As a senior in college, it’s easy to get into the habit of making even the smallest endings seem like the end of the world. The last first day of class, the last time taking midterms, and the saddest goodbye of all—our beloved spring break. We’ll no longer have a middle-of-March hiatus to use to catch up on beauty sleep or Netflix. Instead, we are off to the real world, and let’s face it: there are no breaks there. If this is your final opportunity to be with all of your closest friends before you graduate, make sure you do it right. To make the best of your last spring break, keep reading for 11 easy tips.
- Prepare, prepare, prepare: Spring break is a week of adventure, but you’ll eventually have to return to your responsibilities. Instead of leaving them until you get back, handle them before you leave. Make sure everything is clean, bills are paid, and homework is done, because nothing is worse than coming back from having the time of your life than returning to a giant pile of homework waiting for you.
- Realize that you can have fun anywhere: You don’t have to go to a tropical location to have a good time. Every place has the ability to spark adventure, so be open-minded about your destination. Whether you decide to hop on a plane, a bus, or are staying home, you can always find something exciting to do wherever you are.
- Travel with people you love: When you look back at your time in college, you’re not going to care which AirBnB you stayed in, but rather who was in it with you. Choose the friends who always make you laugh, who are always down to go on adventures with you, and who will make you think, I wish we could just stay here forever.
- Pack smart: I’m a terrible packer. However, I have learned a few lessons along the way on how to efficiently pack for a trip. Instead of bringing new things you bought solely for the trip, pack clothes that you’re completely comfortable wearing. If you’re questioning whether or not you need it, the answer is probably that you don’t.
- Take lots of photos: Take a physical camera and document every moment of your trip—from the tourist attractions you visit to the food you eat. Don’t forget to print copies of your photos when you get back—you’ll want to be able to go back relive those moments for the rest of your life.
- Ditch your itinerary: As great as plans and schedules are, nothing is more fun than unplanned adventures. Pick a random place to go with your friends, be spontaneous, and leave the itinerary at home for a few hours. The unexpected parts of your trip might just end up being the most interesting.
- Spend time alone: One of the best ways to explore is without any distractions. Go out in your newfound paradise alone and see what you discover, what you notice, and what you learn about yourself.
- Make new friends: Talking to locals is a great way to immerse yourself in any new place you’re in. Strike up a conversation with a barista or get to know the owner of your favorite restaurant. Not only will you discover more about the city you’re in, but also gain a friend who you can come back to if you return.
- Eat the local food: Try something that can only be found in the place you’re visiting. Sure, this may be intimidating, but it never hurts to try something new. Plus, you’ll build up some solid recommendations to give any friends who visit after you.
- Put shut-eye on the back burner: After you’ve spent all this time planning your trip, the last thing you want to do is waste your time snoozing. Instead of wasting precious hours sleeping in, try to wake up earlier and go to bed later everyday. With your extra time, you’ll be able to discover so much more.
- Grab a memento: Souvenirs may seem cheesy, but I personally like collecting physical reminders of where I’ve traveled. If touristy shops don’t do it for you, try taking something free, like a seashell from your go-to spot on the beach. That way, you’ll always have something to take you back to where you felt happiest.
Are you a senior prepping for your spring break? Share your tips for making the most of your last spring break in the comments below!
Featured photo by @cataucker.
