Why Spring Break Sucks

Spring Break is approaching and plans are a being made across all US campuses. From Key West Florida to South Padre, fellow students will be lining up to spend too much money on traveling and drinking, once again, this March. While I realize I have a somewhat different perspective on the world having traveled abroad, I still feel a slight urge to experience 5 days of the ‘American Spring Break,’ which is why I feel like I have the right to rant on why I won’t be getting involved after some temptatation avoiding, rational thinking.

Why Spring Break Sucks

1. Poor Excuse for a Break

First off, while I open a week off from my studies with open arms annually, I hate how it’s become hardly a break at all for me. Between getting taxes done, trying to figure out summer plans, and working on projects due immediately after Spring Break, it’s really not too relaxing. I’ve always found it nearly impossible to take a week off due to my academic and extracurricular workload, but I evidently this could just be me.

2. Too Damn Expensive

Spring Break is more often than not, not a good deal. Airlines know spring break, and if you follow the fares, the difference between February ‘deals’ and March ‘deals’ is stark. If you DIY spring break with “cheap tickets“ and find lodging independently, get ready to fork over too much money. Same goes for the spring break packages from places like StudentCity.com or STSTravel.com. Maybe my cost expectations are too high being use to Asian travel prices, but $500 seems like it should go a longer way than 5 nights in a hotel.

3. Duration, People! Duration.

As a finance student, I have the privilege of studying bonds. While studying bonds, duration is important. Think of traveling like you think of bonds (the similarities are striking!… right?). Traveling for 5 days is just not that much, people. I understand that we have busy lives, but why not save some dough for a real, longer trip that you can enjoy for more than just 5 days!

For as much money as you spend on a flight, or agony that you spend driving 2,875 miles, take some time to enjoy your destination for more than 5 days. (sidenote: I would support the idea of skipping the subsequent week of class)

4. Spring Break Weather?

The weather around spring break is questionable for most destinations. Florida and Texas have hit or miss weather, and spending but loads of money to lay on a rainy cloudy beach is counterintuitive. I wouldn’t shell out for anything farther north than Cancun to be honest.

5. General Health and Being a Real Person

Spring break is meant  to be relaxing and to recover physically and emotionally. After attending a standard American spring break, I would require at least 10 days of R&R immediately following my SB. Alcohol fueled everything, parties every night, drama, repeat doesnt sound too relaxing to be honest. Fun, possibly, if my liver doesnt die and I avoid diseases. But it comes down to being a real person, and i kind of want to always be a real person, even while traveling. You Should Too. So go read a real travel guide and find a real trip with cheap airline tickets and cheap hostel lodging (see: go abroad).