For many high schoolers, winter break isn’t just for a pause from classes and homework. It’s a chance to get outside their normal routines and experience something new, whether that means a beach vacation, visiting family or exploring a city for the first time.
Emerson Adams (she/her), 12, is traveling to Cancun, Mexico, over winter break.
“Every other year we go on a trip, and on the off years we usually stay home and spend Christmas at my grandparents’ house, which is always really fun too,” Adams said.
Whether people are traveling or staying close to home, the holidays are centered around family traditions and time spent together, making each winter break feel special in its own way.
“Traveling over winter break feels extra meaningful because it’s during the holidays and family is really important to me at that time of year,” said Adams.
With family at the center of these trips, each destination becomes tied to meaningful memories, making certain places stand out more than others.
Adams said, “I’ve been traveling for as long as I can remember, since I was really young, and I’m very grateful that I’ve had those opportunities.”
Having those opportunities at a young age sparked a lasting appreciation for travel and the connections formed along the way.
“My favorite part about traveling is seeing how different each place is and getting to experience new things. I also love the people I get to travel with, especially when it’s my family,” said Adams
For Adams, traveling isn’t just about going somewhere new. It’s the memories made along the way.
“Traveling during the holidays feels different than traveling in the summer; it means more and reminds me how thankful I am to be able to spend that time with the people I love,” Adams said.
Maggie Maassen (she/her), 10, is traveling with her family to Hawaii for the first time.
For Maassen, winter travel offers a welcome break from the cold at home.
“I think what makes traveling over the holidays so special is getting to go somewhere warm when it’s freezing in Iowa,” Maassen said.
The change in environment provides more than physical warmth; it gives a mental escape as well.
“I like to just get a break from reality,” Maassen said.
Travel has long been a regular part of Maassen’s life.
“We’ve been traveling pretty much my whole life, and my favorite part is getting to experience all different places,” Maassen said.
Whether students spend winter break on a beach, on the road or at home with family, lasting memories are made. As classes start up, those experiences will stay, showing that even a short break can create memories that stay with them forever.
