Don't be a twat on Tour

Tour is coming.

On the 6 April, 243 Team Southampton players will head to Salou for the social of all socials.

It’s the annual event that sees the boozing and banter of AU sports teams span not only one night, but an entire five days.

In the wake of our Varsity victory, we’re predicting a lot of celebratory shenanigans.

But, through all the fun and games, the tour experience is something one must be prepared for.

With just a couple of weeks to go, we feel that it is our duty at the Soton Tab to give anyone going a heads up on how to get the very best out of the tour experience.

So, without further ado, here are some quality tips, backed up by the Foreign Commonwealth Office, on how not to be a twat on Tour.

Stay hydrated

Salou is hot. Coupled with the immense crowds in the clubs at night and the excessive levels of alcohol consumed, drinking enough water is essential.

Don’t be the twat who passes out from dehydration.

Apply suncream

We all love the heat, but too much sun can be dangerous. Get a team mate to do your back, then you can sit back and nurse that hangover under the rays.

Don’t be the twat who gets sunburnt.

Stick together

Losing your friends on a night out in Portswood is one thing, losing them when you’re not sober and in a foreign country is another.

Whatever happens, stick with your team mates.

Don’t be the twat who gets lost.

Don’t get drunk on balconies

According to the FCO, there have been a number of very serious accidents as a result of falls from balconies, usually caused by British nationals being under the influence of alcohol.

Some local councils have introduced laws banning the misuse of balconies with fines for those who are caught.

Don’t be the twat who falls or gets fined.

Be insured

Boring stuff, but very important. You must have your free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving for tour.

The EHIC isn’t a substitute for medical and travel insurance, but it entitles you to state provided medical treatment that may be necessary if you get ill.

Don’t be the twat with no insurance.

Don’t give in to peer-pressure

With sports teams it can be hard to escape the pressure to do ridiculous, horrendous things. But, honestly, if you don’t want to, you don’t have to.

Don’t be the twat who ‘did it because he told me to’.

Eat properly

When you’re out every night and sleeping through most of the day, it can be hard to maintain a decent eating pattern.

Take advantage of the hotel meals, though. Fill up at breakfast, and line your stomach at dinner.

Don’t be the twat who doesn’t eat.

Don’t overdo it

Remember, tour is five days long. If you go mental on the first couple of nights, you’re unlikely to last through the rest.

You don’t want to be so hungover that you can’t enjoy yourself.

 Don’t be the twat who can’t cope.

Katie Lightowler, our VP Sports Officer, who has been on tour multiple times herself, said:

 On the back of Varsity success, all 243 students going on Team Southampton tour should be buzzing. I can say from personal experience that it is one of the best weeks of your University life.

Remember to just look out for each other – there is a reason we are going as one team!

For more information, hints and tips on travelling abroad, check out the Foreign & Commonwealth Office website at https://www.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo.

Are you going on tour this year? Have you got any questions about it, or any tips if you’ve been before? Let us know in the comments!