After the grueling monotony of midterm week — late nights, tears, morning drool on textbooks — students receive the most beauteous of rewards: Spring Break. Some students hit the slopes for some serious carving. Others opt to hit the beach. No matter your plans, this utopia only lasts a week. Packing for so many good times with such restricted space can lead to distress. 

Don’t fret. This guide will help you pack your way to a perfect break.

cedebais@syr.edu

Magazines

Whether catching up on rankings before the Big Dance or discovering hundreds of new sex tips, some light reading can cure boredom — and offer an excuse to ignore that heavy breather on your flight.

Sunblock

Save the lobsters for the dinner table. Keep your skin as beautiful as the weather with a bottle of sunblock.

Book

Even during exciting vacations, there’s bound to be downtime. When you’re not running in the sun or channeling Bode Miller, break a mental sweat with a profound read.

Headphones

Tune out the ugly sounds, like horrific car alarms and snores, with something awesome. Make a playlist and keep it rockin’ throughout the week.

Towels

You don’t want to be that guy sitting on his T-shirt at the beach. Seriously.

Sunglasses

A pair of shades will help your corneas cope while frolicking on the sand or carving the slopes. If you’re a Corey Hart fan, you can even wear them at night.

Travel sweats

Traveling is uncomfortable. Don’t let your outfit be the problem. Make it the solution. Travel sweats will make you feel cozied up in bed while holed up in coach.

Passport

Why limit your adventures? You never know where Spring Break may take you, so keep this handy.

Disposable camera  

No need to be Ansel Adams. A disposable will do the trick.

Bathing suit

Though there’s a time and place to throw caution to the wind, dump your clothes and go skinny-dipping, most places require proper swimming attire.

Polo

A polo shirt is the Renaissance man of fashion: It can be anything, casual or dressed up. Warning: Popping your collar will earn smirks from passers-by. 

Cap

Anyone who has ever been the victim of a scalp burn knows this is a necessity on a sunny trip. Rep your favorite sports team and protect your head.  

Infinity scarf

Not only is it stylish, but if you engage in bad decisions with a friendly stranger, it can help hide the evidence. 

Jacket from The North Face

These are hugely popular, and for good reason. They’re warm, fashionable and last a long time.

SmartWool 

Imagine the comfort of the thickest slippers you’ve ever worn combined with the agility of athletic socks. SmartWool socks are a mechanical triumph.

Warm hat

Don’t allow freezing ears to ruin a ski trip. You probably own a hat already, so just bring it along. 

Published on March 6, 2012 at 12:00 pm

Contact Chelsea: cedebais@syr.edu | @CDeBaise124