During the COVID-19 pandemic, the travel industry struggled significantly, as government officials strongly suggested that we all remain home in order to stay safe. Flights were canceled, hotels and restaurants were closed, and even theme parks, such as Disney World, were shut down. It was a dark time, and the travel industry lost billions of dollars. Thankfully, as infection rates decreased and COVID vaccinations helped prevent serious illness, the number of Americans traveling gradually increased. Now, two years later, millions of Americans, along with the rest of the world, are digging out their luggage and are ready to travel once again. Although some COVID restrictions are still in place, most hotels, resorts, theme parks, and restaurants are back to normal. FTHS spring break began on Friday, April 15th, and Township students were excited to travel once again. 

     Sophomore Olivia Sullivan stated that she was looking forward to her upcoming spring break vacation. “I’m very excited to get back to traveling after the pandemic. My family and I are going to the Outer Banks over Spring Break, and I’m grateful that we are able to travel after these past few years practically at home,” she says.

     Freshman Sydney Friedenberg was thrilled to be traveling to see family over spring break. “Over the years, my family always had the tradition of going to my grandparents’ house in Florida over Spring Break, but due to COVID, we were not able to go the last two years. I am really excited to go back this year and reconnect with my grandparents by going out in their community in Florida,” she explains.

     Some Township students visited colleges, which have returned to in-person tours, and others took overnight getaways with their families. Still, others took “staycations,” and they were looking forward to taking advantage of tourist sites within driving distance of NJ, visiting NYC, Philadelphia, and other nearby cities. Hopefully, all students enjoyed their spring break and had a chance to spend time with family and friends, whether it’s in NJ or elsewhere.