Getting Plans Out Of The Group Chat
Everyone always says, “Let's go on this trip it will be so fun!” but once the time comes around to plan it, the plans often never come to fruition.
My best friends, Heather G. and Abigail M. talked for a long time about visiting the Northeast, but time went by, and it had never happened. But a few months ago, they spontaneously booked a week-long trip through Boston, New Hampshire, and Maine. Now, what was once just a dream trip, became a reality!
Here are a few tips on how to make those plans happen.
1. Research
It is important to figure out what you are going to do during your stay. Learn more about the destination including attractions, where to stay, places to eat, and more. Heather and Abigail, at first, didn’t know much about Boston or what they wanted to do there, but after exploring the local activities and travel, they slowly saw the trip coming to life!
2. Budget
Trips aren’t always cheap! Take into account your group's budget and how much you will be willing to spend on hotels, dining, and souvenirs. As college students, it’s important to utilize discounts and catch flight tickets when they are low. Pro tip: if you are thinking about more trips in the future, start saving up funds for that rainy day now.
3. Traveling
When traveling, a trip doesn’t always need to be on a plane, train, or automobile. A great way to explore a new city is on foot. “We explored Boston by public transportation and by foot, then took an Amtrak up to New Hampshire,” Heather said. Utilizing public transportation and city infrastructure to get from place to place is a great way to immerse yourself and save some money. If you are just going a few hours away, try carpooling.
4. Take the Leap
Don’t be indecisive and take the initiative! Heather told me in our interview, “Abigail and I planned this trip pretty last minute! We got plane tickets about a month out and booked hotels with only a week until the trip.” So, if you need a sign to book that flight or buy those tickets, this is your chance.
Heather also told me in our interview, “I highly recommend taking a trip to somewhere new with your friends, get out into the world, and experience something other than what you are already used to.” She also told me she will cherish the memories she made on that trip forever. If you and your friends are still talking about that beach trip or group getaway, get the ball rolling and make those plans now.
Be well, Auburn.
Born in Connecticut, raised in Marietta, Georgia, Erika is a sophomore studying graphic design. Once stepping foot on campus, she immediately knew Auburn was her home. She has goals to pursue branding and package design in hopes someday to be seeing her work on the shelves of Target or other big box stores.
Outside of school, she loves driving around singing music over her radio, lounging around the house with her roommates, or spending time with her friends playing pick-up games. Erika loves to create and share her passion for art with others, even selling her artwork on Redbubble. And when she isn’t sketching, she is most likely getting in a workout between classes. Her love of sports and fitness has been unwavering ever since she was a kid. Playing three varsity level sports in high school, including volleyball, lacrosse, and swim, she has always been on the move. There is almost no sport she hasn’t tried yet!
