How to survive spring break

When it comes to fun in the sun, bars and restaurants, Warren and others point out that in popular spring break locations, the “wild and crazy” parties made famous by MTV are likely to be clustered on certain stretches of beaches and in specific districts in town. So families and others who want to steer clear of the wet T-shirt contests and the rowdy revelers should be able to do so.

Folks intent on avoiding spring breakers might also consider renting a condominium with its own pool and/or beachfront or seeking out a resort or hotel that advertises itself as adults-only. And it’s a good bet that spring breakers will screen themselves out of the higher-priced, family oriented resorts that offer day camps and organized activities for young kids.

But if you and your family should find yourself surrounded by partying spring breakers, Dallas/Fort Worth-based etiquette expert Susan Huston offers this advice: “If possible, try to plan your activities during the time they are sleeping. The kids play all night and sleep all day, so you can naturally avoid them during that time of day. If you can't, you could always ask for a room in the hotel away from the crowd of party people. You can also ask to be seated in a quieter area of a bar or restaurant. If by chance, you do have to deal with the party people, don't be rude to them. That will only make matters worse and you of course, being the adult are supposed to be the example. Just be patient.”

But what if the wrestling team next door is holding yet another tequila-drinking contest and you’ve used up all your patience?

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Banging on the wall or throwing on a pair of pants and rushing next door to demand that they pipe down probably won’t work. Instead, call the front desk right away or go downstairs and ask to speak to the manager in person. It’s that person’s job to convince the wrestling team to take their contest elsewhere or to arrange for you to move to another part of the hotel or resort or, if need be, to find you a spot in another hotel entirely. If that doesn’t work, try that patience advice again and hope that the wrestlers will run out of steam. Then take it up with the manager on duty the next morning.

And next time, do your homework, bring some earplugs or, dude, get yourself invited to the party.

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