After waiting eons for Spring Break to fall in line with the dozens of other universities in Georgia, I’m sure everyone is looking forward to a fun-filled, inexpensive excursion to a place where one can find a golden honey tan and a good margarita. But after shelling out the big bucks for Valentine’s Day, last Saturday’s club night and determining the future of that St. Patty’s Day celebration in Savannah, the coins could be limited. No need to fear, if you book early, you can go to some of the top Spring Break destinations for less than you thought. So where is everyone going? What about cruising? Should I just work instead? We have all the answers and more.
Nassau, Bahamas
Reason to go: You could really use a tan, and because of the proximity of this destination as well as its reputation as a perfect tropical getaway, the cost of travel is significantly discounted.
Things to do:
Water Adventure
There are dozens of water sports and activities to engage in when you’re so close to it. Depending on what location you choose to lodge in when you’re there, often the hotel will have lists of guided boat tours, scuba and snorkeling excursions offered by partnering companies.
Land Adventure
Travel to the dozens of islands that make up the Bahamas called The Out Islands. If you’re lucky enough, arrange a trip to look over The Exumas, which are said to be amongst the prettiest sites to see in the Bahamas. Or you can visit Bimini for the best access to shallow-water sites for snorkelers and scuba divers. You can also go fishing, kayaking and interact with the rich marine life that lives in the corals surrounding the island. Of the more than ten islands that compose the Bahamas, your options are limitless.
Miami, Florida
Reason to go: You can drive there from Atlanta in the time it would take to spend an entire day on campus. Hook up the iPod and listen to that playlist you listen to in class when you’re supposed to be taking notes, maybe even take that customary nap, but do it now while gas still isn’t high.
Things to do:
Everglades
If you are going to be in Miami for an extended period of time, you should take a short trip outside of the city and head forty-five miles to Homestead, Florida. There you have a chance to explore the 1.5 million acres of swamp, grass prairies and the abundant life that exists in the Florida Everglades. March is a great time to visit as the temperature is not unbearable and neither are the mosquitos. It is also incredibly inexpensive to visit the Everglades as well as tour them.
If you enter from the Homestead entrance, it’s only $10 per car and $5 if you walk or ride your bike. You can travel on foot, bike or boat either independently or through the use of a guided tour. You can find information about these tours at the Royal Palm Visitor Center, located at the entrance of the park or if you wish to camp, you can find a spot about 7 miles away from the entrance at the Long Pine Key Campground.
You can also go canoeing at the Flamingo Visitor Center, also located in the park at the end of the main road. If you find yourself at the Shark Valley Visitor Center, which is north of Miami, you can receive discounted tickets to enter the park so $8 instead of $10. You can also take guided tram tours at this location for $14. Bring sunscreen, mosquito repellant and lots of water.
South Beach
If you’ve had enough of partying in Miami, take a quick hop and skip to South Beach to join the other Spring Breakers who decided to go there instead and experience another kind of party. South Beach is known for its beautiful beaches, sizzling nightlife and exquisite shopping, kind of like Miami but in a different location and sometimes that is all you need.
Miami MetroZoo
Because of Miami’s excellent climate, Miami is able to house animals from all over the world in their zoo. It is one of the few free range zoos in the country and all the exhibits are cageless. There are over 300 acres of animal exhibit space but if you do not wish to walk you can rent two-or-four seat bicycle carriages. For only $14 to enter you can see over 300 rare species of birds, endangered and exotic species of crocodiles and even a black rhino and for an extra $2 you can feed the giraffes. Remember, it is not too often we get to experience all the beauties of nature confined to our concrete city dwellings.
Jamaica
Reason to go: It’s Jamaica.
Things to do:
Negril
The most important thing to remember as a non Patois speaking American is you should stay in Negril. It’s just smarter since Negril natives are used to the alternative lifestyles and rowdiness tourists tend to embrace on their vacation. Not to mention you can visit the beach, for which Negril is famous. Dine at Kuyaba and order the lobster, which is delicious or jump off the cliff at Rick’s Café. If you go during sunset there is a guaranteed party, or stop by earlier for a quieter time.
