My spring break vacations have varied over the years.
A trip to Florida, staying at home, a two-day trip to West Virginia and Ohio and then a simple trip to Detroit have made up my breaks.
All of the aforementioned destinations are different. However, all of them share one key similarity: cheapness.
I’m a frugal man. Financial anxiety is the bane of my existence. On the opposite side of this, I desire to see the world. I absolutely love to travel.
Cheapness and travel do not go hand-in-hand. Airfare, gas and any other means of travel will run you a bill dependent on your destination. Even if they don’t, you have to consider where you’ll stay, where you’ll eat and where you’ll drink.
If you’re anything like me, this process may be familiar: I get an idea of a trip. I’ll start looking at travel expenses and begin to sour on the idea when the prices start rising. When I push myself past the doubt by saying “It’s just money,” the hotel cost puts the nail in the coffin, settling the debate.
It’s a brutal process. Going broke might be the one thing that will always scare me. Despite this, I’ve made my way around the country and have done incredibly fun things.
I mentioned a trip to West Virginia and Ohio. This is my shining achievement of being cheap but still doing things. Those states are the farthest thing from the usual spring break destination. However, the road trip crossed off a bucket list destination with Point Pleasant, W.Va, allowing me to attend a Columbus Blue Jackets game in Ohio.
When all was said and done, the trip for myself and my travel buddy was just under 200 dollars.
Was it glorious? No. Was it inexpensive and scratched the travel itch for that time? Absolutely.
Even with this past week’s break, I was able to get out and have a little fun. A couple of the Torch editors and I headed down to Detroit for a Pistons game.
It’s not a luxurious week on the beach. But, it’s simple and, again, cheap.
Don’t get me wrong. There’s nothing wrong with testing the limits of your bank account. Perhaps money isn’t an issue of yours. I envy you.
How students use their breaks is so intriguing to me. You have the vacationers, the people who are heading south for warmer weather and better views. There are the grinders, the folks who use their week off to build the bank account instead of drain it. Then there’s my camp this year, the do-nothings.
Yes, I went to Detroit. But I’ve sat at home for most of it. I’ve filled my days doing small chores around the apartment and playing video games. It’s a bit mind-numbing.
I also feel like I betrayed the purpose of spring break. What I did was boring. I passed on a trip to Nashville to go to a Pistons game and stay at home. I can admit that’s a little absurd on my part. On the other hand, my wallet is better off. I definitely could’ve done more. Maybe I should’ve.
Is it so bad that I didn’t though? My last college spring break was spent at home. Yeah, it’s lame, but the spring break police aren’t coming to get me. Maybe I shouldn’t feel so bad about it. It’s a case of FOMO that I’ll move past.
For those who have spring breaks left and share the same financial mindset as me, I implore you to break through it. Save up. Take a cheap trip that won’t endanger your livelihood. The experience alone is worth it.
However, it’s easier said than done. To those who will enjoy and did enjoy their break sitting at home, it’s nothing to feel guilty about. You probably saved yourself a couple of pennies.
Spring break is a subjective thing. It is a literal break from the university. Whatever you do for it is up to you. Make it up as you go or have a plan months ahead. Whatever you do, just make sure it emphasizes the “break” part.