This time, our trip made it out of the group chat.
This weekend, I’m traveling with some of my closest friends to a festival. All of us didn’t realize how much we needed a weekend away from the unchanging weekend setting we’ve experienced every college semester.
At first, we talked off-and-on for a while about going before anything was actually planned. So, I will contribute some tips for planning a weekend away from college.
First, pick a destination. Even if the destination isn’t that far, like visiting a friend at his/her college, or taking a plane to go to a concert or festival. Make sure it’s worth your time and money.
Second, make sure you set clear dates. Especially with how busy academic calendars tend to be. Give yourself time to prepare or catch up on missed classes or homework. If you have a job, take off time in advance. Making sure stressors are cleared from your agenda will ensure you have an amazing time.
Third, plan reliable transportation. Make sure someone is willing to drive or buy a train or plane ticket. Try to get this out of the way as soon as possible (because prices will usually go up the longer you wait).
Fourth, know where you will sleep! This seems like a no-brainer, though I’ve known a number of people who leave this important step out and end up house-hopping between friends or staying at a lousy hotel. If you’re staying with friends, plan to make sure those dates are good for them. And, if you’re with a bigger group, stay at an Airbnb to feel more secure. My advice is to always travel with someone you trust.
Fifth, probably one of the most stressful ones (especially for women): packing. If you’re going to somewhere you’ve never been before, it’s difficult to know what to pack. Try to plan a few things to do in order to pack the right outfits and shoes. Don’t forget to check the weather! Also, if you and your friends borrow each others’ clothes, this will be easier when you’re in an outfit jam. If you’re not checking a bag, make sure to have the right-sized liquids and other travel-size items (this will save you the embarrassment of TSA going through your belongings).
Lastly, enjoy your time away with your friends (or family)! You want to create an unforgettable memory (even if it’s just for a short weekend). This is different than traveling somewhere for spring break. You have the chance to take a pause from college, during a very busy time, and experience something new.