It’s officially begun; the overwhelming amount of conversations about Punta Cana as Reading Week quickly approaches. We have heard conversations striking up all over campus about what bathing suit to buy, which roommate to have on the grad trip, whereto go – basically anything to forget about the bitter cold that is a Canadian winter. We seriously don’t blame them, but what about the rest of us?
We catch ourselves daydreaming in class of the ocean’s breeze and warm sand in-between our toes, or a pina colada while getting a nice tan. Yet, sometimes it isn’t in the budget and not a reality for this upcoming break. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t have some relaxation and adventure this break.
We have compiled five awesome tips for making the most out of your Reading Week while stuck in the bitter cold.
Take a trip down memory lane
Heading back to your hometown and feeling nostalgic about your days in high school? Why not take a trip down memory lane and hit up all the spots you used to love? Visit your favourite coffee shop where the baristas know you by name, your favourite movie theatre where you had your first kiss, or just stop in and say ‘hey’ to your high school teachers. Take a day to remember where you came from and be thankful for where you are at now. To make this even more realistic, you can call up your high school friends and get them to join in the fun.
Hit the slopes
If we’ve got one thing going for us here, it’s the snow. Why not embrace it? You will have the best time adventuring on the slopes with your friends, so take advantage of the awesome deals for students and it could be a relatively affordable day. Make sure you bundle up; grab some friends and head out for some exercise and fun in the snow.
Check out the spa
Pampering is most definitely needed after the first stretch of the semester. The spa is an awesome place that offers so many services to help you re-align and relax. A variety of activities come to mind, such as getting a massage, facial, relaxing in a hot spring or even getting a pedicure. You can book in at the spa, or you could run down the road to your closest nail salon, but just remember to treat yourself.
Sometimes going somewhere can even be pricey, so grab some of your girls and get everyone to bring their favourite nail polish colours. You can do each other’s nails while watching a sappy romantic comedy.
Make your own beach
We totally understand that your own beach will not be the same as St. Lucia, but if you can’t get the real thing, why not get as close as possible? Grab some candles from Bath & Body Works (preferably from the tropical collection), whip up a strawberry daiquiri and a pina colada, and get that book that you have been dying to read out. Put on some beach tunes and chill out while soaking up some much needed ‘me’ time. A bubble bath is also one of our favourites but make sure you grab a bath bomb; it will make it so much better.
Full on adventure
It’s time to ditch Netflix and avoiding the cold and get out there for an adventure. Adventures can come in all kinds, but make sure it’s something that you will find worthwhile. Some awesome adventure ideas are going to the Ripley’s Aquarium in Toronto, taking a mini road trip, or using your student benefits to visit the Royal Ontario Museum and Science Center. You can also check out your local sports teams and get all dressed up in their colours, or try a new restaurant you have never been to before. Our advice is to try new things, get out of your comfort zone and embrace every opportunity and we promise that you will have some unreal stories to tell.
Your friends are sure to come back with better tans than you, but combat that with awesome stories and memories from your Reading Week. Just because you aren’t going away doesn’t mean that this can’t be the best Reading Week you’ve ever had! It just requires a bit more creativity.
Let us know what you are going to do for your Reading Week on our Twitter page.