Ah, spring break, the best time for a get-away if you ask me. Exploring, sightseeing, and time with friends is the greatest. Getting away from the same-old-same-old can be good for the mind. Let's face it in college we surely need a get-away. Sometimes traveling isn't what you expect it to be. Like anything else in life, it has risks.
In driving situations the worst is getting lost. It doesn't matter if it is one wrong turn or 50, getting lost is stressful. You could end up in an accident (so I guess that's worse). When you only have a week to unwind, any bump in the road is a bummer. Road trips require a lot of strategic planning. You need to organize; who is driving and for how long, gas costs, pit stops, bathroom breaks, playlist and obviously directions. If you are anything like me, if this doesn't go as planned you get cranky, and nobody likes a cranky pants. You only have 168 hours to live it up and make the most out of one of the last spring break's you'll ever have.
Flying is worse... way worse. I like control, and in an airport you have none. It's all TSA and the airlines. They determine if you make it to your final destination and when.You also never know if you're going to have a nice flight crew or a rude one who questions you on if you're actually old enough to order a Coke and whiskey (newsflash Debbie I am).
Nothing stresses me out more than the TSA checkpoint. I honestly feel like I am walking into my death. When packing I always check and recheck that I am meeting all of the guidelines. No knives or guns, no liquids over 3.5 oz., etc. I never carry half of that stuff anyway, but I feel that they are somehow going to get me for something and I'll have to get the pat-down. I have also recently discovered that every time you fly it's a little different. Going to your destination you could have to take off your shoes and coat, but coming back they just want to see your bag. I just need a system. Why can't we stick to a system!? '
With all the being said, you can't beat it when you finally do get to where you're going. It's like like a giant weight full of textbooks, essays, driving directions and TSA regulations has been lifted off of your chest. Getting to relax and soak up the sun for a week is the best feeling.
So while traveling might stress you out, remember to take it all in, because you only get to do this for a few more years. Take the good with the bad because in the end its still memories with your friends and family. Make memories, take pictures, laugh, do whatever you have to do to make the most of the time you have. I know it's cliché and I don't know if its really true yet, but "these are the best years of your life".
