Spring break trips usually involve crowded beaches, packed bars, and traveling to local or international destinations to soak up the sun. Just last year, COVID-19 affected all spring break plans for college students by shutting down mass gatherings, travel restrictions, and implementing social distancing guidelines. A year later, COVID-19 cases continue to impact the world, and spring break will continue to have a different feel. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recommends that everyone should stay home for spring break as traveling increases your chances of getting and spreading COVID-19.
In addition to reducing the spread of the virus on college campuses, hundreds of institutions in the U.S. have adjusted spring break dates or canceled them completely. Texas A&M and the University of Alabama have replaced the week-long break with one day for wellness and studying. Other schools like Florida State University and SUNY have canceled spring break and will end the spring semester earlier than usual. As a result, many students feel like one day off is not enough as they will most likely continue to complete their course work instead of enjoying the “Wellness Day”. Whether you have a weeklong break, a wellness day, or no spring break at all, we want to help you make the most out of your time off. Here are some tips!
How to take advantage of Wellness Day
The end of the semester is approaching, and you are doing everything you can to stay on top of your schoolwork. The benefit of having a weeklong spring break is that you have time to destress and finish the semester off strong. The truth is one wellness day may not be enough for college students. With the pandemic and online classes, just trying to get through the day can be mentally draining. It is important to stay positive! It is understandable that you want more time off but there are still plenty of ways to make the most out of your Wellness Day!
- Be realistic- While you might want to go to class, work, play a sport, and participate in club and social activities, the reality is that sooner or later you are going to get run down by trying to do so much. Focus on doing the things you truly love and forget about the rest. Sometimes there is no way you are going to get everything done that you would like to in one day. Be realistic about your goals and understand that you can only do so much.
- Catch up on your sleep- If you are feeling tired due to assignment deadlines and attending Zoom University all academic year, your day off is the perfect day to take a break and get some rest. Lack of sleep not only makes you cranky, but it can also reduce your ability to concentrate and excel in class, so try to get as much sleep as you can. While the amount of sleep each person needs varies, the average person needs at least 7-9 hours of sleep to feel fully rested.
- Reward yourself- Even though it is not the end of the semester yet, you can still reward yourself! With all the hard work and obstacles, you have tackled this semester to get you where you are now, you deserve to give yourself a little credit. Take this Wellness Day to treat yourself, this could be a nice dinner, spa day, or even a new pair of shoes!
- Start a new hobby- This is a good opportunity to take a break from studying and indulge in an activity that interests you. This can include trying out a new sport, reading a new book, binge-watching a new show, and more! Starting a new hobby can help take your mind off the stress, anxiety, and everyday activities that come with being an international student.
Weeklong Spring Break? Here is how to stay safe!
If your institution is letting you celebrate spring break, it is important to take safety precautions when traveling. The CDC recommends that college students should stay home as traveling increases your chances of getting and spreading COVID-19. In the event that you are traveling, here are safe travel tips that can reduce the risks of of catching COVID-19:
- Take precautions- Getting tested for COVID-19 before and after traveling is considered a requirement for most destinations and should be done as a precaution even if not. Make sure to always wear a mask when you are in a public space, avoid crowded areas, and maintain at least six feet away from others. In addition, refrain from touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, and if you need to do so make sure your hands are clean. Packing hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes in your bag can help reduce the spread of germs and bacteria. These precautions should continue to be used by everyone, even if you have been vaccinated. Check out our blog for more information on safety tips for traveling!
- Stay with the people you traveled with- Anything can happen during your Spring Break trip, it is important to stay and leave with the people you have traveled with especially if it’s somewhere unfamiliar. In the event you get separated from your group agree on a place to meet up again or you can even share your location on your phone! This means do not wander off by yourself and communicate your whereabouts to your friends.
- Avoid destinations that have lifted restrictions- Do research on your arrival airport and city mask mandates and if they have any special requirements, such as proof of a negative COVID-19 test. Travel restrictions vary by country and state and are constantly changing. It is important to keep track of restrictions as airlines can limit or cancel flights without warning. As a result, this can make it difficult to return to the U.S. You can track travel restrictions on the U.S. Department of State and CDC website.
- Medical Insurance- No need to worry about insurance when you are on Spring Break, ISO has got you covered! Our plans provide coverage in all 50 states in the U.S., just make sure you can access your insurance information when you need to do so. Please note we are not travel insurance but our plans provide worldwide medical coverage for everywhere outside of your home country. Just make sure to specify if there are health insurance requirements for your travels abroad and specify if your ISO plan meets them. For more information about your policy benefits you can access your insurance documents here, or you can connect with us!
Whether you are traveling or staying on campus for spring break, make sure to continue to practice the social distancing guidelines such as wearing a mask, avoiding crowds, and practicing good hygiene. You are still able to have a safe and healthy spring break, just remember to protect yourself and the people around you.
