Listology: What to do With Your Spring Break

Posted by J. Catapano , Mar, 2009 @ 20:49

For decades popular destination sites around the world wait for those special weeks where university students go nutbar. It’s a huge money maker since it’s a once-a-year deal. Drinks, food, sex, music; they’re just multiple, modern Sodom and Gomorrahs. Since there are so many choices, you can’t possibly hit them all, so here are a few:

Cancun and Jamaica: These are the most popular destinations according to folks at STA Travel. ‘Round about 30,000 students visit each year for Spring break. Now, these are island destinations, but evidently because of the failing economy many students are choosing the party bus route to get as close as possible. The Chicago Sun-Times reports,

‘The bus departs from locations in California, Texas, Arizona and New Mexico, to Mazatlan, Mexico. Prices for the seven-night trip (two nights on the bus), start at $300 a person on StudentCity.com.’

Indeed, these are among the closer destinations for U.S. students. If you save money this way, you can drop more cash once you’re there. So this may be the best decision.

Europe, Asia, and Australia: Student demand for these places is up recently, says a representative from StudentUniverse.com. Exchange rates still suck, but they’re much better than they used to be. On a personal note, when I studied in London in Spring of 2007, it was nearly $2 to the British pound and we’re looking at rates far better than that. I survived, but mostly on peanut butter sandwiches and rain water. Not much a Spring break, but at least things are looking brighter now.

Staying Stateside: Colorado and Panama Beach, Florida are attracting many students. Ski trips to the West offer quite a bit. Chicago Sun-Times explains,

‘Jennifer Rudolph, spokesperson for Colorado Ski Country USA, said resorts are offering more creative deals this year because of the economy. Colorado has also experienced near-record snow fall this season.’

If it’s an extension of the cold season you’re looking for (and you’re clinically insane) maybe the slopes is what you crave. But, if you want to grab some rays a little early, head down to Panama Beach. In addition, you’ll be able to catch MTV U’s camera shooting, so I’m sure that will be full of drinking and partying. What fun-lovin’ university student could resist that?

Travelocity shows that South Florida, Las Vegas, and Orlando are getting many bookings. There are a variety of deals in these areas, so be sure to check them out.

Good Works: Don’t really feel like partying like a madman this Spring break? There are many opportunities down in Louisiana for home rebuilding and other community service projects. In addition Honduras offers something similar. If you want to spend your time constructively and get some real positive experience, take a look at these possibilities.

Cruises: Popular destinations include the Bahamas and the Caribbean. Though most cruises aren’t necessarily for college students, many find it much more exciting than other Spring break options. Chicago Sun-Times reports,

‘Cameron Pittman, 21, a senior at Vanderbilt, said it’s tradition for the seniors in his fraternity to take a cruise. About 25 of them are going to the Caribbean with Norwegian Cruise Line, departing from New Orleans. Other groups on campus are taking the same seven-day cruise, he said. Pittman has gone to Panama City Beach and Destin, Fla., for previous spring breaks, which he said were “kind of boring.” There’s more to do on a cruise, he said.’

You’ve got a lot of choices, that’s for sure. Hopefully you’ll pick the right one to cater to your needs and money options. Or, you’ll just be like me and get more hours at work. Whatever floats your boat, right? Happy ticket shopping!

Tags: bahamas, beaches, cancun, caribbean, cruises, Drinking, partying, spring break, travel, vacation