Spring Break is what you make of it. Whether it is spending time with family or going to the beach with friends, you enjoy it. Though most students coming into college think of the stereotypical Spring Break of beaches, alcohol, and partying, there are other options. Here are 5 steps on deciding what to do for Spring Break.

1. Family or friends?
   This is the first decision you must make about your week-long vacation. What to consider: will I be able to spend time with my family? who are the friends I want to spend a week with, and how is this benefiting me? Students with family members that work in the public-school system may end up on Spring Break at the same time. However, if your parents are working, you may end up watching your siblings.
2. Do you have the money?
   As a college student, money is tight most of the time. If you choose some type of trip for break, how are you going to pay for it? Do you have money saved and put aside for this? Will this put you behind for the rest of the semester? These are things to consider, whether with family or friends.
3. Where do you want to go?
   Now that you have concluded that you have money to spare, where do you want to go? This depends on whom you are going with. If you are taking a Spring Break trip with friends, you will more than likely want to go to typical hot spots for college students like South Padre or Miami. On the other hand, if you are going on a trip with your family, it may be in your best interest to stay away from these hotspots and go to somewhere more family friendly.
4. If pictures get out, would they impact your future?
   At this point, you have decided that you want to have as much fun as possible during Spring Break. Keep in mind, someone is always watching. In the case of going with friends, young adults are always using social media. If you have a friend that is constantly using platforms such as Snapchat and Instagram, get ready for your break to be advertised. Your actions speak louder than your words, so be careful in what you do. If you are with family, the same policy applies.
5. Will you look back and be happy about your decision?
   This is by far the most important question. If you believe that the trip you are going on is a lifetime opportunity, do it! Enjoy it! If you think that it is something you can pass on and do later, the decision is up to you.

Remember, this is your Spring Break. Enjoy it!