Spring Breaaaaaaaakkk
Hi, all. Everyone who cannot wait for Spring Break to just be here already, raise your hand up. Know that both of mine would be raised if I wasn't using them to type this out. Guys, I'm done with this semester already. Spring semester is great because we get that week off. Now, this week I'm going to talk about traveling, but if your only plans from March 10-March 18 are to sleep, I fully understand and support that decision.
So, I did some research on some of the most popular destinations to visit during Spring Break, and while it is expensive to travel during this week, if you're lucky enough to get an opportunity to do so, please don't miss the chance! Sleeping is amazing and all, but traveling is so fulfilling and you get to make new memories!
Commence the list.
10 Best Spring Break Destinations (note that this list is domestic + international):
#1 Las Vegas. Isn't Vegas that cliche destination on every 21 year old's bucket list?
#2 Miami Beach. Warm temps, blue water!
#3 Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Ditto.
#4 Bahamas. Apparently, the Bahamas is a mix of Las Vegas in the Caribbean, so if you're into that, then please go ahead and book tickets.
#5 Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. This destination is made for the night-owls, and foam-party lovers.
#6 Cancun, Mexico. White sand beach? Check. Budget friendly? Check. And the Congo-Bongo is unmissable.
#7 Hawaii. If you plan your trip well in advance and look through reasonable hotels, you should be able have a memorable spring break away from the freezing temps!
#8 Key West, FL. It's an isolated location and ensures lesser crowds as compared to other Florida shorelines, along with a quirky nightlife.
#9 Daytona, FL. Boasts over 20 miles of beachfront along with inexpensive lodging and dining.
#10 South Padre Island, TX. Non-stop beach and pool parties, budget-friendly lodging. However, if you're looking for a less crowded beach experience, look elsewhere.
Here are a few useful tips on How to Avoid Paying for Extra Luggage:
There are only two airlines that offer "free luggage", but that luxury obviously comes with stipulations.
~Scope out the airlines that allows for 1 or 2 checked in bags for free. (*For example, Southwest allows passengers to have two free checked bags as long as they're both under 50 lbs; and Cape Air, a local Massachusetts airline allows for one checked bag for free as long as it's under 50 lbs).
~Read the rules and regulations of each airline.
~Weigh your bags at home.
~When traveling as a family, spread your items around in the luggage so it's even.
~Invest in lightweight, properly-sized luggage to maximize your allowance.
~Transfer the heavy stuff (like skis, for example) in your carry-on.
~Wear the bulky stuff, like thick coats/sweaters and or/ boots.
Things to Never Forget While Traveling:
~Any form of ID (driver's licenses, passport, basically any government issued identification).
~For international students traveling internally (i.e., traveling outside the continental U.S.) NEVER forget your passport and I-20. You need that to enter back into the U.S.
~Money. While it's a no-brainer, it's something you absolutely cannot forget. Don't forget your wallet, be it at home, or at the hotel or inside the plane.
~Ticket. Again, no-brainer, but you'll be surprised at how often this happens to people. A good tip would be to always have a copy on your phone.
~Boarding pass. Although you can print one out at the airport, you can save time by doing it at home or having it on your phone.
~The dates and time of your flight. Trust me, I've made the mistake of forgetting my flight date and the consequences weren't cheap. If there's an emergency, and you have time to cancel your flight, do that because it's cheaper that way.
~To do a web check-in. It saves time, and it generally opens up 24-48 hours before your flight.
Top 5 Websites for Flight Discounts:
~There are websites that offer discounts for students. Use these websites to make your trip even more affordable.
~ Start The Adventure (STA)
~Generation Fly. For Lufthansa flights only. As long as you have a valid .edu email, are a student in the U.S. and are between the ages of 16-25, you'll get a cheaper deal. This would be most useful for when you travel to Europe.
~Secret Flying. While specifically catering to students, it's one of the better kept secrets of the travel world.
~Sky Scanner. This isn't an airline, but a website that shows you the most recent deals and discounts going on in various airlines.