Toss those textbooks aside and grab some sun block, the much anticipated week long vacay is here— Spring Break!
Not only does this mean a break from classes and homework, but it officially marks the end of winter, meaning one step closer to summer. After all, the semester is already halfway over!
If Turlock is not your ideal Spring Break destination, it is only a couple hours away from beaches, the city and the mountains.
California State University, Stanislaus’ Student Recreation Complex (SRC) has created two Spring Break trips to visit some of the natural beauty in California. The first is a seven-day trip to Joshua Tree National Park from April 7 through April 13. Activities will include rock climbing, hiking, camping and other outdoor fun. 
The second is a trip to a cooler climate at China Peak Mountain Resort. The trip is open to skiers and snowboarders of all ages and will take place April 10 through April 12.
Some CSU Stanislaus students have plans to head home for Spring Break to spend quality time with family.
“I’ll probably go back home for the whole week to Coachella Valley,” Arnulfo Lara-Martinez (junior, Art) said. “My favorite part about going home is seeing my family—and the food!”
Other students carry on family traditions during their break. 
“I’m going to Clear Lake to fish with my dad and grandparents,” Alexis Gimeno-Brown (freshman, Undeclared) said. “It’s something we do every year.”
Although leaving behind school matters is encouraged, make sure to take smarts and safety precautions when heading out for Spring Break. 
Spring Break Do’s and Don’ts:
Do: Use sun block and drink a lot of water! Alcohol and sun can be a bad combination, so stay hydrated.
Don’t: Be alone! Travel with a buddy at all times. If you leave your group, make sure you tell someone where you are going.
Do: Be aware of your money, surroundings and belongings at all times.
Don’t: Do anything in front of others you don’t want to see on Facebook the next day.
Do: Have a cell phone on you in case of emergency, and make sure it is charged.
Don’t: Get a tattoo while intoxicated!
Do: Girls, double-knot those bikini tops! Rules of conduct become less applicable on Spring Break.
Don’t: Take drinks you did not see get poured.
Do: Drink responsibly! Always designate a driver before going out.
Don’t: Go out of the country without familiarizing yourself with the culture’s customs. Society norms can differ greatly in other countries, and foreign jail is never a Spring Break destination!
Do: Try to sleep, stay healthy and have fun!
For more information about events put on by the SRC, call 667-3705 or visit www.csustan.edu/src.