As we venture into spring break, students have a variety of plans to enjoy the week off. Some are going home for much needed time with family and friends, some will tour new places and others will just relax on campus.
For those that already have travel plans, there are plenty of ways to make the most of the experience. On the other hand, if you haven’t considered going anywhere, there are options to make even a simple day trip worth remembering.
You don’t have to plan a cross-country excursion to visit new sights. Even short road trips can be fun and fulfilling. If you’re at home, you could visit attractions in your hometown that you might not have gotten the chance to explore. There are also many things to do in the Peoria area for people looking to get out of their room.
You can try a new restaurant, visit the Peoria Riverfront Museum, create pottery at Fired Up or even go to the Peoria Zoo. If you are looking to journey outside of the River City, you could make your way to Bloomington-Normal for a day and take in even more sights.
If you don’t have a companion to venture out with, don’t let that discourage you. There is so much out there in the world to see and you might never see it if you wait for someone to go with you. Take the necessary safety precautions, make sure someone knows where you’re going and have fun. Solo trips can build confidence, improve social skills and lead to self-discovery.
A must-have for any journey is the coveted road trip playlist. If nothing else, this should get you hyped for traveling. Add comfort and good vibes to any trip by curating a collection of your favorite songs.
Traveling is also a time to unplug. We are constantly surrounded by technology and social media and it can get in the way of true relaxation and connection. When you travel, use that opportunity to put your devices away, take in the world around you and spend quality time by yourself or with loved ones.
Another benefit of travel is getting a break away from routines. For weeks on end we are on a constant loop of going to class, doing homework and going to work, often with almost no time for hobbies away from screens. Use this time to be spontaneous and go to places you wouldn’t normally have time to see.
Being in college is your chance to welcome new experiences and get outside of your comfort zone. Spring break is one of many opportunities to travel, so if you can, get out there and start exploring.