This year for spring break, my friends and I decided to stay in an Airbnb in Maine for five days, after a long planning process in which we considered Puerto Rico, Florida, and Vermont. This was my first trip without my parents and felt like a huge milestone for me.
- Plan early!
If there’s one thing I learned this year that I will definitely do next spring break, it’s to plan early on. My friends and I did not book our Airbnb until a few weeks before, and though it ended up working out well, it did limit our options a lot. Especially if you want to travel somewhere by flying, it’s essential to book flights or hotels early on to ensure you don’t break the bank. Prices for popular spring break destinations skyrocket the closer spring break is.
- Make the most of every moment, big or small.
Something I learned on my trip to Maine is that plans with friends don’t need to be too expensive or extravagant. For instance, one night for dinner, my friends and I decided to pick up some burgers and chicken at Walmart and take advantage of the grill at the cabin. This simple meal we shared was a special memory for me and we set the table like a fancy meal. Other small activities I enjoyed were playing card games with each other and watching movies, which were great ways to bond and enjoy the time we had.
- Budgeting is important, but don’t let money overwhelm you.
Almost every college student is broke, which can lead to a lot of anxiety and tension when it comes to money on trips. I frequently found myself worrying about my bank account balance during the trip, but I had to remember that these memories were a one-time thing My friends and I tried to budget in any way we could, such as buying store brand groceries or cooking rather than eating out for every meal.
- Listen to your body and put your well being first.
Something I had to remember on this trip was to put my own needs first and not stretch myself too thin. For instance, my friends and I have very different sleep schedules, some wanting to stay up until three or four a.m. and wake up at one p.m. the next day. I’ve discovered that my personal cap is 1 or 2 a.m. most nights because my body simply shuts off at a certain time. Something I’ve struggled with a lot in college is the fear of missing out, better known as FOMO. I had to remind myself that my choice of going to bed earlier prioritizes my body and overall well being, which is way more important than something I may possibly miss out on. By putting myself first, I was able to give more of myself and be my full self during the time I was spending with my friends.
- Take lots of pictures.
Especially here at Northeastern with the spring co-op cycles, for instance, spring break may not always be a feasible option. Remember to take pictures to remember your special memories because college only lasts so long.
- Get an Airbnb!
This was my first time staying in an Airbnb, and I definitely would recommend it for college students since most hotels are not a viable option for those under 21. My five friends and I stayed in a cabin that came down to a little over $200 for each person, which ended up working out perfectly for us. We had all the space we wanted, a kitchen to cook in, and a hot tub to enjoy. However, remember to read the reviews and details before booking the Airbnb to ensure you are picking the right one.
- Focus on who you’re with, not where you go.
Before going on this trip, I was feeling a bit bummed that our ideas for Florida and Puerto Rico had not worked out because we waited too long to plan them and flight prices shot up. Though we didn’t go to a warm place, this ended up being one of the most special trips I’ve been on because of the people I spent it with. Remember that it’s not about the place, but the people you are making memories with.
- Be in the present.
Another tip I have for any trip, really, is to consciously focus on being in the present moment. My friends and I explored nature a lot, such as Acadia National Park, which was a perfect escape from the bustling city of Boston. We even noticed a difference in the air quality, which was something I had to sit and simply take in. No matter what you do for spring break, it’s only a week, so remember to be in the present and take it all in before it’s a mere memory.
I figured I couldn’t write about my trip without including some pictures, so here’s a few!
A gorgeous lighthouse in Portland, where we stopped on our way.
A cliff in Acadia, where we visited on our final day in Maine.