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9 Tips for Freshman Planning Their First Spring Break

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at WVU chapter.

Spring break is just around the corner, so that means you better start planning your wild getaway. Here’s a few tips for all you newbies to get you started on planning the perfect spring break:

1. All-inclusive is where it’s at.

Trust me, an all-inclusive spring break is the way to go. You pay for everything before your trip even starts. Most All-Inclusive vacations include airfare, transportation to and from the airport, hotel rooms, and unlimited food and drinks. The only thing you really need money for is to tip the bartender, if you want to gamble, or to buy souvenirs. Some popular All-inclusive destinations are Cancun, Punta Cana, Cabo San Lucas, Jamaica, and the Bahamas.

2. Getting a Travel Agent is not a bad idea.

Travel Agents can be really helpful when planning your first spring break, especially if you have no clue where to start. They can find you the best places to go that are within your budget, and they can help you understand all of the fine print. Some Travel Agents located in Morgantown include Triple A, Travel Network, and Suncrest Travel Inc.

3. Don’t forget to pack the essentials.

Obviously make sure you have enough clothes to last you your whole trip, but don’t overlook the little things. Remember to bring the necessities like a toothbrush and toothpaste, soap, shampoo, conditioner, a razor, hairbrush, and deodorant. And remember, if you’re flying to your destination, make sure all these things are TSA approved.

4. Safety first.

Sunscreen is probably going to be a necessity, especially if you’re going to a beach. You don’t want to get sunburn on the first day and not be able to enjoy the rest of the trip. A first aid kit probably wouldn’t hurt to bring either. Who knows, in your drunken stupor when you fall down a flight of stairs, an ice pack and Band-Aids will definitely come in handy.

5. Have a Plan B.

Having a backup plan isn’t going to hurt. If you plan on staying at your friend’s beach house in Florida, and they cancel last minute, it’s best to have another place to stay just in case. The weather may also be an issue if flying. What are you going to do if your flight gets canceled due to inclement weather? Think ahead about all the things that can go wrong, so they will be easy to fix if it happens.

6. Travel Insurance is a blessing.

Who knows what can or will happen on your trip. If your spring break destination is out of the country, travel insurance is something you definitely want to consider. Travel Insurance covers anything from trip cancellations, injuries, lost luggage, or even bad weater.

7. How long is too long?

Spring break is definitely a time to not think about school or classes, and just let loose, but seven days of hardcore drinking, and lack of sleep may just be too much for your body to handle. A 4-5 day vacation is the perfect amount of time to get crazy with your friends, and you’ll even have time to recuperate before classes start back up.

8. Make sure the place you are going welcomes spring breakers.

Believe it or not, some hotels and resorts don’t accept spring breakers to stay there, especially if they tend to be family orientated. Make sure the place you are staying at houses college students, or else you could lose out of a hefty amount of money or even end up homeless when you get there!

9. Have fun!

The most important tip of all: have fun! If done right, spring break could be one of the best weeks of your life, so live it up, and leave the drama at home!

Hey, everyone! I'm Jamie. I'm a Senior Strategic Communications major with Emphasis in Public Relations. I'm a Pittsburgh native, and after graduation I hope to pursue my passion in Public Relations and writing!
  I grew up in Charleston, West Virginia. Growing up here I knew there was a possibility of going to West Virginia University my entire life. Although I decided to start my college career at the University of Kentucky, those country roads led me back to WVU in the spring of my sophomore year. This was also the point when I decided to establish myself as a Broadcast Journalist student. Since this point I have strived to become the best possible journalist I can be. I am currently working as a weekend reporter for WDTV-Channel 5 in Clarksburg, West Virginia. Prior to receiving this position, I worked as an intern with WCHS-tv/FOX11, in the summer of 2014, where I learned critical editing, interviewing, writing, and speaking skills. I worked closely with anchors, reporters, editors, directors, producers, and even the web team. Aside from the television industry, I am the Campus Correspondent for the West Virginia University Chapter of the online entertainment magazine, Her Campus. Another position I currently hold is the Social Media Chair of WVU’s Radio Television Digital News Association Chapter. In the Fall of 2012, I became a sister of the Alpha Phi Fraternity, in which I held the position of ‘Big Sister Chairman.’ My other passions include horse back riding, scuba diving, being outdoors, and running. I am very adventurous and I try to stay well rounded. My goal in life is to live life to the fullest and be the best possible version of myself. My ultimate goal would be to earn a spot as a reporter/anchor for Fox News, New York. I plan to graduate in December of 2016 and look forward to my future.