The mid-semester weekend trip is basically an undergrad rite of passage. It’s a nice change of scenery, a break from routine, and a chance to make new stories. These quick getaways have a way of becoming some of the most memorable (and often chaotic) moments of university life. After some frenzied adventures of my own, this is my unofficial guide on mastering the art of the weekend trip.
What to pack
Whether you’re heading to a big bustling city or cozy cottage, no matter where you’re going you will need…
- Tylenol Extra Strength (Yea yea, I know…)
- A comfy fit for the ride home (You’re gonna feel gross enough no need to worsen the Sunday Scaries)
- Portable charger (The second your phone dies is the second something chaotic happens or be prepared to embrace your inner Carrie Bradshaw and hail a taxi)
- Your laptop to leave open and be fake productive with
Getting there
So you’re all packed and ready to go… it’s time to get where you need to be. There are a few ways to do this: most economically, bribe the friend with the car using gas money and a coffee run. Other options include trains, buses, or that last-resort call to your parents (which comes with 100 questions). The ride over is the best, just pure excitement and fun vibes. My best friend and I just rode up to Montréal and it was such a blast! The autumn colours and music made for one of the best highlights of the adventure.
WHere to stay
Chances are you’re crashing at a friend’s place. Depending on your destination and occasion, someone may splurge on a hotel (Ooo fancy). In that case, enjoy the amenities. For the rest of you stuck on a questionable student couch and making small talk with your hometown friend’s housemate’s cousin, just roll with it. Interesting pairings can spark a fun dynamic.
The Main Event
Ok now this is the moment you’ve been waiting for… and sorry to be blunt but don’t set your expectations too high. A night out, a concert, or even just a birthday pre can be so fun—but only if you let yourself actually enjoy what’s happening instead of what you thought would happen. I had big plans for a birthday trip once, and when they fell through, I sulked my way into the city. I almost missed out on how special it was to just enjoy some shenanigans with my best friend. Don’t do what I did. Romanticize what’s right in front of you.Â
Getting Back
To be completely honest, the way home feels like the pits of hell. The drive (or train ride) drags on forever, your body hurts, your bank account hurts, and you have a midterm tomorrow that you’ve hardly looked at. This is where the painkillers come in clutch. If you’re bussing or training, show up way earlier than you think you need to. Also, do your research on where to go before it’s too late. A good friend of mine got stranded at Union station in Toronto for hours cause she didn’t realize Hozier changed venues… I wouldn’t recommend.
Final THoughts
The truth is, the best weekend trips are never flawless. Things go wrong, plans fall apart, someone forgets their ID, you make an unbelievably horrible decision at the bar that wakes you up in the middle of the night in cringe 10 years from now. Not to be cheesy but those are usually the parts you’ll miss the most down the line. If I could distill it all into one piece of advice I’d say romanticize the messy moments. If you keep forcing and waiting on “perfection” you’ll miss out on way too much life. Enjoy the chaos. Happy travels!