To Spring Break or Not to Spring Break?

As the grounds of Broadway are finally cleared, all the empty cans are swept away, and the post-Mardi Gras realities finally set in (as in: accepting that the cute guy you got with that you assumed was in your English class is actually just not a Tulane student at all and doesn’t seem to have any digital footprint whatsoever), there is only one question on everyone’s mind: to spring break or not to spring break? There are many angles to approach this fast-approaching and highly anticipated week. Get lost in tropical deep house mixes on the beaches of Cabo. Lounge by the pool at an all-inclusive resort, fruity cocktail in hand, while your friends take thousands of “candid” photos on their digital cameras. Perhaps experience the luxurious and resort commodities that are your childhood home, and be reminded why you were so excited to leave for college in the first place. To properly assess which path is best for you here is an analysis of each formidable option.

Of course, there’s the tried and true method of throwing caution to the wind, leaping into fate, pressing that daunting link sent to you in a GroupMe chat promising you the best week of your life. A priceless (and by priceless, I mean obscenely overpriced) adventure at an all-inclusive resort. Although there are sure to be tight quarters and watered-down drinks, there is also a swim-up bar and all-you-can-eat buffet. Which if you’re lucky, may even beat Wow Cafe. Who cares that the reviews claim that fifteen people got food poisoning from this hotel last summer, they’re probably just dramatic. Days in the sun and nights at the club, a dream come true. You can also be sure this spring break paradise has been offered to every other college student in America, so there you go, some new friends too.

If continuing Tulane into Mexico isn’t your cup of tea, there’s always the option of doing a solo trip with your friends to a fun and fabulous location. The world is your oyster. Find your own deserted island and prepare for a fun week filled with lots of tanning, gossip, and refreshing drinks. The most attractive aspect of this vacation is that you’ll be sheltered from the possibility of running into your usual cast of characters. If your friends aren’t the deserted island type, you can always host them yourself, or take advantage of what Tulane has to offer. Why not go stay with your roommate from Miami? She lives where you vacation. But, seriously, not only is hosting or being the hosted delightful and enlightening about your friend’s mysterious childhoods, it eliminates the stress of having to find a place and saves you a damn pretty penny.

The final and easiest choice, is none other than packing up, putting on your comfiest sweats, and returning home. There is nothing like getting back to your roots and taking a well-deserved break from the hustle and bustle that is Tulane University. Snuggling up with your dog on the sofa whilst your parents and siblings shower you with love and much-deserved adoration. Eat your favorite snacks, see old pals, and be annoyed by all the small things, like your parents continuously asking you about your plans for this summer. Speaking of which, while home, you have ample opportunity to stumble upon a summer internship, not to mention your hometown ex. Look at you now, you’re ready for a summer of love and potential employment.

The truth is whichever spring break road you may venture, it doesn’t really matter. Whether you choose to live it up on the sandy beaches of Cabo, take a girl’s getaway trip to somewhere fun, or relax on your couch, at the end of the day, we’re all going to be back here a mere week later. So choose wisely, wear sunscreen, get lost in the deep ocean with your friends, and, I’ll see you back here on Monday!