Who's been on Spring Break more often than MTV? And who better to offer inside tips on the nuts, bolts and screws of surviving the entire experience than the grisly, well-seasoned production crew? Find out what you can't do without and what you can leave behind.
Gabi Rubin, Production Events Coordinator Cancun
"An Open Mind...The Worm...Pepto Bismol"
I'd say the most important thing to bring to Spring Break, no matter where you go, is an open mind. The one thing not to bring is your conscience--have fun! In Cancun, I'd highly recommend the guacamole. For some reason, it's better there. My worst culinary experience came when I ate some lettuce that had been washed in water. Surprise attack. You gotta watch for stuff like that. On the party end of things, if anyone asks if you want the worm…tell 'em no. I'd also recommend learning how to ask for Tums, Aspirin and Pepto Bismol in Spanish. I also remember there was this rumor about a lawn chair, a coconut and a goat going around Mexico. I never did find out what that was about…but if you find out make sure to post it on the message board.
Joe DeMaio, Director Cancun, Panama City, Jamaica, South Padre Island, Bahamas, Miami, Daytona Beach, Lake Havasu, Pensacola
"Blackmail...Twizzlers...Taxis"
Spring Breakers of the world…unite and bring your clean underwear, passport and a camera to take blackmail pictures of your friends. Snacks are a good idea 'cause you'd be surprised what foods are absolutely deadly if you eat them in a foreign country at 3:00 a.m. Pop by Arizzlio's in Cancun--great seafood. A general rule to apply wherever you go is that most Spring Break venues are not the place to enjoy food. If it hadn't been for Twizzlers in Jamaica, I might not have made it.
MTV Staff Writer Cancun
"Ice...Common Sense...Backstage Activities"
The one year I forgot to bring a hat was the year I spent most of my time in the sun so I learned it's best to get one of those bucket hats that cover the top of your ears and the back of your neck, not a ski hat. Now, if you're around the MTV site, we provide coolers of bottled water, but you want to remember to dry them off because they are in ice and the ice is made from local water.
If you are in Mexico, try to use common sense because things can get weird down there. You might have done nothing wrong and suddently some authority figure will come up and tell you how much trouble you're in and ask for money so he can help you out. In the airport, they'll look at your passport and say it's not good, then tell you they have to send you back on a flight. Once you argue and mention MTV, then they say maybe this can be fixed. And then they hand you to the next guy who asks you for whatever you have in your pocket (money).
