As summer approaches, some people are hunkering down for a long season at or near home for a variety of reasons, spanning from busy schedules to a lack of funds. However, others are excited to get out of the area and sightsee.
“I love vacations, they’re my favorite thing,” said STAR and FACS teacher Stephanie Pycior, who is planning on taking a trip to Table Rock Lake, which spans across the border between Missouri and Arkansas. She will be staying at Big Cedar Lodge, a hotel known for its picturesque location overlooking the lake and offering a variety of activities for tourists to occupy themselves with.
“We will usually take a boat out, hang out with friends, swim in the pool, rest and relaxation, and eat lots of snacks.”

However, this isn’t necessarily where Pycior wants to vacation at.
“I’m teaching summer school this summer, so … we’re not going on a huge vacation … [but] I really am dying to go back to the East Coast, back to the Carolinas again,” said Pycior. “I want to go back to the beach.”

She’s not alone in her desires. According to wcnc.com, there’s estimated to be more than 12 million other vacationers who are wanting to visit the Carolinas this year.
On the other hand, some people just can’t afford the cost of trips.
“I’m poor,” said freshman Benjamin Haupt. “[I haven’t been on vacation] in a couple of years.”

Yet, this doesn’t mean that Haupt enjoys vacations any less.
“Yes, [I enjoy trips],” said Haupt. “[I want to go to] a mountain.”
He will be one of approximately 95 million Americans this year according to bankrate.com who will be skipping out on vacation this summer do to affordability.