Now that the semester is in full swing, college students everywhere are already looking forward to spring break. In fact, even I am trying to bring a plan to fruition. Last year, I went on a cruise with Tanner and previously I volunteered in Guatemala and went on a business trip to Portland and Seattle. This is one of the few times that college students get a full week to themselves and don’t have to plan their trips around long weekends. So, whether it’s a trip to the mountaints or a trip to the beach, there are endless options to choose from. The key is just knowing how to choose the perfect trip for spring break.
How far do you want to travel?
For spring break, typically you have about 7-10 days. Since I don’t have class or work on Fridays, I can usually manage a bit longer trip than some. Now, some locations require a lot of travel. 5 hours may seem like a lot of travel to some, while some can travel for 24 hours without feeling drained. However, you need to decide how much of your spring break you want to be actual travel and how much you want to be actual exploring.
Last year, for my cruise which I booked with Carnival, my boyfriend and I flew to Miami and stayed for one day before we went on a 7 day cruise. It probably would have been easier to go out of LA, but we really wanted the destinations that the Miami cruise went to. It’s all about trade-offs.
We ended up seeing:
Essentially, the less you want to travel, the closer your destination must be. Typically, domestic vacations within your own country are great for those who don’t want to travel as far. You can do a lot of cool vacations that don’t require as much travel. Just think Miami beach or even San Diego. Now, if you have more time and don’t mind a lot of travel, by all means pick somewhere a little further away!
Are you looking for a party or something different?
Now, a lot of people just want to party over spring break and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. Personally, a spring break with a lot of partying and drinking is not my M.O. If partying is yours, popular spring break destinations like Cabo, Mission Beach, or Miami Beach may be some of your better options. Cruises are great for both those who want to party and relax.
If you’re looking for something a little different, there are so many other options!
- Volunteering abroad
- Wine tasting
- Professional trips through your school
- Adventurous trips
- Local roadtrips
I even went home my first spring break, so if you feel a bit homesick, it’s a great time to go relax with family.
How much planning do you want to be involved?
Some trips require a lot more planning than others. For those who don’t like planning, pre-arranged or loose itineraries are a great idea! Think cruises, travel companies like Contiki, or even just going to relax at the beach in Mexico. For those who like to plan, go on that perfect vacation or trip you’ve been thinking of!
What’s your budget?
Budget is a factor in planning any trip, especially for college students who are usually operating on a smaller budget. If you’re working with a smaller budget, a road trip or airline error fare may be your best bet for planning your spring break. For a fun road trip, try picking a location a few hours away that you’ve never been to before!
If you’re working with a larger budget, organized trips to Cabo or with travel companies may be a better decison for you. In the end, think about the trips thst you think about while you’re studying in the library. Ultimately, you should just go with the spring break trip will make you the happiest!
