By: Zach Pottle, Contributing Writer
No matter where you’re traveling, here are 20 must-have items for your spring break endeavors.
Though only having been popularized in the early ‘60s, spring break has quickly become one of American college students’ favorite pastimes; many even regarding it as the peak of their collegiate tenor. This week-long hiatus from schoolwork and responsibilities, for some, comes as a time to travel home, relax, and visit family and friends, but for the vast majority, it is a time to travel to exotic locations and lose all inhibitions. Whether you’re traveling far away to the sandy shores of Cancun or heading down to Maimi’s neon-lit South Beach, here are 20 must-have items to bring with you for Spring Break 2020
- A Good, Reliable Piece of Luggage
This is a pretty obvious jumping-off point for this list because, let’s face it, even if you’re just going home to visit the folks, you’re not going to walk there. A good, reliable piece of luggage is a traveler’s best friend. As airports become more and more congested around this time of year, having a suitcase that not only meets airline requirements but also is easily recognizable in baggage claim is a must. So, ditch the old Nike duffle bag that’s missing a zipper courtesy of your dog’s obsessive chewing habit, and invest in a suitcase that’ll make your travel headache-free.
- Portable Phone Charger
Stop arguing with your friends over who’s iPhone has less battery, stop scrambling to find the only outlet at gate 13B, and get yourself a portable charger. Stop by your local Walmart or Best Buy and, for around $30, you’ll be everyone’s best friend when they need some juice for their phones.
- Medication (Advil)
Imagine this: You wake up after a night of copious…water-consumption, and you have a headache. Do you really want to drive somewhere and pay double the price for a bottle of Advil? The answer is probably no, so throw it in the bag and thank yourself later.
- Sunglasses
Block out all the haters (and the sun) with everyone’s favorite fashion statement. As long as they’re not those ridiculous, tiny glasses that everyone thinks are the next big trend. They’re not cool. Stop it.
- Toiletries
Don’t be the one who forgets the basic essentials of travel. Sure, the hotel will probably have shampoo and conditioner but at least pack the toothbrush and deodorant, so your travel companions don’t have to put up with that nasty morning breath and pungent B.O.
- First Aid Kit
This one is simple: Better safe than sorry.
- Sunscreen
See the previous item for more details.
- Shoes, Shoes, Shoes
Let’s be honest, you can’t possibly expect to go to the airport, beach, restaurant, and nightclub in your flip flops. Although they can take up valuable space in your luggage, do yourself a favor and bring some options.
- Clothing
We all do it. We all pack enough underwear to last us a year on the road. Make a point to stop that habit and leave room for some more outfits. Shorts, casual shirts, pants, maybe some fancy clothes for the nightclub perhaps, and, if you’ve got room, why not bring that ornate beach hat you’ve been dying for an excuse to wear.
- Bathing Suits (Plural of Course)
Listen, you can’t be posting pictures of your spring break in the same beach outfit every day. Go ahead and pack at least two or three so people don’t think you took all those photos on the same day. You’re welcome.
- Portable Speaker
How else are you going to let beachgoers know you have a good taste in music? Make sure you grab a speaker that won’t succumb to the elements; or just your friend who had a few too many mimosas. Oh, and don’t forget the charger for it, so you can put that portable charger to use.
- Mobile Hot Spot
While not a necessity for those of you on your parent’s unlimited data plan, a mobile… hot… spot can provide you with Wi-Fi when that cheap motel internet fails to load Netflix for the third night in a row. Pro tip: make a sign that says “Wi-Fi $5” at the airport and make some extra cash for the bars while you wait for your flight.
13-Laptop
Unpopular opinion: Classes don’t stop for spring break. For those of you with big projects due the day you get back, or those unlucky souls who have to endure an online class while your friend’s party by the pool, just bring the laptop. Plus, it can double as a coaster for your drinks when you procrastinate your assignments.
14-Headphones
Drown out the noise of Karen’s six-year-old son who keeps complaining about how bored he is and the flight attendant with more pretzels with a nice pair of noise-canceling headphones. You can also use them at your hotel when Brad and Chad won’t stop howling their fraternity chants at 3 AM in the room next door.
15-A Good Book
Emphasis on “good” here, people. “The Testaments” was not a good book; quit acting like it was. Bring something light that you can read at the pool after you’ve had a late night on the town because we all know that’s a very real possibility.
16-Waterproof Backpack
Great for not only concealing those ice-cold “sodas” you’re bringing down to the beach, but also great for when you’ve fallen asleep on the beach and in comes the tide. Keep all your valuables safe and dry with one of these.
17-Reusable Water Bottle
Save those turtles people. Instead of stockpiling 24 packs of plastic bottles, how about you just bring one pack? Plus, now that you’ve got one, you can plaster it with stickers from all your favorite places that no one has ever heard of so you can show the world how different and special you are.
18-Offline Entertainment
Cards Against Humanity never fails to end the night on a high note. After a long, sun-soaked day of drinking and getting sunburned, break out the board games with your friends so you can all take a stab at answering: “Only 38% of Americans eat _____.”
19-Gadget Tracking Device
Perfect for when you can’t remember the name of that beach bar you think you left your keys at or that cab driver who sped off without realizing your backpack was in the backseat. End the search parties and pick one of these up.
20-Common Sense
Finally, bring some common sense with you on your trip. Travel safely. Ensure that you and your friends know where each other are at all times. Does Becky want to go home with the guy across the bar? Too bad, she just doesn’t even know his last name and he’s wearing a leather jacket in the 90-degree Miami heat. She’ll thank you in the morning. Drink plenty of water, book a safe hotel, travel in groups, and let your family know where you are going. Most importantly, have fun on your spring break this 2020.
