PrintWith midterms approaching and New York’s brutal winter still in full swing, morale on campus is low. Students rush from class to class, not daring to lift their heads for fear of slipping on ice. Thankfully, we get a respite—spring break and all its opportunities for travel.
Although break is almost upon us, it’s not too late to make plans, of the Florida variety or otherwise. Spending spring break on vacation with friends sounds great, but with Columbia’s hefty price tag—the latest estimate is nearly $55,000 per year—just how feasible are your escape plans?
While affordable travel options for students do exist, finding desirable packages with a budget under $1000 can be tricky. Many Columbia student groups have spring break trips, which are often subsidized by the organization. For example, the Columbia University Alpine Race Team (Ski Team) goes on weekend trips for a flat fee of $400 per semester. Lift tickets and transportation are inclusive. For those who aren’t members of a club that travels, organizing your own dream vacation is a viable option as well.
You’d be forgiven for thinking Core-constrained Columbia students value tradition, but when it comes to destinations for travel, the verdict is split: there are beach-trip partisans, while others prefer a more unique experience. “I want to go to a beach for sure. I’m not so used to the cold, so I long for that warm feeling,” says Vanessa Torres, a student in GS. There is a reason why a beach is the first image that pops into your head when spring break is mentioned. Given Columbia’s diverse student body, it is not surprising that some students look for less stereotypical travel destinations. “Personally, I’m not a big fan of Florida. … I like Europe, anywhere international,” says Jim Huang, a sophomore in SEAS.
Some hardy students only want more snow. A four-day trip to Colorado Springs will cost you around $400, including hotel and flight, according to Expedia. A warmer option: you and four of your closest friends could spend five nights at West Palm Beach for under $300 per person, including hotel and flight. A four-day trip to Boston for four people will cost as little as $135 per person, including hotel and bus fare.
For students who stayed at Columbia for winter break, or if the homesickness hasn’t quite worn off, going home is also an option. Benefits: free home-cooked meals, guaranteed lodging, and a chance to visit old friends. “I’m planning to go to Mexico for spring break to visit my family,” Torres says. Although living under the watchful eye of concerned parents might have seemed like a drag in high school, this break might be a chance to indulge in those home comforts you’ve missed.
While college students typically go on vacation during spring break, there are other options. Although the instinct is to get away after a grueling two months, we shouldn’t forget that New York is still one of the most visited cities in the world. During the regular semester, students are busy with coursework, extracurricular activities, and on-campus events, even during the weekends. “During the semester, I don’t go out at all,” Torres says. Why not take the break as an opportunity to do some tourist-y things in one’s one city? With transportation fees limited to $4.50 for a round-trip subway fare, and the comfort of sleeping in a familiar bed at night, this option definitely has its pros. Students who stay at Columbia may be more successful in their attempts to complete papers due after break ends and avoid all-nighters on the 21st. “My priority is study,” explains Chiara Pellegrini, a student in the American Language Program.
This option is especially attractive to those students who are not from the Northeast and are less familiar with the city and its attractions. For those who have already travelled long distances, experiencing the unique culture of New York might make a trip unnecessary. “I’m already visiting New York,” says Pellegrini, a native of Italy. Spring break is a great opportunity to check out the other boroughs. “I want an ethnic experience. I look for good food and neighborhoods with their own culture, like Brooklyn and Queens,” Torres says.
Whether you’re looking to escape to a warm climate, experience a different culture, or just spend some quality time with friends and family, affordable options exist for students. Although the best deals are booked in advance, sometimes the most memorable experiences are spontaneous. Even if you decide not to go anywhere, Columbia students should be proud to take advantage of our location in New York City, one of the world’s cultural centers. As Huang says, “Just being in the city, the city, is the best place to be, because the world comes to you.”