When snow is piled high on campus and the sidewalks are icy deathtraps, one’s mind naturally turns to southern climes, fun, sun, white sand beaches, itsy bitsy teeny weeny bikinis and bare-chested lads oiled and ready for the annual bacchannalia that is spring break.Sure, spring break is a hoot, but it is not without its hazards: sun burn, alcohol poisoning, the Louisiana State Police, Carson Daly and the occasional travel scam.With a modicum of foresight and a cautious approach, these pitfalls can be avoided.For those looking to get out of Dodge, the last thing on their minds is holding back. Caution makes us feel like victims before anything even happens. Desire is the root of suffering and the shady operators live by this. They know students want cheap travel with the promise of big fun in Ft. Lauderdale, South Padre and Cancun. Students can be easily lured in by a good deal, and let’s face it, who can’t be?If it sounds too good to be true, not only is it probably not true, it’s probably a nightmare waiting to happen.Stick to the pros when planning travel. Travel agents may cost a few bucks more than Fly By Night Travel out of Weehauken or Kissimme-St. Cloud, but at least you will know where to find them if things go awry.Use your credit card to pay for travel, it is much easier to get a refund if you need to change strokes in mid-stream.Think global and buy local. Make your plans face to face with a pro who knows where you are going and what you can expect. Then you can relax, have fun and dance.editorialboard: Carrie Tett, Greg Jerrett, Katie Goldsmith, Andrea Hauser and Jocelyn Marcus