It's that time of year again, so get ready to put down your books and grab a suitcase — it's Spring Break. We all know if you are going away for a true Spring Break vacation, the three words that are usually associated with it are drinking, partying and sex. If you're single, this is the ultimate dream vacation; if you're not, it can be a nightmare. If you're in a relationship and you go on a vacation alone with your friends, or are the one staying at home while your boyfriend or girlfriend heads down to Cancun, it can be hard.

At the same time, no one should feel like they can't enjoy their time away from home because they are attached. Here are a few things that you should keep in mind when you're on vacation.

If you don't want your partner doing something, you shouldn't do it either: This is straightforward, no ifs, ands, or buts about it. For example, if you wouldn't want your boyfriend oiling up some hot girl in a string bikini, then you should keep your hands off the tall, dark, handsome man with the killer body. Fair is fair.

Stay away from risky situations: Don't put yourself in risky situations if you can avoid them. If you meet some girl in the Dominican and are having fun partying together, nothing is wrong with that. However, if you end up alone in her hotel room with just the two of you drinking, that has clearly become a risky situation, because there is a good chance she could take that as a sign to go for it.

If you can, send them a message: I'm not saying have your cell phone by your hand 24/7, and to be honest, I don't even suggest brining a cell phone on vacation. Roaming charges are a bitch, and the point of a vacation should be to take a break from your normal routine and everyday life. A good thing I found when I went on Spring Break and left my boyfriend behind was once every day or two, I'd send him one quick message on Facebook (a private message, because Facebook PDA is tacky). That way I didn't feel like I was ignoring him for a whole week, but at the same time, I enjoyed my vacation.

Don't keep secrets, period: Don't try to hide what you did or are doing. The truth always comes out, and that's how you end up breaking trust. Even if you think it will make your boyfriend or girlfriend mad, it's better to be honest with them. For example, if you decided to go skinny-dipping at the beach — a popular pastime on vacations — don't try to hide it.

When it comes time to put on that bikini and grab a beer, don't feel bad that your boyfriend is back at home. Enjoy yourself because Spring Break only comes once a year.