If you're lucky enough to have some spring break left, you've probably been booking your flights and packing your bags for months, eagerly anticipating some relaxation and beach time. But for those of us who have a tendency to procrastinate even the fun things in life, some last-minute spring break ideas are just what the doctor ordered.
To be honest, I was never one of those college students who took those crazy, rowdy trips to Cabo or Panama City Beach. Sure, it looks like a great time. However, I wasn't going to spend the little money I had saved from my part-time job at college on plane tickets. And, you can bet my parents would never pay for a week full of debauchery.
Needless to say, I’ve pretty much been forced to become a master at finding fun and last-minute spring getaways. Not only does this mean I can actually enjoy my spring break, but I'm also less insanely jealous of all my friends who are tanning, playing beach volleyball, and drinking too much tequila.
So, if you're like me, I've rounded up seven last-minute spring break ideas that will help ease the pain you're feeling about not being able to spend it at the beach. Look at it this way - at least you're missing out on that nasty hangover, too.
1. Book a hotel
Wait, what? No, I don't mean in Miami or Mexico. But just because you're not flying to some far-off destination doesn't mean you can't enjoy staying in a hotel. Book a room in your own town or even a closer city. Then, indulge in room service, movies, and time in the hotel pool and hot tub. Your town may not be a popular spring break destination, so you don't need to worry about booking in advance.
2. Become a tourist in your own town
Even if you don't want to book a hotel, you can still plan some fun day trips in your area. Check out that museum you've always wanted to visit, take a brewery tour at a local microbrewery, or make a dinner reservation at a fancy restaurant you've never been to. You might think it’s boring not being able to live far from home. But, I promise, you can still have fun.
3. Vegetarian
Spring break travel with friends can be fun, but it might not be that relaxing. They all come back exhausted. you? If you relax and watch movies during spring break, you're sure to come back feeling well-rested. Want to take things to the next level? Also disconnect from social media. Not only does it give you a much-needed break from constantly sitting in front of a screen, but it also means you don't have to see those endless snaps of your friends on their beach vacations.
4. Volunteer
Since you're not planning a fancy trip, why not use your down time to do something good and volunteer? Donate your time and services to a local food pantry or walk your dog at an animal shelter. Is spring break spent snuggling up with a puppy? Not even the beach can top it.
5. Attend class
Whether it's a cooking class or an exercise class, your downtime is a great opportunity to learn something new. Unlike all your beach vacation friends, you'll come back with a new skill - besides the perfect keg holder.
6.Visit family members
Luckily, you don’t need to book in advance to visit family far away. So plan a trip to visit some relatives you haven’t seen in a while. You’ll get to spend time with your loved ones, and it’s certainly cheaper than a tropical vacation.
7. Pamper yourself
Use your downtime to relax, recharge and thoroughly pamper yourself. Make an appointment for a massage, manicure and pedicure, or a hair appointment. You'll come back looking (and feeling!) like a brand new person.
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