Spring Break
On the road again...
Students ditch the books and hit the beach on a budget.
By: Laura Sanchez
Issue date: 3/12/09 Section: Features
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Many can attest spring break is about traveling with friends and going to the latest hot spot to catch some sun and make memories.
Making memories, however, is not always cheap. Plane tickets and travel expenses can get pricey, and most college students cannot afford "the perfect trip."
This year, however, the all-in-one travel guide to spring break on a budget will save the day.
The first step in stretching your dollar is to gather a group of friends. The more people included, the lower your rates will be for hotels, gas expenses and other fees.
"For me, it's always been about staying home, and if it was necessary to go out on a trip with the family, I would say try to invite other families to enjoy the trip with you and split the cost. That always works," said Fermina Laynez, senior recreation, park and tourism sciences major.
A good idea is to plan ahead. Plane tickets alone can cost up to $400 more if it is a last-minute trip. If you're not taking a plane, pack your friends in the most gas-efficient car and split the cost.
The next step is to choose a destination. Going farther doesn't necessarily mean killing your wallet. Web sites such as Orbitz, Travelocity and Hotwire can help package hotel and flight deals.
Kayak.com lets you search multiple search engines at once to compare prices for hotels, flights and car rentals.
"Me and two of my friends are planning a trip to Florida for about $400. If it were about six of us, then it would've cost about $100 to $200 each," said Dora Jimenez, a junior psychology major.
Student discounts are usually readily available to those willing to work hard to find them. Sites such as STA.com and studentuniverse.com specialize in finding deals for student travelers.
Remember to be flexible, as well. Leaving on a weekday usually means a cheaper ticket.
Hotels can be a pricey facet of spring break. Keep in mind that hotels will take advantage of the spring break season by hiking up prices. But if you're not too picky on luxury, just pack some friends in a room. Usually, students don't spend very much time in their hotel room, anyway.
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