As I sit in my room, bundled up and avoiding the negative three-degree weather outside, I can't help but fantasize about spring break. My roommate and I are in the midst of planning a road trip to Florida, and I am beyond excited for some warmth and sunshine. But making trips like this happen isn't easy, and it definitely takes time. So if reading this is making you panic because you have yet to figure out what you'll be doing over break, let me give you some advice on getting started.
It all starts with an idea. Every good trip begins with a fantasy that sounds just a bit unrealistic. Then, if you really set your mind to it, you make it happen. So start thinking about where you want to go, what kind of things you want to do and what kind of climate you're after. Do you picture yourself on the beach? At a concert? Riding rollercoasters at an amusement park? Whatever adventure you're seeking, formulate an idea and run with it.
Next comes the hard part: funding. Okay, so you've decided where you want to be. Now you have to be a little realistic and think about how you'll afford it. If your parents aren't willing to help you fund your adventure, check your bank account. If it's empty, start filling out those job applications or finding people to babysit for. Be realistic about how much money you'll be able to spend, and plan your trip based on that. If a plane ticket is out of your budget, you might not be able to go to Costa Rica. Sorry to burst your bubble on that one. But hey, road trips are more fun anyway!
Time to find a crew. Who do you want to spend the week with? Probably not someone who annoys you within a few hours. So be selective in who you invite. They need to be willing to pitch in for hotels, gas and other various expenses, and they should be people who you really enjoy spending time with. If someone is expressing interest but not fully committing, give them a deadline by which they have to give you an answer. That way you can plan your trip knowing exactly who and how many people will be accompanying you.
Now you'll need to figure out some logistics. Transportation is always important, so figure out how you're getting where you're going. If you're driving, you need to decide whose car you will take and if you're going to take turns behind the wheel. If you're flying, you better book those plane tickets ASAP. Decide exactly when you're leaving and returning so you know how many days you have to plan. Book hotels sooner rather than later while there's still vacancies and good prices. Remember, you're not going to be the only college kid who's on spring break at that time, so things will fill up fast.
Get planning! You'll have a whole week, so fill up your days! You don't have to make a whole itinerary (although if you're the type of person who likes to do that, by all means schedule away), but you should get an idea of what you want to do. You don't want to get to your destination and then realize you have no clue what to do with yourself. Besides, it's super exciting to plan out all the fun things you'll be doing. Whether it's lounging on the beach or being touristy in the city, get ready to make some memories.
Now all you have to do is figure out any other details, and start shopping for shorts! Get stoked!
