Spring Break is a time for students and faculty to unwind, relax and destress. Typically, an ideal vacation includes tanning on the beach and forgetting about schoolwork. However, this dreamy vacation is not a reality for everyone.
For some people, Spring Break vacations often result in traveling somewhere tropical. According to an article by TravelPulse, statistics from Allianz Partners show the most popular Spring Break vacation spots in 2024 are Florida and Mexico, with more than 3.4 million flight itineraries analyzed between five and eight days of travel. The article also included popular cities people travel to in Florida and other states, including Miami, Los Angeles, Fort Lauderdale, Florida and Las Vegas.
Despite the high interest in traveling somewhere tropical, others prefer to spend their breaks doing different types of activities. George Comstock, a sophomore studying environmental biology, discussed his involvement in the North American Apex Predator Conservation Club and how it impacts his Spring Break plans.
“I was planning on going to West Virginia State Wildlife Center and maybe take some friends in this club that I’m a part of,” Comstock said. “Two weeks after Spring Break is over, I’m hosting an event on campus that involves wolves, and I got to see my first wolf there at the West Virginia State Wildlife Center.”
Comstock said the Center has recently added more forest, creating a better habitat for wolves and increasing his interest in traveling to see it.
Spring Break vacations can also be an investment. According to an article by USA Today, despite Spring Break ticket prices decreasing 11% compared to previous years, they still range from $400 to $500 depending on the location. Hotel prices also vary starting at over $300 dollars per night in popular destinations such as Cancun.
Although these high ticket prices may drive people away, it is important to remember investing in a vacation can be a fun and relaxing experience. Ryan DeAngelo, a freshman studying integrated social studies, said students who have the opportunity to go on vacation should.
DeAngelo understands the Spring Break vacation appeal; however, he believes crowded beaches take away from the relaxing vacation experience.
“I think if you (have) the ability and opportunity to do it then you should because that’s an experience that you might not have the opportunity to go and have again,” DeAngelo said. “Yeah, I’m disappointed I’m not going to Puerto Rico and everything, but it’s also a lot less money to spend and a lot less s--- to do.”
Going on vacation or not, those who have the opportunity to relax should take the initiative. Cassidy Betzing, a fifth-year studying exercise physiology, is a spring student-athlete on the track and field team. Betzing wishes for a Spring Break.
“Especially since we are student-athletes, it would be really nice to have that break,” Betzing said. “I know a lot of people that are in season right now, they don’t get to have that break and kind of reset. So honestly it’s kind of hard not to take some time off and it does really affect your mental health.”
Spring Break helps both students and faculty destress and unwind. Michael Grant, an associate professor of instruction, said there are benefits Spring Break can have on student and faculty mental health.
“Research has consistently shown that leisure time positively influences overall health, psychological well-being and higher levels of self-reported quality-of-life,” said Grant in an email. “We should all strive to maintain a certain amount of leisure time in our daily/weekly lives at all stages of life.”
Grant plans on spending time with his family and said it is important for students to remember that break should not be stressful, as stress can lead to a harder transition into the rest of the semester.
