In the prompt they mention examples such as travel, relaxing, and reading. Would putting things down like traveling be unnecessary or seem unserious or is it better to just put down academic programs?
You don’t need to put everything down. Put things down that are important to you. Don’t try to figure out what’s important to the admissions office because It’s actually simple. It’s important for them to try to get to know you through the application. So if it’s something that you spent a lot of time on, or particularly enjoyed then put it down.