Spring Break Mistakes That Don't Involve Tequila
Spring break gets a bad reputation.
College kids. Questionable decisions. Stories that start with, “We thought it was a good idea at the time…”
But adults make spring break mistakes too. They’re just quieter, and they often involve technology.
You’re trying to be present with your family. Work doesn’t fully stop. So, you rush. You multitask. You tell yourself, “I’ll just knock this out really quick.”
That’s usually where the trouble starts.
Here are the most common vacation tech mistakes and how to avoid bringing home a souvenir you didn’t ask for.
The “Free Wi-Fi Happy Hour”
The hotel has Wi-Fi. The coffee shop has Wi-Fi. The airport has Wi-Fi. You connect without thinking because you just need to send one email before breakfast ends.
The risk: Look-alike or fake networks (e.g., “HOTEL_GUEST_FREE”) that aren’t run by the venue. Shared networks can also expose more of your traffic than you’d expect, especially if you’re logging into sensitive accounts.
The fix: Use your phone’s hotspot for anything sensitive. If you need to use hotel Wi-Fi, ask the front desk for the exact network name (and avoid connecting to “free” networks that look unofficial).
The “March Madness Streaming Situation”
The game’s on. The hotel lobby is showing something else. So, you Google “free March Madness stream” and click the first thing that looks vaguely legit.
Three pop-ups later, something downloads. You’re not entirely sure what. But hey, the game is on.
The risk: Shady sites that push aggressive ads, fake download buttons, browser hijackers, or malware.
The fix: Stick to official streaming options and trusted apps. If the site feels sketchy or the URL looks… creative, close the tab.
The “Sure, You Can Use My Phone” Moment
Your kid is bored. Your phone has games. You hand it over for 10 minutes of peace.
Forty-five minutes later, they’ve downloaded a few apps, accepted every permission request, and joined something with a name like “RobuxFreeForever.”
The risk: Unnecessary app permissions, unexpected in-app purchases, and accounts tied to your email or payment method.
The fix: Bring a dedicated device for kid entertainment, ideally not signed into your work email, banking apps, or primary app store account. (Also: enable screen time / parental controls before you leave.)
The “I’ll Just Log in Real Quick” Spiral
One email turns into the CRM. Then accounting. Then the client portal. Then Slack.
All on hotel Wi-Fi. All while your family waits.
The risk: Rushing + public networks increases the chance of mistakes, credential exposure, or logging into the wrong thing at the wrong time.
The fix: Use your hotspot for work logins. Or ask the real question: Can this wait until you’re back (or at least until you’re on a safer connection)?
The “I’m on Vacation!” Overshare
Beach photo. Posted. Location tagged. “Here until the 15th! 🌴”
The risk: You’ve broadcasted that you’re away. That can create personal safety and security risks (home, devices, and accounts).
The fix: Post the highlight reel after you’re home. The beach will still look great next week.
The “My Phone Is at 3%” Panic
There’s a USB port at the airport. Your battery is dying. You plug in.
The risk: Public USB ports can be tampered with. It’s not common everywhere, but the safer move is to assume unknown ports aren’t yours.
The fix: Bring a power bank and use your own power brick + cable. If you must use a public port, consider a USB data blocker.
The “Vacation Password” Special
The resort Wi-Fi needs an account. You make one quickly: “Beach2026!”
By the end of the trip, four new accounts share the same password.
The risk: Reused passwords increase your exposure if any one of those services is compromised.
The fix: Use a password manager and let it generate strong, unique passwords, especially for throwaway accounts.
The Takeaway
Most vacation tech mistakes don’t happen because people are reckless. They happen because people are rushed, distracted, and trying to get back to vacation mode.
That’s normal.
The goal isn’t perfection—it’s fewer “oh no” moments when you get home.
Heading Out for Spring Break?
If your business already has solid travel habits, amazing. Enjoy the beach.
If a few of these felt familiar (no judgment), a quick call can help you tighten things up before you travel.
No pressure. No scare tactics. Just practical advice, so vacation stays vacation.
If this doesn’t sound like you, feel free to forward it to someone whose spring break tech habits could use a little support.