Bags are packed and flights are confirmed, but before you board that plane for Spring Break, consider the consequences of too much fun.

Every year, about 3,000 Americans are arrested while traveling in a foreign country. Whether it?s a weekend in Mexico or a month in Western Europe, the results of reckless behavior abroad are disastrous.

Drug crimes, according to the U.S. Department of State, account for approximately one-third of arrests for American travelers, commonly because a drug that may be legal in one country may not be legal in a neighboring nation. If you are caught buying, selling, carrying or using any type of drug, from marijuana to heroin, the penalties are stiff.

With a conviction, most likely from a trial without a jury, you face a possible sentence of two to 10 years or a minimum of six years hard labor accompanied by a heavy fine.

In a growing number of countries, such as Malaysia, Thailand, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, the death penalty is enforced.

In recent years, arrests for drug crimes have risen among women, who often serve as couriers of illegal substances under the belief they are rarely searched. In truth, when you travel to another country, whether by plane, boat, train or automobile, you are subject to search at any time.

One myth, according to the U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs, is on prescription medications. The reality is that if you are purchasing prescription drugs in quantities larger than that considered necessary for personal use, you could be arrested on suspicion of drug trafficking.

Besides drugs, alcohol and reckless behavior can play a role in allocating trouble for students abroad. Many students have been arrested for public intoxication, underage drinking and drunk driving.

Foreign laws dictate foreign punishments, a harsh reality to American travelers who feel shielded behind U.S. laws.

If you are arrested abroad, your vacation is over, but your visit in that country may not be, as most trials are often long and frequently postponed.

If you?re detained in a foreign country, don?t count on bail, as few countries recognize it. What you can expect is a pre-trial detention that can last for months, often in solitary confinement, with little contact to family and friends except through a U.S. consular officer.

Simply put, when you enter into a foreign country as a visitor you sacrifice rights reserved for American citizens. The U.S. consulate or embassy can not get you out of jail, the country, represent you at trial or give you any legal counsel. If you get into trouble abroad, there is little anyone can do to help you.

Top Tips for Travelers:

Get your paperwork in order. Make sure your passport is signed and valid, with a current photo to reduce hassles when moving through borders. Have your visas and immunization certificates, if required, ready.

* Leave copies of your itinerary, passport data page, and other documents with your family and friends at home, so that you can be contacted in case of an emergency.

* Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs of the countries to which you are traveling.

* Avoid becoming a target for thieves by never leaving your luggage unattended in public areas, wearing expensive clothing or jewelry and carrying large amounts of cash or unnecessary credit cards.