As spring break approaches, college students are preparing for a week-long vacation that is (hopefully) stress-free and a time to catch up with friends/family. As our world transitions back to “normalcy,” everyone is preparing to unleash 2 years’ worth of isolated pandemic stress. This year, my roommates and I will embark upon our first ever trip together to nowhere other than Miami. This will not only be our first official trip together, but our first time on an airplane in what feels like forever. As one can expect, we are all very excited and can’t stop talking about everything and anything that has to do with Miami and the events/preparations leading up to this trip.
While making itineraries and discussing dinner reservations, the three of us chatted about something that we like to call our “airport personalities.” Everyone, at some point, develops characteristics that define how they act in an airport. Sometimes influenced by their parents, and sometimes the antithesis, this niche quality is an intimate part of getting to know some of your best friends. Will you hate this side of them, or love it? Of course, there will always be the person who is extremely early, yet somehow rushing through security checks to get to the gate. Then, there will be the mellow, relaxed, and composed individual who enters a sort of vacation-like state, perhaps slightly early. Lastly, there is always the person who has somehow forgotten their toothbrush, their ID, and is getting triple-checked at security. While my friends and I have all assigned each other these roles, we are waiting to see how this actually plays out. If you haven’t already, talking about your and your friends’ airport personalities is always a great conversation starter.
Once this ceremonial airport crossing is complete and we have successfully landed at our destination, the real fun begins. If you are checking in a bag and do not have access to your hotel room right away, it is imperative to pack a bathing suit, sunscreen, sunglasses, and other beach essentials in an accessible carry-on bag pocket. Throwing all of these pieces into a stylish canvas tote bag and heading straight to south beach is the perfect way to spend a chill travel day. If possible, track down a waiter to bring you a margarita so that your beach/vacation aesthetic can be complete. While soaking in the sun, you should always be thinking about where you’re going to get dinner. As of now, these are a few of the places my friends and I have scouted for some of the best dishes around Miami: KYU, Mandolin, Bakan, and Cecconi’s at Soho House. A mix of everything from Asian fusion to Mexican, it is very important to explore the food variety that this happening city has to offer. Any college spring break trip would not be complete without taking full advantage of the nightlife in the city. Miami, perhaps one of the most famous cities for its club scene, has a place for everyone’s vibe. LIV Miami, STORY, and Space are just a few of the staples.
Regardless of your itinerary, Miami is the perfect mix of beach, food, and nightlife, sure to satisfy any group of college students. It is important to relax and decompress from schoolwork, while also exploring the city to make the most of your vacation. As long as you are surrounded by your friends and good weather, the destination is not as important as the experience itself.