In the large scheme of things, this isn't that big of a deal. I know there are plenty of people who don't get the chance to travel or vacation, never the less visit the ocean. And I'm very thankful that I got the opportunity. Especially since I grew up in a suburb of Chicago where seemingly every family goes to Florida or Mexico for spring break and my family and I always appeared to be the only living souls remaining in town for that week every year.
So, if you can put off vacationing for a few years and save up some money like my family did, I recommend taking a trip with your closest friends. College friends, high school friends, whoever it may be. You will never forget the experiences you share with each other, and it may just make your friendship stronger.
I was fortunate enough to travel to Punta Cana, a resort town on the eastern most tip of The Dominican Republic, for my senior year spring break trip (my first spring break trip in six years, so I would have been happy going to a farm in Nebraska, imagine how insanely happy I was that it was the Caribbean). The trip was five days long and we stayed at an all inclusive resort called the Bavaro Palace Deluxe.
This was my second time out of the country, and first time in a real resort. I found myself questioning the early bird steal of a cost we had gotten from the travel agent once I walked through the lobby and was immediately offered a fruity beverage on a platter. My mouth continued to drop and nearly ooze drool when I took a look around and saw the three pools complete with half submerged chaise lounges and a swim-up bar. When we got to our room and I saw the porch with the jacuzzi and view of the Caribbean sea, I wasn't sure if I was still awake or not. When I first stepped onto the beach and felt the warm beige sand underneath my feet, I looked at my Mom with the biggest smile to cross my face since I had found out that we were going on this trip. We both deserved this, and we couldn't have been more exuberant.
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| The view from the porch of me and my Mom's hotel room |
Now, going on vacation with ten girls is bound to get a little dramatic. I'll be honest, there were a few small bumps in the road when someone was left alone at the bar, forgotten on the beach, etc. But I would do it all over again because the positives far outweigh the negatives. I got to go shopping at a beach side market, dancing at a real club (which we could actually legally get into on the resort, being eighteen) kayaking above tranquil turquoise water, windsurfing in the rain on some not so peaceful waves, and dancing in the sand during a hotel salsa class where I watched my mother attempt to shake her hips (which was interesting...) And, I did it all with my best friends. While getting tan. And a little burnt.
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| One of my good friends Christine and I doing some kayaking |
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| The moms and daughters taking a salsa class! |
What more could you want?
Whether you go to a flashy all-inclusive out of the country or take a road trip in the good old U S of A, being in a new place with old friends is something that all college students need to experience. It's a blast, and you learn a lot about yourself and the people you thought you knew really well along the way...traveling can bring out both the best and the worst in people! So start saving now and do your research, because an unforgettable experience is in order.
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| My friends and I just being ourselves on our last day |
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