You've waited all year for this week. You're right in the middle of the semester, and just when school is wearing you down, papers are due and midterms are piling up, spring break comes to the rescue. You decided with your friends months ago where you're going to vacation this year. You checked all of the spring break websites to discover the top destinations in the U.S., you bought the hotel room and followed endless Twitter accounts to get yourself psyched up about your college spring break, a week you'll never forget.
To ensure that you have the time of your life during this year's trip, consider this list of tips and things to keep in mind:
1. Weather
It's still wintertime. Even though we all picture spring break as bright sunny days in our bathing suits, it’s not quite that kind of weather yet. Depending on where you go, you might want to consider trading in a pair of those cut-offs for some jeans and a jacket. Who knows? These freak rainstorms could continue.
2. Hitting Other Spring Breaks
Your friends at other schools may not have the same spring break as you, which you probably already know. But check and see if the area you're going to is a college town, and whether that college is hosting its spring break at the same time. It could mean experiencing spring break with a whole new set of people.
3. Backup Plans
Places such as Panama City Beach and Myrtle Beach are popular destinations during spring break, so a lot of people will be traveling there. More people equals longer lines, which equals higher entry fees. It may not be worth standing in line for two hours to get into a club with a $50 cover charge when you could do something else exciting for free.
4. Girl To Guy Ratio
Depending on where you go, there could be an enormous discrepancy between the number of girls and guys on your trip. Be prepared to make friends of both genders, because certain environments draw different crowds.
5. Safety First
Seriously? Just don't be stupid. Don’t travel alone. Don’t keep all of your money on you at one time. Don't leave your car unlocked. Don’t get arrested. Spring break is definitely a time to let loose, but don't make choices that you'll regret when you get back next week.
6. Student Discounts
Just because you’re not around your school campus doesn’t mean you can’t still be a student. Take advantage of discounts at restaurants and airports. There are countless establishments that offer student discounts, and it can't hurt to ask. As we all know, every penny counts.
7. Social Media
It may sound weird, but apps like Twitter and Tinder are a great way to investigate the people in your area. Chances are, you're all there for the same reason — vacation — and if not, he or she may be a local who can show you some happening places around the area. But be smart — you don’t know these people.
8. Festivals
Music festivals, art festivals and food festivals are everywhere, especially if you stay in the South. Lots of fun can be found in these places.
9. Open-mindedness
Go outside your comfort zone. Try new things. Drive around for hours looking for something to do. Don’t be afraid to leave your vacation spot to find other adventures. Don’t plan too much and just let things happen. You won’t regret it.
10. Vacation From Your Vacation
This week is going to be way more exciting than any other week of the semester, so you may want time to come back and relax. Plan for time to travel home, time to sleep when you get there and time to get everything prepared for the next week of school, because as much as you don't want to admit it, spring break will be over before you know it.