As a senior in college this may very well be the last opportunity you have to partake in a traditionally collegiate spring break. So, what do you have to look forward to? It looks something like this: no responsibilities, questionable decisions (while rarely sober), beaches, suntans, did we mention alcohol?, and what seems like everyone you've ever met (or wanted to meet) over the past four years - in one place - for seven days. Sounds kind of great and kind of awful, am I right? But trust us, you won't regret it. If this seems like exactly what you need after months living in the arctic tundra of the Northeast - then listen up, we've got it down to a science.
Budget
Do you have the funds to go all the way to Europe? Are you the kind of person who's likely to go broke after the first day if you're not at an all-inclusive? Is there an exchange rate that's going to drastically reduce your actual spending ability? These are all questions to consider when deciding where you want to end up.
Climate
If you're anything like me you're going to want to find the warmest possible place you can. But if that's not your cup of tea that's fine too - just make sure you do your research. Just because it was 85 degrees in Florida when you went on that family vacation in July when you were seven...doesn't mean it'll be 85 degrees in March. March weather in many places can be iffy so make sure you know what you're in for.
Mode of Transportation
Planes, trains, or automobiles. Those are really your three options. Again, do some research, see which is most cost effective. Also keep in mind that cost might not be the most important factor to consider when choosing how you get to your Spring Break destination. Driving may be cheaper than flying - but take some time to seriously consider whether or not you will kill one of your fellow passengers if you're trapped in a car with them for 12 hours. Yeah, that's what I thought.
Activities
When deciding where and when you want to go on Spring Break you might also want to consider what types of activities you want to partake in on your vacation. Sitting on a beach for 10 days where your only physical activity consists of walking to the bar is a very different vacation from say, hiking the grand canyon. Just make sure you know - before you book - that where you end up is going to have activities that suit your interests.
Lodging
Lodging is tricky. You don't want to over pay (especially likely because this is the high season for almost all destinations) but you also don't want to compromise safety. Hostels are great options if you're in a safe enough neighborhood - but don't book a hostel that you'll be scared out of your mind to walk back to at the end of the night, just cause it'll save you a couple bucks. Finally, make sure you think about the proximity between your hotel/hostel/apartment and the things you're going to want to do every day. In other words, don't pick a place that's 20 miles from the beach if you're not going to have a car. (Side note: no, you cannot shove all four of you into one hotel room. It will not be pretty. Trust me).
Saving
Save. Save. Save. Now that you've determined all the logistics of your dream trip, start saving so you can makes those dreams a reality!
PS - Make sure you get (or renew) your passport NOW if you're planning on traveling out of the country.
Budget
Do you have the funds to go all the way to Europe? Are you the kind of person who's likely to go broke after the first day if you're not at an all-inclusive? Is there an exchange rate that's going to drastically reduce your actual spending ability? These are all questions to consider when deciding where you want to end up.
Climate
If you're anything like me you're going to want to find the warmest possible place you can. But if that's not your cup of tea that's fine too - just make sure you do your research. Just because it was 85 degrees in Florida when you went on that family vacation in July when you were seven...doesn't mean it'll be 85 degrees in March. March weather in many places can be iffy so make sure you know what you're in for.
Mode of Transportation
Planes, trains, or automobiles. Those are really your three options. Again, do some research, see which is most cost effective. Also keep in mind that cost might not be the most important factor to consider when choosing how you get to your Spring Break destination. Driving may be cheaper than flying - but take some time to seriously consider whether or not you will kill one of your fellow passengers if you're trapped in a car with them for 12 hours. Yeah, that's what I thought.
Activities
When deciding where and when you want to go on Spring Break you might also want to consider what types of activities you want to partake in on your vacation. Sitting on a beach for 10 days where your only physical activity consists of walking to the bar is a very different vacation from say, hiking the grand canyon. Just make sure you know - before you book - that where you end up is going to have activities that suit your interests.
Lodging
Lodging is tricky. You don't want to over pay (especially likely because this is the high season for almost all destinations) but you also don't want to compromise safety. Hostels are great options if you're in a safe enough neighborhood - but don't book a hostel that you'll be scared out of your mind to walk back to at the end of the night, just cause it'll save you a couple bucks. Finally, make sure you think about the proximity between your hotel/hostel/apartment and the things you're going to want to do every day. In other words, don't pick a place that's 20 miles from the beach if you're not going to have a car. (Side note: no, you cannot shove all four of you into one hotel room. It will not be pretty. Trust me).
Saving
Save. Save. Save. Now that you've determined all the logistics of your dream trip, start saving so you can makes those dreams a reality!
PS - Make sure you get (or renew) your passport NOW if you're planning on traveling out of the country.