You don't get much bang-for-your-buck with Thanksgiving break - especially if your mid requires a lengthy (i.e. expensive) airline flight. The same is true for Spring break.
In my day, many midshipmen stayed at the academy during these breaks because of the cost prohibitive nature of flying home for just a few days. Those that didn't stay at the academy would often hang out with classmates who lived closer.
Back then, the only midshipmen who went home were those who lived relatively close to the academy, or, had families for whom money was not a factor.
Of course, compared to
today's dollars, flying was much more expensive back in the 70's. It was
extremely expensive back then.
I never went home for a single Thanksgiving or Spring break during my four years. I usually used that time to catch-up on studies. Also, a bunch of friends and I started a tradition of white water canoeing (
not rafting) and camping in the Shenandoah Mountains of Virginia. Those were some of my best memories.
I went home exactly six times in my four years; three for Christmas, and once during each of the three summer training cycles. Any additional time I got off was spent "marking time" in some way.
In the future, be prepared for your mid to tell you that they've made "other plans" for Thanksgiving or Spring break. Sometimes they prefer hanging out with their friends. (Sorry, Mom)
My sons are completely spoiled. They are only Youngsters and will have come home as many times as I did in my entire
four years. Of course, they are airline brats and get to fly for free (although on standby). If they get three days off, they fly home ... the little pansies.
Thanksgiving ... Christmas ... after finals ... after Commissioning Week ... after Youngster cruise ... and now they're going to be coming home for a few days after YP's, before the Brigade reforms. And they have cellphones, text messaging, email, Facebook ...
Pfft!
And this doesn't even count the times they have seen us when
we flew up there. My 30th reunion, a few home football games, Army/Navy game, and Herndon (waste of time).
Several times I've told them, "Why don't you just
stay there and learn to suffer? I did!"