As April vacation was nearing and graduation was approaching, many seniors took advantage of the week of April vacation to step away from school and travel with friends or family. These trips often took place outside of Massachusetts and were planned weeks or even months in advance.

   “It is one of the very last times when my friends are going to be all together,” said senior Addision Trodden.

   The timing of the break, coming near the end of senior year, influenced how students approached planning. Some groups began organizing trips months ahead, especially when coordinating larger groups or traveling longer distances.

   “We decided to go to the Bahamas; I’m really happy with that decision,” said Trodden. “Our moms pretty much planned it all, and they started planning it back in August.”

   Planning can involve booking flights, arranging housing, and organizing transportation. Larger groups often required more coordination.

   “I’ve been looking forward to the trip for such a long time,” said senior Searcy Kilgallen. “I’m so excited to spend some time in the warmth with my best friends.”

   Warmer destinations appeared frequently in student plans, a popularity driven at least in part by the typically cool New England spring. Locations with beaches and higher temperatures provided a taste of the summer months soon to begin.

   “I’m most excited about creating memories and being in the warm air and sun,” said Trodden.

   Trip structures varied depending on the group. Some students travelled with large groups of friends, while others planned smaller trips with family members or close relationships.

   “I’m going to Punta Cana with Sadie, my girlfriend, and my parents,” said senior Oscar Torres.

   Along with the differences in who is traveling together, students also planned a range of expectations for their trips.

   “We’re going to family bond, enjoy ourselves, and have the time of our lives,” said Torres. “There is nothing better than living in the present.”

    In contrast, those who traveled with only their peer group expected the trip to be a last chance to create memories.

   “I think it’ll definitely be a lot of fun,” said Lamb. “I think it’ll be one of the best highlights from my high school years.”

   A variety of tropical locations were included in student plans. The Bahamas, Punta Cana, and the Dominican Republic were among the more popular destinations.

   “I’m going to the Dominican Republic with my friends and some of our parents,” said senior Thomas Lamb.

   The opportunity to spend quality time with their closest friends, knowing that in the fall they will all be scattering to new adventures, made many anticipate the trips eagerly.

   “I feel like it’s going to be something we reflect back on a lot, especially because it’s one of the last times all of us will be together,” said Trodden.

   In addition to travel, some students viewed spring break as an opportunity to step away from the stress of school and focus on spending meaningful time together. The break allowed seniors to create moments that stand out from the routine of everyday life.

   “I think it’s just nice to have something to look forward to after a long winter,” said senior Linda Wang.

   For many seniors, the memories made during this time were what made the trips especially significant. Without the structure of school schedules, students were able to fully be present with one another and take in each experience as it happens.

  “It feels like a break not just from school, but from everything going on right now,” said Wang.