With midterms week wrapping up and spring break starting on Friday, the Fairfield University campus is buzzing with talk of who’s going where. Whether it’s a tropical trip, relaxing at home, or taking a week to recharge, the Stags are making their grand plans. To get a clearer picture of where students are headed this year, I sent out a survey to a few Fairfield students about their spring break destinations, who they’re traveling with, and the influences behind their decisions.
Warm-weather beach destinations appear to be in the lead, with friend-group trips dominating over family vacations. However, not every student is boarding a plane—some are choosing to stay local or head home to spend time with family or home friends. Here’s what Fairfield students are saying about their spring break plans.
Most popular destinations
It looks like the Stags are looking for a warm-weather escape from the cold this year. After reviewing the survey, many students reported heading to the beach or vacation locations in Florida, while others are traveling farther to islands like Turks and Caicos and Puerto Rico. Popular domestic destinations remain in the lead, while a smaller but notable group of students are planning international trips to destinations such as Punta Cana and the Bahamas. Senior Elena Gaus said “I definitely wanted a warm weather escape, especially with all the snow we have been getting, but my roommate also lives in Puerto Rico, so it seemed like the perfect place to go.”
Who’s going where?
Survey responses also report noticeable differences across class years. Upperclassmen, particularly juniors and seniors, are more likely to report traveling with larger groups of friends to out-of-state or international destinations. Many seniors described this year’s trip as a “last spring break” celebration to “go all out.” In contrast, first-year students were more likely to indicate plans to return home or travel with family.
Exploring decision factors
When it comes to choosing a destination, friend group influence, cost, and convenience appear to be the biggest deciding factors. The majority of students reported choosing the location based on what their friend group was doing or what other students in their class were planning. Some said that tradition was important, going where they had always gone for years. Others are staying in familiar places as a more affordable option. First-year Camy Picard said she’s headed to a friend’s grandparents’ house in Florida. “We decided to go there because flights are cheap, and it is a free place to stay.” Social media also plays a large role, with several respondents noting that seeing popular spring break spots on TikTok and Instagram helped shape their decision. Senior Grace Martin said “After considering different spring break spots, my friends and I looked up Key West on TikTok and loved the vibe it had, so it helped solidify our decision to go!” Ultimately, convenience, budget, and shared experiences seemed to drive most plans for the Stags.
Students staying local?
Not every Stag is packing a suitcase this week. A small portion of respondents said they plan to stay local or head home for the week, prioritizing rest and relaxation, work, or time with family and friends. Senior Elizabeth Corrigan said “I am looking forward to spending time with my family and celebrating some early St. Patrick’s Day festivities in my town.” For some, resetting before the final stretch of the semester was more important than the upheaval of traveling.
Anticipation rises as the final week before break begins. Whether it’s catching a flight to Florida, getting a tan in Puerto Rico, or heading home for a quiet week of rest, Fairfield students are approaching spring break in their own ways. While beach destinations and group trips are the most popular, the survey shows that every student wants a little bit of affordability, fun with friends, and a relaxing seven days. No matter the destination, the Stags are ready for a much-needed break before the final few weeks of the semester begin. Let the countdown begin!
