Whether dreaming about relaxing aboard a south-bound cruise ship or anticipating a week-long binge on the Las Vegas Strip this March, now is the time for OU students to start planning their long-awaited spring break trips. Mexico and Florida are among the traditional party spots, but this year has introduced some new competitors to the spring break travel market.
While rushing into a vacation package might be the easiest approach to planning a trip, an empty wallet is the probable outcome. And although traveling to these popular destinations may break the bank for many, cost is only one factor when deciding where to go.
Drug violence, cold weather and bad highway systems have threatened tourism in three of the most spring-break-worthy locations, giving other cities a turn to entertain the mobs of raving college students. Cities such as Las Vegas are expecting a larger crowd than normal this spring break while others are fighting to keep their much-admired reputations. For the students who have money, safety and warm weather at the top of their lists, these places just won't make the cut.
As for transportation, many are unaware of the alternatives to pricey airline tickets and road trips in gas-eating SUVs. The ride is part of the experience, and no one wants to get stuck on an overpriced flight if other options are available.
FLY: LAS VEGAS v. MYRTLE BEACH, SCLAS VEGAS v. MYRTLE BEACH, SC
Do: Contrary to the familiar sunny beaches that have been spring breakers' first choice for decades, many are choosing to instead hit the bright lights and casinos of Sin City.
Renee Schultheis, a senior studying marketing and management, is trading in her bikini as a result of rising gas prices.
A lot of students are doing something different this year because you are not always guaranteed hot
beautiful weather at the beach she said. Vegas might have MTV to thank for an influx of party-crazed college students this March as the network will be hosting its annual spring-break bash at The Palms Hotel instead of its traditional Panama City destination.
Unfortunately, MTV will be off The Strip before OU students can lift their heads from their study guides. On the upside, OU Vegas-goers can hope to cross paths with Lady Gaga, who will perform at MGM Grand's Garden Arena March 15.
**$380 round trip from Columbus to Las Vegas on United Airlines (March 20/March 27).
Don't: In the heart of Myrtle Beach is one of the top 10 dirtiest hotels in America, ranked by Tripadvisor.com. The Polynesian Resort landed sixth place on the list, which showed that 81 percent of visitors were dissatisfied. The beach also made National Geographic's Bottom-Rated Coastal Destinations. The magazine called it the definition of unsustainable.
In addition, Myrtle Beach doesn't offer ideal weather for beach goers in March.
I think what spring breakers are looking for is warm weather and sunshine said Tracy Edwards, Manager of Travel Sales for AAA's East Central region. If you're looking for weather
it might not be the best time of the year for Myrtle Beach.
Although Myrtle Beach is perhaps a more affordable option for the prudent college student, others would argue it is the place to avoid this spring break.
SAIL: MEXICO v. BAHAMAS
Do: Students under 21 are welcomed on Paradise Parties' Spring Break Cruise. It takes the ship about 15 minutes to reach international waters where the drinking age is officially lowered to 18.
The Paradise Parties package includes a five-hour cruise from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., to Freeport, Bahamas, and a four-person, four-night stay at the Royal Islander, located in the heart of town.
During spring break, the ship's bars and casinos are occupied by a youthful crowd, as 90 percent of the potential 1,250 passengers are college students, according to Paradise Parties' website.
**$389 includes a round trip cruise and four-night stay on Freeport, Grand Bahama Island. Airfare not included. Departs March 20.
Don't: Under-agers have always flocked to Mexico to take advantage of its legal drinking age - 18 years old. This year, however, escalating drug-related violence has caused cruise lines Royal Caribbean, Carnival and Norwegian Star to shelve their Mexico-bound ships until such criminal activity is under control.
The country's drug-related murder tally increased by 60 percent in 2010, including the Jan. 8 discovery of 14 decapitated bodies in Acapulco, a spring break hotspot.
DRIVE: NEW JERSEY v. PANAMA CITY BEACH, FL
Do: Named one of AOL Travel's Top 10 Budget Destinations for 2011
Panama City Beach has recovered from last summer's oil spill and is ready to show the college nation how to party PCB-style, bronzed and partially unclothed. With year-round sub-tropical temperatures, Panama City offers 27 miles of sandy beaches and the largest nightclub in the country Club La Vela.
This 18-and-over club is divided into 11 themed rooms, a concert coliseum and swimming pool. Taking a bus is a cheaper and potentially more interesting alternative considering the cost of gas and flight tickets.
Greyhound is attractive to students because of its flexibility of schedules and affordability
Greyhound spokeswoman Maureen Richmond said.
The benefit of taking a Greyhound is that you can focus on the traveling experience and leave the driving to professionals.
**$172.00 advanced purchase price for round trip on Greyhound from Athens to Panama City.
Don't: Nicknamed the armpit of the world by Urban Dictionary, the sometimes-smelly state of New Jersey doesn't appear on many top 10 lists this year. Aside from the stench, students might also be turned off by the state's notoriously congested highways.
A 2010 urban mobility report released by Texas Transportation Institute showed that New Jersey commuters spend an average of 42 hours sitting in traffic each year, increasing their time on the road by 27 percent. With gas prices in the $3 per gallon range, a road trip to the Jersey Shore this spring break might be unrealistic for a college student. Furthermore, Atlantic City - home to one of New Jersey's top beaches - only reaches average highs of about 55 degrees in March.
@ThePostCulture
3
Culture
Olivia Young
