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After several long weeks of endless studying and worrying about things like budget cuts and grades and trudging to class in spite of heavy snow and rain, it’s finally time for spring break!
The first day of spring break, March 22, is drawing near, and some students already have their reservations made and their bags packed.
For college students who are strapped for cash and haven’t made any plans, websites like Priceline.com are a great way to find amazing last minute deals, no matter how many days away one can afford. There are also options for students who wish to splurge on an expensive hotel and vacation this year.
The following are a few popular Priceline.com destinations and nearby trip ideas that will allow students to escape for the week and recharge for the dreaded second-half of the semester:
Myrtle Beach, SC: The Thrifty Spring Breaker’s Pick
A seven-and-a-half hour drive from campus, Myrtle Beach is a popular pick for students this year.
It’s senior marketing major Melissa Nunnally’s spring break destination this year.
“It’s rather inexpensive,” Nunnally said. “I’m staying with some friends in one of their condos this year.”
Myrtle Beach is one of the least expensive vacations listed, even for students that have to book a room. Most places range from $30 to $80 per night, including rooms with ocean views. The most expensive hotel options in Myrtle Beach are generally in the mid-$100 price range.
Although it’s not thought of as a spring break hot spot, this year students are searching for cheaper options and better deals. Myrtle Beach is a great wallet-friendly option for students who usually head south to Florida for spring break.
“I just love the beach,” said Nunnally. “I will enjoy the time in Myrtle Beach and relax and have fun with friends.”
Panama City Beach, FL: The College Tradition
Panama City has long been a favorite pick for college spring breakers from all over the country.
According to studentcity.com, a specialty travel site for students, more than half a million college students find their way to the white sands of Panama City Beach every year for spring break.
This famous spot on the Gulf of Mexico is a favorite for UWG students because it only takes around six hours to get there from campus.
Kyle Yates, a junior physical education major, is looking forward to spring breaking with friends in Panama City this year. He even has an ideal formula for the perfect spring break that involves something he calls the “triple B’s: beach, babes and beer.”
Hotel prices on the strip range from close to $60 to more than $250 per night. If students factor in the price of gas to get to the beach and money for food, in most cases, it can quickly add up to almost half the amount they pay for tuition.
A good plan, however, is for several students to join in together and split the cost. A room in PCB that costs $150 a night and sleeps four, plus splitting the cost of gas four-ways comes out to less than $200 per person for a four-night stay.
When it comes to road tripping with friends, not only is the more the merrier, it’s also a lot cheaper!
Cancun, Mexico: The Most Extreme (and Expensive) Destination
Hotels in this south of the border destination range from the bare minimum in amenities and views for around $50, to the ultimate spring break lodgings priced at more than $550 per night.
Predictably, Cancun is the most expensive choice for students at the University of West Georgia. Airfare alone would cost close to $400 for a roundtrip Delta airlines’ flight from Atlanta to Cancun.
Better plan on riding a bike to class for the rest of the semester.
Volunteer for Habitat for Humanity: The Selfless Choice
If vacationing for spring break this year is not an option for some students, consider volunteering instead. Habitat for Humanity is one local organization that students interested in spending their vacation time to help others may be interested in.
To volunteer, simply visit their website for West Georgia, http://www.westgahabitat.org. Students should fill out the online form to volunteer and also must complete a skills survey to be matched with a project.
Campus Trips: The Alternative Option
For students who would rather take a trip with a larger campus-based group, Campus Recreation has two options to please any spring breaker.
Outdoor lovers can choose to go to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee or to Georgia’s Cumberland Island National Seashore for a whole week.
This is the second year Campus Recreation will be taking a trip to Cumberland Island.
“[It] was a huge success last year,” said Tara Mostowy, a faculty member from Campus Recreation.
Activities will include hiking and volunteer work. It costs $150 for the entire week, and that price includes transportation, food and a tent to camp out in.
“We’re trying to foster a sense of environmental stewardness in the [Campus Recreation] department,” Mostowy said.
Spaces are limited to 11 participants for each trip and students have until March 17 to register. To sign up, email Mostowy at tmostowy@westga.edu or call 678-839-5380.
Wherever UWG students find themselves during spring break this year, they’re sure to come back to classes tanned, relaxed and already looking forward to spring break 2011!
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