Winter break is a great time to relax, spend time with family, and travel. Whether you’re visiting family, exploring new destinations, or simply getting a change of scenery, traveling is a great way for students to step away from school to relax and reset.

This winter break, two students in particular took advantage of this time by traveling, each with a unique experience to share.

Bella Facciani(12) traveled to Panama, and was there for 12 days. She spent her time relaxing on the beach, ziplining through the cloud forest canopy, touring the engineering marvel and even boated on Gatun Lake alongside massive tankers. “I spotted many animals including sloths and monkeys and a monkey even swiped my insulin,” Facciani explains.

Anuva Giri(12) traveled to Portugal this break. “My family usually travels during spring break or over the summer, so traveling over winter break was a nice change,” she says. While she was in Portugal, Giri and her family tried to visit as many cities as they could, big and small. “For each site we had these amazing tour guides who explained the history so well because of their experiences there. It was very insightful.”

Traveling over winter break can be very beneficial to students and can help reduce stress, strengthen family relationships, and create lasting memories. It is also wonderful exposure for students to new cultures, climates, traditions, and broaden their perspectives before returning to school. As students return back to school and settle back into their routines, winter break remains a highlight of the season. Whether traveling far, close, or even staying home, winter break is an amazing time to recharge and experience new things before getting back to school.