With spring break just around the corner, students at GCSU are weighing their options for rest and relaxation. This year, I get to go out of the country for spring break!
Although in years past, I have been on many staycations during my break. I define the term staycation as a vacation away from the world where you stay at home and practice self-care.
It is so important to prioritize self care, as midterms, registration and so many other academic stressors are at the forefront of our lives right now.
As I always do, I chat with my friends about what they are up to for spring break. I hear multiple vacations, activities and plans mentioned, but my favorites have to be the unique ideas to stay booked and busy.
“For spring break, I’m going to Saint Simons Island for a week with a group of friends,” said Audrey Sercer, a freshman marketing major.
Vacations are often characterized by travel to exciting new destinations, provide a change of scenery that can rejuvenate the mind and body.
While traveling is exhilarating over break to dissociate from the college world, sometimes a staycation is in order.
“A staycation usually stops short of a road trip and doesn’t require any flights,” said Brittany Anas from Forbes. It’s a chance to check out new restaurants that have opened in your city, see a theater performance while it’s on tour, or book a hotel that’s getting a lot of buzz. For those who want to get out of town, it could be a day trip or an overnight stay in a nearby mountain, lake, or beach town.”
Staycations also eliminate travel-related stress, allowing students to allocate more time to leisure activities without the pressures of logistics.
You can still create a trip of a lifetime while staying local, where trying new things does not stop past going out of the state or country.
“No matter the itinerary, the idea is that you adopt a vacation mindset while on a staycation,” said Anas.
Even choosing to stay home for break, a break is truly supposed to be a break—a chance to unwind and refresh before another half of the semester ahead.
“I’m going to stay home for spring break,” said Rayna Schneider, a freshman management information systems major. “When I’m on a staycation, I usually just hang out with my hometown friends or work so I can get some money in my wallet. I also like to just spend time with my family. I would probably tell a student who was also having a staycation to just relax. It’s still just a break from school no matter where you are.”
From a financial perspective, staycations can significantly reduce costs. Students can discover and enjoy local gems without the concerns of high travel costs. Activities such as picnics, movie nights and exploring nearby nature trails can create a fulfilling experience that rivals any vacation.
Both vacations and staycations offer unique benefits and drawbacks worth considering. Vacations provide a chance to explore new horizons and build unforgettable memories, although at a higher cost and with added stress.
Based on my experience, traveling can be quite stressful. The process of getting to the airport, checking in and navigating security is often fraught with challenges, and it can feel like a series of hurdles before finally boarding your flight. Once you’ve overcome these initial obstacles, the task of planning an enjoyable itinerary introduces its own complexities, as you must carefully consider financial, logistical and social factors to ensure that everything runs smoothly.
On the flip side, there is the feeling of fear of missing out or “FOMO” when we see posts and videos on social media that can shape what we do on breaks.
“It’s tough seeing pictures of other people’s ‘amazing’ vacations through social media, so if I don’t go on a trip myself I feel left out. It definitely makes me try to plan for a trip of some sort rather than staying home for break,” said Sercer.
Alternatively, staycations promote local exploration and relaxation but may lack the sense of escape some travelers seek. Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual preferences, financial considerations and the type of experience one desires from spring break.
As we approach this time to relax and renew, it might be beneficial to strike a balance; perhaps a combination of both could create the ultimate spring break experience that satisfies all needs for adventure and tranquility.
What is most important on this upcoming spring break, as well as breaks to come, is the idea of doing what YOU want to do. If you want to stay home and focus on resting, go for it! Relaxation is vital for a work-life balance. If you want to plan a vacation of a lifetime, it can be one of the core memories of the college experience.
All in all, enjoy your spring break and keep the little joys that matter at the forefront—blue skies, good times and moments spent with the ones you love, including time for yourself.