Spring Break is usually associated with crowded airports, packed suitcases, hours of travel, and more. But, this year, more and more families have realized that the perfect vacation may be just outside of their front door: a staycation. Staycations are becoming popular as they allow for time to relax and recharge, explore local spots, and enjoy spring break stress-free and comfortably.
This year is the perfect year to staycation, as travel has become a bit of a nuisance. Gas prices have increased significantly, TSA lines are extremely long due to the shutdown of Homeland Security, and international travel is complicated by war and travel restrictions. In addition to this, many sports teams and school-related activities are currently active, making it an inopportune time to travel far.
There are many reasons to spend the break Staycationing, but whatever your reason, we encourage you to seize the opportunity to try new things, go on adventures, and be productive.
Senior Iris Hoffman is staying home due to school commitments. “The first few days of Spring Break, I have a FBLA [Future Business Leaders of America] competition in Orlando. Because of that, I’ve chosen to just stay home afterward. I plan to go to the beach and play pickleball with my family and friends.
Senior Sofia Balistreri had a similar reasoning, “I have track practice most days because we are in season, so I couldn’t really travel without missing that. I’m going to practice in the morning and then go to the beach and just spend time relaxing after.”
Senior Ella Baldwin also has exciting plans for her staycation, “We’re staying here for the most part, but on Friday, my mom and I are going to the Miami Open to watch tennis. It’s gonna be really fun. I’ll also probably play a lot of tennis too.”
Spring Break offers time off not just to students but to faculty as well. Many teachers are using the time to reconnect with their own families.
“My parents are coming into town, and we’re probably going to do all of the things you do when you have small children. So, we are going to go to the zoo, going to the pool, and probably taking lots of bike rides,” shared US English Teacher Mrs. Shannon Anderson.
“My big plans involve visiting beautiful downtown Martin County. I have very short commutes to my vacation spots. I will wake up and walk from one place to another. But also, we have a whole planting bed that has been sitting, and we’ve been trying to get rid of some plants for about a year, and so I plan to dig everything up, to put down new landscape matting, and basically relandscape and put new plants and irrigation in this planting bed,” explained US Computer Science Teacher Mr. Richard Soviero.
Students and faculty alike seem to be getting excited for their staycation plans as they allow them to live their normal lives, but with extra time to explore areas around them, see family, and enjoy sunny South Florida.
Mrs. Anderson stated, “I’m excited to relax and actually read some books for fun instead of school.”
“It is so much fun to just relax at home and do things that you normally do not have time to,” expressed Baldwin.
“I feel like I never actually go to the beach or do other Florida activities, so I am excited to stay home and do all of that,” shared Hoffman.
As Spring Break approaches, it is worth remembering that sometimes the best vacations are not really vacations at all. From going to the beach to trying new coffee shops and restaurants, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the week without traveling far. So, next year, consider taking yourself on a staycation.
