The weather may be frigid, but that doesn’t mean you can't warm up to the idea of getting away for spring break in local, tropical or international locations.
With only several weeks until many students prepare to embark on this iconic college vacation with friends, plans are starting to evolve into solidified realities and the panic may start to kick in. Where should I book my flight? How much spending money should I bring? What will my friends and I do while we are there?
Never fear! Here are a few simple tips to help you plan the perfect spring break trip.
Break the stereotype
Choose a destination that you and your friends actually want to go to, not a common hotspot just because it is the ‘normal’ thing to do.
If getting crazy in Cancun is not your idea of fun, opt for relaxation on a chill island, an adventure in Europe or a ski trip in Colorado. If you would rather donate your time, join a mission or community service trip through your university or local community. For career-minded students, check if your school offers internships or tours while you are on break at companies that peak your interest.
If getting on a plane is too much effort and money, don’t feel bad about chilling at home with family, they miss you and enjoy the company, even if you are asleep or binge-watching Netflix.
Book early and research the best deals
Booking hotels and flights can be a major headache in planning your vacation. The easiest way to avoid large costs and complications is to book as far in advance as possible. Be sure to compare round-trip flights on as many travel and airline websites as possible. It is important to note that you should not book the least expensive airline just because it is cheapest. Make sure to verify that the company is reliable and has decent ratings. Also, researching and reading reviews on websites such as Yelp and TripAdvisor is helpful in finding clean, reasonably priced and safe places to stay.
Make a bucket list
From the start of your planning, gather your friends and create a running list of activities and other events everyone wants to conquer. Even if you don’t end up following it and decide to go with the flow, it is a great tool to help quickly conjure up ideas when you are hungry and searching for good eats or looking for a new party spot to check out when your original plans fell through. Create a Google doc so everyone can access it and edit it at anytime, providing a personal planner at your fingertips.
Plan a budget and stick to it
It can be hard to stay on a budget when planning a big trip. With tourist temptations on every corner, it is easy to get caught up and overspend.
Don’t use your credit card, just don’t do it! Having a card on hand in case of emergency is essential, but swiping until your heart is content will make you and your wallet unhappy in the long run. Take a set amount of cash with you, some for spending and some for emergency purposes and you will find it is much easier to control when it is visibly dwindling as the trip continues.
Indulge in something if you really feel you cannot live without it or you cannot leave without doing it, but don’t agree to it if you won’t appreciate it after the fact.
Be responsible
You most likely hear this all the time, but it is crucial to be careful about drinking during spring break. Being responsible can help avoid embarrassment, poor decisions and health risks that can ruin a vacation entirely.
Research the liquor laws of your destination, not only for the drinking age, but also for laws about open container, drinking on the beach or in public, etc. Avoid drinking and staying out in the sun. Alcohol consumption can lead to behavioral changes that increase the risk of sunburn, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
It is important to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated, whether one chooses to drink alcohol or not. If swimming in the ocean, be careful of riptides and other hazardous conditions.
Be prepared for the unknown and always be safe
Though spring breakers can try their best to make everything run smoothly, things don’t always go as planned. If changes happen, don’t let them soil your whole trip, you are there to have fun and escape from stress.
Lost luggage or delays should not totally upset your vacation (although you should definitely pack at least two outfits in a carryon just in the off-chance this would occur.)
Though it is a repetitive lesson, it is important to stay safe. Never travel alone, always have a charged cell phone and be aware of your surroundings. When going out, it is important to decide upon a designated meeting spot where you and your friends will know to find each other if anyone gets lost or separated. Being proactive and staying in communication with your friends will save you from worrying and allow more time to let loose and enjoy your time off.
