Spring break is upon us. Like most college students, you have two options: either go home for spring break or go on vacation with your friends. For those lucky ones who have budgeted all semester to stay in a cramped house on the beach with your best of friends, this article is for you.
But if we are being honest, a week of drinking in a bikini, eating junk food, and getting sunburnt is not exactly what I want to do on spring break. While for some people it can be just one big tropical party, I would rather make spring break a little more meaningful and have a little more substance. I know college spring breaks are usually envisioned as Panama City Beach, red solo cups, and loud music, but I'm searching for a little more than that.
How can you make spring break the most fun?
I started thinking about how to make spring break more fun and no, it doesn't involve new creative drinking games. I've been thinking of ways for people to bring yourselves closer to travel buddies and soak in their new environment.
Lower Your Expectations:
I know, I know, but honestly, if you go in forcing yourself to try to have the best time of your life, you are going to be disappointed. You are not going to meet your future spouse on your college spring break trip. You are not going to get the best tan of your life. And there are bound to be a million things to go wrong. Expect to have fun with the people you're with, but don't go overboard.
Site-seeing:
Why yes, Gulf Shores does not have scenic mountains around it, but it wouldn't be a bad idea to grab a friend and go on an adventure away from everything else for the day. I do not recommend doing this at night for safety, but go find the best burger joint in town or a cool hiking trail. It's something different than the normal routine. Don't stay in the same spot the entire week or try going to a different part of the beach.
Work out on the beach:
Have a friend who is also a BBG community member? Go play volleyball on the beach or go for a quick jog. After laying on a lawn chair for four days straight, it is important to move your muscles! If it's warm enough, actually get in the water and swim.
Read a book or start a project:
I am one for starting a new book on the beach for sure. I even have a friend that brought her knitting needles and some yarn to make a nice warm scarf for when we returned to lame old Ohio. You usually do not have a lot of time during the busy school week to put aside time for a project or leisurely reading-- this is your chance! It's also a nice thing to have if you take a flight to your destination
Start a conversation:
Talk to your friend in a real way. Sit around a bonfire and have a legit conversation. Screaming over loud beach music to some stranger can get a little artificial after a while. Sit around with the pals you brought and talk about your aspirations or that lame guy you insisted on dating for two years.
Let one another help each other get ready:
Let your friend pick out your outfit, do your hair and makeup with no limitations. It is always cool to see how someone would do you up if they were you. And if you hate it, no one will see you except your friends. Swap clothes, and definitely bring glitter hair spray.
Make food and drinks together:
I get tired of "vacation food" very quickly. If you are in a house or villa, you usually have a stove. Go to the store and make a five course meal with all of your friends and try cool new beverage recipes to go with it! You can insta that meal and talk about how classy your spring break is.
I challenge you to make spring break a little more fun and a little different this year! If you've done the same thing every year or have gone to the same place, venture out!
