Life
11 Reasons To Stick Around For Spring Break
Spring break is just around the calendar corner, and every college student knows what that means: feeling the pressure to fly off to some exotic locale and (more importantly) Instagram every waking second. But you don't have to go anywhere for spring break this year, or any other year for that matter. Whether you're broke, a homebody, or a broke homebody, there are plenty of totally valid reasons to stick around your campus or hometown during the week off.
For one thing, staying home for the break doesn't mean you're trapped within those four walls. If your plans are to flop down onto your couch and watch Netflix with one eye open for seven consecutive days, that's definitely your prerogative, but it's not like anyone is forcing you to marathon Bojack Horseman for the seventh time. If you're feeling the itch to get out and do something fun — or if the FOMO is piling up as your friends start Instagramming their travels — there are plenty of shenanigans to be had no matter where you are. If you can't think of any off the top of your head, start Googling.
Basically, staying home for spring break doesn't mean you can't have fun. Here are 11 reasons not to go anywhere this year.
1Travel Is Expensive
I'll start with the most obvious reason to stick around for spring break: travel is ridiculously expensive, especially if you have to set foot on a plane. The costs of transportation, hotels, and food stack up quickly — unless you've been saving up money in advance, a week away simply might not be in the budget this year.
2You Can Catch Up On Sleep
The Centers for Disease Control have declared sleep deprivation a matter of public concern, and college students are among the worst offenders. If you are a student, this close to midterms, chances are you're fueled by a combination of espresso, afternoon naps, and the odd energy drink for extra caffeine. Instead of forcing your body through the exhaustion of traveling and partying with your fellow spring breakers, use the week to catch up on sleep. It's worth it, I promise.
3You Can Throw A Staycation Party
Plenty of people stay home for spring break. Find them, round them up, and throw a party because you're on vacay. A word of advice: Literally everyone loves a theme party, so give everyone an excuse to get dressed up.
4Day Trips Are More Affordable
You aren't being held prisoner in your room for the break. Having a week off is the perfect opportunity to explore the area. Go hiking, browse local museums, or even just pick a place you've never visited and wander around until you find something interesting. Better yet, grab some friends and take a road trip — travel is far more affordable when you don't have to pay for a hotel room.
5Netflix Is Calling To You
Literally everyone has a list of shows they should be watching on Netflix. Seize this opportunity to become one with your couch and power through all the Oscar nominees.
6Packing Is Terrible
It's a small point, but one that's worth noting. Packing is the worst activity in the world, and yes, I'm including having your teeth cleaned by a sadistic dental hygienist in this ranking. If you go for a staycation, you don't have to worry about fitting your clothes and toiletries like puzzle pieces into an already-stuffed suitcase.
7It's Enough Time To Pick Up A Hobby
If you're one of those types who can't sit still for more than a few minutes at a time, an uninterrupted week off is plenty of time to pick up a new skill. Learn to cook something new, or figure out baton twirling, or watch ballroom dancing tutorials on YouTube with your best friend — thanks to the Internet, the possibilities are endless.
8The Weather Can't Ruin Your Plans
It's impossible to predict the weather around the end of winter and the beginning of spring. One week, it'll be beautiful and sunny, and the next, there's a blizzard raging outside and you're wondering how you accidentally teleported to Antarctica. The weather can seriously ruin vacation plans, but if you stay in the area for spring break, you don't have to worry cancelled flights or poor driving conditions.
9Books Can Transport You Anywhere
As William Styron explained once, "A great book should leave you with many experiences, and slightly exhausted at the end. You live several lives while reading." When you read, your body might be sitting curled up in a chair, but your mind is off seeing through someone else's eyes. Even if you can't afford to travel or simply don't have the inclination, books can send you anywhere you like — and you get to stay in bed at the same time.
10You Can Visit Your Family
Let's face it. It's probably been a while since you visited your family, and even if your parents aren't bugging you about it, you know it makes them sad. If they live nearby, go say hi to your parents and childhood pet for a few days.
11The Crowds Are Terrible
Finally, thousands of others are going to be on spring break at the same time. Do you really want to fight the crowds at every bar, beach, or museum you visit? Talk about nightmarish.
