Over the course of the semester, life can get rather hectic as assignments and exams begin to build up and overlap. It becomes challenging to balance a flourishing personal life with a demanding school schedule. I find myself stuck in a daily rut of going back and forth from class to the library.

A spontaneous trip out of Gainesville is the perfect way to refresh and unwind from the busy day to day of college life. I personally love a day trip to the beach. It is a cheap way to get out of Gainesville for the day while soaking up some sunshine in our beautiful state. Saint Augustine is about an hour and a half drive away from Gainesville and Daytona is a little further away, clocking in at about a two-hour drive. I grew up on the beach and being in Gainesville away from the beautiful coastlines that Florida has to offer makes me miss the salty air and sandy beaches even more.

Another fun way to get out of Gainesville for the day or the whole weekend would be going to one of the amazing theme parks that are in Florida. SeaWorld, Disney, and Universal are only an hour and a half to two-hour drive away in Orlando and Busch Gardens is about two hours away in Tampa. This trip out of Gainesville can be expensive, but it is a great way to leave the stress of college life behind for just a day or two.

If you are looking to get out of Florida, Savannah, Georgia is a beautiful escape. It is only about three hours away and there are some many incredible things to do and see. Ghost tours, walking tours, and a vast variety of dining options make Savannah an amazing way to reboot your mind as you prepare for another stressful and eventful week. Other times, a weekend getaway means simply going home and visiting family. This is sometimes exactly what I need to get back on track, ready to finish the semester off strong.

Coming back to Gainesville after a weekend away provides me with a refreshed outlook on my education. The struggles I face throughout each week are washed away throughout the weekend as I reset and prepare for the next week. It's not realistic to get out of Gainesville every weekend, however, when you get the itch to explore a new place you should. As we move on to the next chapter in our lives, start our careers, and start families it will become more challenging to drop everything and head out on a mini getaway with friends. The time to go on a spontaneous weekend getaway is now.