Montego Bay/Martha Brae River
The likelihood of you landing in Montego Bay, Jamaica is high. While you are there go bamboo rafting on the Martha Brae River. Take the guided tour and an opportunity to relax as you listen to the sounds of the jungle while viewing the beautiful flora and fauna it has to offer.
Day Trip to Ocho Rios
Visit Dunn’s River Falls, a waterfall that stretches some 600 feet into the Caribbean Sea and offers dozens of natural Jacuzzis and pools to swim and relax. You can also have an American moment and visit Margaritaville. The food is not the best but it is a great place to participate in typical tourist activity like souvenir shopping.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Reason to go: You’re over 21 now and it’s the ultimate sin city. You have the perks of a big flashy city without all the worries of regular life, such as time, schedules or sleep. Drinks are free as long as you’re standing in a casino and there is always a party, a deal, or a limo waiting just for you.
Things to Do:
WALK around the casino. Perhaps have a sit down and play a few slots, but have a spending budget. Las Vegas will rob you of all your loan money if you are not careful. You can also casually linger around craps tables until a waitress comes and offers you a cocktail, it’s free, don’t be alarmed, but tip. More than likely, if you look friendly, a group of total strangers will befriend you and you guys can make a night of it.
Bellagio Fountains
This light, sound and water show may seem lame but sometimes it is nice to take a break and enjoy the sights. The Bellagio Fountains are even more beautiful than they were in Oceans 11 and honestly you’ll need the break after running amuck in Vegas all night.
Ride the Big Shot at the Stratosphere Hotel
Are you extreme? Have you ever wanted to drop off the side of a building? Me neither, but in this case you get the adrenaline rush without the gory ending. The Big Shot is Acrophobia meets neon lights. You will launch 160 feet into the air in only 2.5 seconds then drop. It is intense.
Vegas is famous for its glamorous, over the top live shows. Considering this and the spectacular shows Cirque du Soleil is famous for, if you must spend your money on something, spend it here. There are seven Cirque du Soleil shows in Vegas, including Zumanity, a show made popular for its provocative display of eroticism and innuendo in a unique Cabaret style of acrobatics. Visually stimulating and sensual, you deserve to add this memory to your file cabinet. And as usual, los estudiantes can find amazing discounts for tickets on both the Cirque du Soleil website and the Box Office of the host hotels.
Acapulco, Mexico
Reason to go: You want to be on television. It’s pricier than the other travel destinations but the amenities may be well worth the 1 week price tag.
Things to do:
The all-inclusive party package offered by Paradise Parties for $1398, gets you roundtrip airfare, lodging at the Official MTV/mtvU Hotel in Acapulco, unlimited food and liquor, an orientation and a t-shirt. For VIP Package purchasers you receive a pass to enter every party hosted in Acapulco that weekend for free, entry into express lines and access to open bars.
Cruising the high seas
Reason to go: You’re under 21 and cruising is terribly cheap and the food is free. Liquor isn’t free but you’re under 21 so you can’t have any. You could also be over 21 but want a more relaxed kind of spring break, unless of course you’re taking a party cruise. The good thing about cruising is all your amenities and activities you’d typically have to travel to all on one giant ship. It is like DZ Discovery Zone for adults.
Things to Do:
It’s pretty easy on a cruise. They generally give you a detailed listing of all their offerings which usually include, a casino, shopping, live shows, miniature golfing, spas, workout rooms, and even areas for dance parties. Some cruises, such as the Royal Caribbean, even offer rock climbing and ice skating.
And of course there is always touring the destination your cruise has sailed to. If all else fails to impress you, relax by the pool and catch up on those Spring Break assignments the meanest teacher you have assigned to you, get a tan or take a nap. And remember, eat, the food is free and abundant without the long lines of the cafeteria.
