Exciting news, Raptors! The dreaded third-quarter stretch is over! You know what that means; prom is just around the corner, and then only one week left until our week-long break. After one of the longest uninterrupted stretches of school, it is so refreshing to know that there will be a week-long state of bliss. For seniors, PODs will be over, most units are wrapped up, and some time can be spent getting ahead on studying for finals. Some families take this opportunity to travel after a long stretch of unmissable school. Here are some ideas of things to do and places to go during Spring Break.

• Beach
  • The beach is such a nice place to visit during spring break. Whether it be one of our local beaches, such as Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, Folly Beach, or even Edisto, you are sure to have a fun time. One fun thing to try if you choose not to leave Charleston over the break is to rent a “home away from home”. This is where families and friends get a hotel or an Airbnb for the weekend and are still able to stay close to home. You could also pay a visit to a far-away beach like one in North Carolina or even Florida. This is an experience that allows vacationers to find a new place to explore while still staying warm by the seaside.
• Mountains
  • The mountains are a perfect place to visit for those looking to stay in cooler weather. My personal favorite place to vacation in the mountains is in North Carolina. After the devastation brought about by Hurricane Helene in the fall, the Appalachian region of North Carolina is slowly making a recovery. If you choose to visit this area, you could go on lovely nature hikes or even do some volunteer work helping clean up after the natural disaster. This is definitely the way to go for students still in need of community service hours for this school year, or for any outdoorsy person who would like to spend some time away.
• City
  • For the busy bees, the city might be the place for you. You could stay close and pay a visit to Charlotte or Atlanta, or take a train up to New York City. The possibilities are endless. This is the perfect vacation for those who enjoy shopping, sightseeing, or simply want to immerse themselves in a fast-paced environment.
• Cruise
  • A cruise is always a good time, especially for spring break. Being able to completely isolate yourself from the hectic environment of school is crucial for some to be able to fully enjoy their break. A cruise could be the perfect answer for those wanting to escape. They have everything; they stop in tropical locations and beaches, they have water slides and karaoke nights, they have a multitude of teenagers aboard for you to make lifelong friends and be able to fully be yourself around, especially knowing you will likely never see them again. A cruise is a perfect vacation for the stressed-out Raptor.
• Lake
  • A lake vacation is the perfect balance between beach and mountain. And you don’t have to go very far to find one! My weekend spent at Lake Hartwell up by Clemson is one of the best vacations I have ever had. Take a few friends with you and spend your time lying out by the water, taking a boat out, or just lounging around with a good book. Lakes are similar enough to beaches that you can find that tropical vibe you are looking for, but still be able to walk around in nature, should you find yourself in that mood.
• Stay home
  • There is absolutely nothing wrong with staying home for spring break. I know I am exhausted from these past couple of weeks of nonstop tests and projects, and I could use a couple of days of catching up on sleep. We are lucky enough to live in such a beautiful place that there is nothing you can really miss by staying in Charleston. Spend a day shopping Downtown or swimming at the beach. Find a job like babysitting or mowing your neighbor’s lawn to make an extra buck. Go see that one friend from a different school that you have been meaning to spend some time with. Visit a new coffee shop you have never been to before! The possibilities are endless.
• Amusement park
  • While this is likely only a day trip, Carowinds is right around the corner and could be the perfect way to kill some time over spring break. As things warm up, you can pay a visit to the water park or just spend all day screaming, going up and down the roller coasters. If you’re feeling like going a little farther, Disney and Universal are right down in Florida, and you can definitely spend a few days there.
• School
  • For upperclassmen, college is a looming idea. Seniors must make their final decisions on where to go, and Juniors need to get a feel for where they could see themselves in just a few years. Spring break is the perfect time to tour some colleges without worrying about missing too much school.
• Work
  • Finding a job could be the perfect way to spend your spring break! For many, balancing work, school, and sometimes a sport can be a lot for the year. Spring break, however, gives students the opportunity to try out a new job that they might want to keep for the summer. It can also definitely help in saving up money for the rest of the year and give you something to do in order to stay productive.
• Visit family
  • While some people have their family right here in Charleston, others of us are not so lucky. Take this time to see your grandparents or your aunts and uncles. I know, as a senior, not all of my family is able to make it down for my graduation – so seniors, consider paying your far-away family a visit to celebrate all you have accomplished these last four years.

There are endless possibilities for spring break, and you honestly can’t go wrong with any of these options. Take this time to reflect on all you have accomplished this year and remember – you’re almost done! Have the best spring break, Raptors. See you soon for finals!