Ahh spring… the grass is growing, the birds are building their nests, and the sun is shining for more days than there are clouds in the sky. To make things even better, you just got temporarily transferred to an awesome location! Whether you’re in Florida, Colorado or California, the scenery is fantastic and the weather can’t be beat. And there are so many activities to fill up your down time!

While being in these great places can be a wonderful experience (and on the company card, to boot!), keep in mind that all sorts of other people will be traveling to them during spring break. Students, grad students, families with young children, professionals needing a break from the office… there are plenty of people to distract you, delay you and deter you from having the type of stay you were hoping for. But fear not! Our handy tips will keep you sane, professional, and prepared to work and play in a vacation destination during spring break.

  1. Realize there will be crowds. This is perhaps the most important thing anyone can do when traveling anywhere (except, perhaps, the middle of nowhere). If you’re excited about traveling there, chances are other people will be traveling there, especially during a popular travel season. Being mentally prepared is the best thing you can do to get you through the crowds on the slopes or the beach.
  2. Look at the crowd as an opportunity for people watching. Watching others, especially those who are clearly tourists, can be a lot of fun! Get to where you need to be early, just in case there is traffic or some unexpected obstacle, and spend your free time with a coffee and bagel watching passers by. Play a game with yourself and try to spot as many obvious tourists as possible.
  3. Ask your local colleagues for the best spots to hang out. Those who live in touristy areas know where the crowds are thickest and where the best locals-only spots are. You’ll probably end up seeing a whole different side of the touristy town you’re in than if you stuck to the usual stuff everyone else is doing.
  4. Go prepared. Bring anything you’ll need with you so you don’t feel like you’re missing something, even if it’s just a $20 bill and your smartphone. Try to determine ahead of time where re-stocking stations are (coffee shops, drug stores) so you can grab a snack or extra sunscreen whenever you need to (this will also help you travel light). You can also find out where those less crowded beaches and mountains are.
  5. Don’t let the crowds stop you from doing the things you were excited about. While laying on a secluded beach can be nearly impossible in Miami or San Diego during spring break, you can still lay on a beach. Get there early and stake your space with a towel, bring a good book and a snack, and you’ll get plenty of sun before the true crowds start pouring in. If it’s skiing you’re after, get to the slopes early and avoid the lodge during prime break times. You may be there on company business, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend the entire time in the office. You never know who you’ll meet by getting out there so make every effort to enjoy yourself!

Image courtesy of Bloomberg