Students get excited when planning trips to locations like Hawaii and Europe for spring break. However, many experience a massive headache when they see how little money remains from their expensive trips.
The price of gas may rise by $2 this spring, regardless of whether the United States goes to war with Iraq, according to USA Today’s James Healey. Despite this possibility, driving remains a more cost-effective option than flying.
Carpooling is a more cost-effective alternative because it allows students to divide the price of gas among themselves instead of individually paying the full cost.
Jeff Morin, an education senior, said he rides with multiple friends as opposed to driving with one person to lower the costs.
Many students agreed with Morin.
“The only reason I’m going to Florida is because it’s free. I wouldn’t be going if I had to pay because I don’t have any money,” said Bryan Jones, a history graduate student.
Students also said food is expensive when vacationing; many students choose to bring food and drinks on their trips.
Morin said he usually brings food on trips to help lower the expenses. “We also buy our alcohol before we leave; it’s way too expensive out there,” Morin said.
Many students said they take Spring Break trips each year. However, this is not the case for all students.
Patrick Chaney, an electrical engineering sophomore, said he plans to stay home for Spring Break.
“Right now I don’t have a job, so I plan to use the time to catch up on studying,” he said.
For students who choose to make arrangements online, travelocity.com and travelsmatrix.com are Web sites which offer reservations for hotel discounts, flight scheduling, car rentals and cruises.
The Internet may be a helpful tool when searching for bargain travel agencies, but students must search these sites with some caution.
The Better Business Bureau Web site, www.bbb.org, contains detailed warning signs for fraudulent companies along with advice, such as purchasing with a credit card when paying travel companies.
The National Consumers League Internet Fraud Watch, http://fraud.org, also has a list of tips designed to help travelers deal with potentially fraudulent agencies.
Tips include paying attention to restrictions because some of the best travel deals are available for off-peak times only. Another tip is to know exactly what is included in all deals, because a “free” or “cheap” trip may have hidden costs.