8 Last Minute Spring Break Ideas (No Plane Tickets or Expensive Travel Fees Required!)

Ah, Spring Break, a much-needed break from work, stress, and this dreary weather that all of us Penn students need. Chances are a lot of you are headed down South — whether it’s Florida, Mexico, one of the Puertos/Puertas/Puntas, or anywhere that means your plane is headed away from school. And while many students probably are living out the “wild Spring Break” that has manifested in our society (read: Spring Breakers), the reality is that not everyone is, or rather, wants to be a wild Spring Breaker. So, whether you missed the boat for booking a vacation, or just didn’t want to spend money on travel, here are some last-minute destinations and general ideas for an awesome Spring Break!

 

Personally, I have never been to Canada, but my next trip will absolutely be to Montreal. 

Besides being a lot more accessible than Mexico, Montreal has something to appeal to 

everyone. Whether you want to go camping (mind you, it will be cold), skiing, hole up in a 

cabin, or go out for the night, you can do all of that there. 

+ There’s something for everyone.

+ You’re visiting a different country.

+ You can drive there.

– You won’t be escaping cold Philly weather.

 

The Poconos is also a nearby getaway, especially if you’re into outdoorsy activities. Again, 

another skiing, hiking, and camping destination.

+ There’s activities on activities.

+ You can get away from school for less money.

+ It’s easy to drive to.

– It will still be cold.

 

Some of you may call Manhattan home, but New York has so many different events, 

concerts, shows, shopping venues, art galleries, and restaurants, that you don’t really have to 

plan your trip ahead of time. Just drive up and take a walk — you’re sure to find something.

+ It’s easily accessible (car, bus, or train).

+ It’s easy to explore the city and boroughs via walking, cab, train, etc.

– It can be expensive depending on where you stay or shop.

 

There is a concentration of major cities down South like Louisville, Nashville, Birmingham, 

Jackson, New Orleans, Mobile, Montgomery, Savannah, and Charleston, to name a few, 

which have a lot attractions, culture, and of course, soul. Take this opportunity to just drive 

with some friends and see where you end up.

+ There are new cities, a part of the U.S. you may have not seen yet.

+ You can visit some of your friends who may live in the South.

+ You’re more in control of the price (how long and far you drive, where you stay and eat).

– It’s a long car drive, but that’s kinda the point.

– You might get lost, also part of the experience.

 

If you’ve never seen Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, you might not know what 

Montauk is, but if you have and still haven’t gone, go! This is for those of you who want to 

be on the beach in the winter, eat banana pancakes at a diner, and walk around a beautiful, 

deserted town without a care in the world. Sounds good to me!

+ It’s relaxing and beautiful.

+ It’s accessible by car or train.

+ There are iconic beaches, lighthouses, and restaurants.

 

Penn takes students from all parts of the country and from all over the world, so visiting 

them is a chance to travel! Another option is to visit a friend from home at their school. I 

personally love seeing different school’s campuses and meeting my friend’s school friends. 

Penn has an oddly placed Spring break, so chances are there is someone you know who will 

be at school still and would love to see you.

+ It’s drivable.

+ Your trip is as local as you want it to be.

+ You get to spend time with your friends (from Penn or not).

+ You can be at a school and not have to work.

– Your friends might have to work.

 

It’s easy to lose track of time and temporarily lose touch with family while at Penn. If you 

have a grandparent, aunt, cousin, or anyone who lives within driving distance, you don’t 

have to pay for a flight AND you get to catch up with people you don’t often see. 

+ There’s family lovin’!

+ There will be home cooked food.

+ It’s drivable.

– If you’re too close to Penn, it might seem like you never left.

 

Who cares if you’re not going to Mexico, a week away at home can be just what you need. 

Read a non-school book, curl up and watch movies, veg out for a few days, catch up on sleep, or do absolutely nothing. This is your time to relax, so go wherever and do whatever 

makes you the happiest.

+ It’s Spring Break!

+ The world is your oyster.