PCB Bound!

See.....very pale

If you're reading this, I hope you are having a great beginning of spring break! 

Right now, I am probably laying on the beach in Panama City with the sun blazing over me (a welcome change from the frigid cold in Harrisonburg right now). What I would like to emphasize is sunscreen! A sunburn can absolutely ruin a vacation and make you miserable.  While I of all people understand the importance of a tan, being extremely pale, I have been taught the importance of taking care of your skin!  With the emphasis on anti-aging and anti-wrinkle products, why would you engage in an activity that would actually increase the speed of this process. 

This brings me to my next point, tanning beds. While these are extremely popular, they are detrimental to your health and result in dangerous diseases.  A spray tan can achieve this same effect without all of these potentially negative side effects. 

When you really think about, how important is a temporary tan when it has such lasting consequences? Snow White is one of the most popular and beautiful Disney princesses with skin that is described as "white as snow". So work with what you've got and embrace and take care of the skin that you're in!

Where to go, where to go?

Spring Break creeps up on the college student faster than one would expect. It feels like it's going to be January forever, and before you know it the winter months turn into spring's March and April. 

My boyfriend and I at the lake during a break!

Most Universities give their breaks in March, which for Virginia students, the surrounding states, and northern states, does not provide for a very warm climate and vacation atmosphere. If you and your friends are interested in the beach or a lake, then you'd need to migrate south or go tropical. Some popular options for that are Panama City, Miami, or Daytona in Florida. Others will opt for a cruise to Cancun or the Bahamas. It all depends on the money you have to spend or what you saved up. All of these can be slightly pricey options. That's why most of the people who go that route have been planning it out since Fall Semester. The beach option is a nice getaway from reality, from winter weather, and the books. It's fun in the sun and relaxation. 

Us in Pittsburgh on another break! At a Pirates game. 

If you're not so much a beach goer or maybe more of a late planner, then you could opt for the city route. There's places like New York, Atlantic City, Ocean City, or one break I spent in Pittsburgh. These can also be a fun alternative. You could sight see, learn the local history, go to some shows, do tastings at a local brewery, or maybe take a turn at gambling (if you're of age of course). Going the city route gives you a chance to immerse yourself in new surroundings or get a feel for somewhere you've never been. The city atmosphere is fast paced, full of history, and can be a whirlwind adventure. 

Whether planning late for the break or planning early, there are many sites dedicated to helping the student. There are cheap travel sites and spring break options alike, all one needs to do is click their google search and enter in a destination. Travelocity, Expedia, and Groupon are just a few of the resources that can be used to find vacation packages and deals. Finding a good vacation is just a click away, as long as you compare and contrast all your options. 

The key to planning your spring break is not only deciding if you are more beach, city, or something else entirely, but deciding on a budget and a plan. Once you have your goals laid out, a group to go with, and a destination picked, it'll be easy to achieve the means to make it happen. 

Spring Break Survival Guide: Do's & Don'ts

Whether you are headed to Panama City Beach, Key West, or Mexico here is the ultimate, official spring break survival guide: do's and don'ts! 

If you're one of the 1.5 million students that will travel this upcoming March to a spring break destination, you are on your way to what might be a trip that will forever define your college years. Whether this is your first spring break trip or not, you are in for some great memories and experiences under the sun!

Do: Take lots of pictures! Vacation is the time to take tons of pictures of friends, views and much more. However, once the trip is over, think twice about posting those fun pictures on Facebook, Instagram, or other social media. In the long run, professional employers may stalk your sites for jobs and they certainly do not want to see you having way too much fun on spring break. 

Do: Have a buddy system! Always hang out in groups and have someone to go to in case something goes wrong. Never leave a friend alone at a party or in a taxi.  

Don't: Keep checking your cell phone! Spring break is about spending time relaxing and having fun with your college friends. Updating Twitter, Facebook and Instagram can wait until your back in reality. So put the phone down and enjoy yourself! 

Do: Carry all your information with you at all times. Know your the name of your hotel, have your room key, and always have ID and cash. If you get lost, this information will help you!

Do: Use sunscreen! In Florida and Mexico, the sun is extremely stronger and clouds are rare. Keep applying sunscreen of the correct SPF to make sure you do not burn. Looking bronzed is great, but looking like a lobster isn't. 

Don't: Do anything stupid or something you will regret. Spring break is the time to have fun in the sun. However, make sure you control your actions and do not do anything illegal! Your parents might hate if they get a call from the police department  the first night. 

Do: HAVE FUN! After spring semester midterms, spring break is the time to catch a break and relax with your closest friends. You only get to be a college student once so enjoy it while you can. 

With spring break quickly approaching, hopefully this survival guide of do's and don'ts helps! Just remember be safe and have fun!