly, take breaks from the general madness of all-inclusive spring break vacations! It is completely normal to want to go absolutely ballistic for seven days straight, but your body will suffer dearly. Try to designate a day or two for sightseeing and laying off the booze. Many people visit exotic cities without actually experiencing them because they spend the entire week at the hotel pool and nightclubs. This will also allow your body to recover and recuperate for a few more days of fun in the sun.

Above all else, be safe and keep your wits about you during your spring break vacation. Be aware of your surroundings, organize a buddy system with your friends, and remember you are not invincible. The last time I went away to Cancun, a drunken man went too far into the beach waters and was swept away by the waves. There is nothing worse than having to call your best friend's parents to tell them their son has died. So be safe and have the time of your lives! You have all earned it after a grueling semester and a half!