BY ANNA SCHIFTER

Spring break is often a time to visit places with warm climates, but for sophomore Jessica Tantivit, it means she will travel to England for the first time.

“My family chose to go to London because my brother and I have never been there before and my parents really loved their last trip, which was a long time ago. So they decided to bring us,” Tantivit said. “They also really enjoyed the weather and thought it would be the perfect time of year to go.”

John Sobel, the owner of Go Away Travel agency located in Weston, said that most people decide to go away around Christmas time, followed by spring break because everyone is either off from school or work.

“Nationwide, the most popular place people tend to travel to during spring break is the Caribbean. So many people are stuck inside due to cold weather and want to go somewhere warm,” Mr. Sobel said. “The most popular place for Floridians to go during spring break is on a cruise.”

Senior Gabby Iole will travel to Brazil during the break with both of her parents and her sister.

“We’re mainly spending our time in Sao Paulo and Rio, but we’re going to visit a few smaller cities just to see some more family for a few days,” Iole said. “We have a lot of family there that we haven’t seen a really long time, so we’re going to visit them. The last time I was there I was much younger, so being older now I’m open to do a lot more there and we plan on doing very different things around the country.”

Iole said while staying in Brazil, she plans to spend a lot of time with her family, go to the beach, explore the famous cities with her cousins, as well as possibly seeing a few soccer games, a popular sport within the country. 

“Seeing my grandma for the first time since she beat breast cancer is going to be something really special. And definitely our weekend on the beach in Rio since the scenery and weather will be so beautiful,” Iole said. “I’m really psyched for the hang gliding. It sounds amazing.  And obviously, all the food my family’s going to cook!”

Also traveling out of the country, Tantivit said she hopes that by touring the city of London, she will learn all about the interesting culture and history that comes with both the people and the place.

“Well, I know I am for sure going to see the Big Ben clock tower and visit a few museums, but my family is very spontaneous, so we’re not exactly sure what we’re doing during our 10 day trip,” Tantivit said.

While Tantivit withstands the unpredictable weather in England, another sophomore, Katherine Harris, will explore New York City.

“I have never been to New York before, so my family decided it was time to take a trip up there,” Harris said.

Harris said that her family will spend five days in the crowded city of Manhattan, trying new things and visiting all the famous landmarks, such as the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building.

“The thing I’m most looking forward to while visiting New York City would finally getting to discover what everyone raves about,” Harris said.  “I also can’t wait to for the cold weather that we don’t get to experience often down here in Florida.”