Good Break
Students recall favorite trips
Spring Break is a treat for those who can afford it. A week away from all the worries of the world can replenish and prepare students for the rest of the semester. While some students, such as Lindsey Melancon, a political science freshman, plan their Spring Break activities around the chaos of Panama City, some settle for other destinations.
Claire Cooper, a fashion merchandising senior, said the best spring break she ever had was in Cancun with her friends. They mostly went out, partied and relaxed, she said.
Of course, Cancun is not the only great place to experience a wonderful spring break. Destin, Fla. also can ease away the pressures of school and work.
“I’ve only been on Spring Break once,” said Shannon Rosche, a psychology sophomore. She and a couple of friends went to Destin one year and had a great time.
“We relaxed on the beach and drank a lot,” Rosche said. The best part of the trip was not having their parents around, she said.
Drinking seems to be a major part of students’ getaways.
Justin Mouledous, a mass communication freshman, said the best Spring Break he ever had was when he and his friends went to Gulf Shores. It was fun because it was the first time he ever got drunk, he said.
Although drinking is a big part of Spring Break, students said the more important factors are relaxation and partying.
Mackenzie Price, an elementary education freshman, said she spent four days in Pensacola, Fla. hanging out at the beach and partying.
Wayne Lawless, a wildlife and fisheries senior, had an awesome week in Galveston, Texas at the Kappa Beach Party, which is held every year during Spring Break. He enjoyed the whole event but said relaxing and partying was the most fun.
Melancon said she never has been on a real “Spring Break” trip, but is planning to head to Panama City with friends to hang out at the beach and party at the famous Club LaVela, which is the largest nightclub in America.
Some students prefer to travel through other countries, such as Allison Dider, a secondary education senior. Dider said she lived in Europe for five months and happened to be there when Spring Break rolled around.
The best thing about Europe is the spontaneous decision of traveling to another country just two days before the journey, she said. For example, one weekend Dider decided she was going to Paris and just got on the train and went.
“The shopping was great,” Dider said of her trip to Paris. She spent the entire weekend sightseeing and shopping.
Of course, students have a hard time narrowing down their best spring break to just one trip. Cooper said she never had a bad spring break.
Dider noted another great spring break trip to Fort Walton Beach, Fla. with her sorority sisters. Again, the highlight of the trip was relaxing, partying and hanging out on the beach with no worries.
Spring Break is a point of relief for a much-needed getaway. The sun, sand and an open road are great excuses for students to keep “wasting away in Margaritaville” in the words of Jimmy Buffet.
Bad Break
Reflecting on lessons learned
The sun beats down on the beautiful, white sand. You reach for your bottle of sunscreen to slather another layer over your already tanned skin. You take a sip of your pina colada and snap your fingers for the bartender to bring you another round.
The bartender stumbles over to you in his wrinkled, striped pajamas with a glass in hand and says, “Time to get up!”
Confused by the statement, you squint and mouth “what.” The bartender dumps a cup of ice cold water all over you.
You wake up, not in the Carribbean, but in your bed. Your roommate yells at you again. “I said it’s time to get up!”
You crawl out of bed, dreading the fact that once again you will endure another boring Spring Break.
Many students are not able to enjoy the luxuries of Spring Break because it is too expensive.
Mackenzie Price, an elementary education freshman, said she spent her worst Spring Break at home doing nothing. Part of the reason for this is high costs.
Expenses add up once hotel, food and other travel accommodations are included. Rising gas prices also will hinder travel expeditions this year. According to USA Today, gas prices are expected to rise above $2 in some areas this spring.
Hoteldiscount.com said hotel rates are running anywhere from $80 to $200 a night for a room, depending on the hotel. Students can find inexpensive hotels, but the closer to the beach, the more expensive the hotel.
Although money is the primary factor in many students’ Spring Break plans, it is not the only reason some endure boredom during the holiday.
Justin Mouledous, a mass communication freshman, said he was sick with tonsillitis last year and was stuck at home.
The worst thing a student ever should have to endure during Spring Break is homework, yet some students find it necessary if they have exams.
Wayne Lawless, a wildlife and fisheries senior, said one year he had to study for an upcoming exam.
There are others who cannot participate because of previous obligations, such as work. Students who must work also miss out on all the fun. But without them Spring Break would not be fun at all.
After all, someone has to work the hotel desk, sell the beer and suntan lotion, ring up gas sales, serve pina coladas, rescue the drowning drunks and break up the chaos.
EDITOR’S TIPS FOR A FLAWLESS VACATION
Plan ahead, have a destination. You don’t have to have every event planned to the dot, but have an idea. Call and make reservations because it usually is cheaper and will save you the headache of not being able to find a condo or hotel at the last minute.
Go with people you know. You will have more fun with friends and you know they will want to do many of the same things as you.
Don’t eat out every night. Bring some lunch meat and make your own meals sometimes. You’ll save a lot of money.
If you have to stay home, relax Have fun with your family and enjoy the time you have with them.
If you take a vacation to the beach, make sure you bring plenty of sunscreen. Getting burned the first day you are there can ruin a vacation.
If traveling to Mexico, bring plenty of bottled water, even enough to brush your teeth because the tap water could make you sick.