Spring Break Destination Ideas
The best spring break destination is generally considered to be “someplace away from here” according to my best sources. I checked out Canadian resorts, Caribbean resorts, California coastline and “Inland Empire” destinations as well as a glance at Europe. Here are some places and trends to consider for your “Best Spring Break Ever”:
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1. Ski the big three packages for Banff, Lake Louise and Sunshine. Billed as a “romance in the Rockies” deal, Prices start at $425US per person. Valid for travel February 10 – March 25, 2006. Price is per person, based on double occupancy and availability at the time of booking. (Exchange rate at time of booking will apply). Breathtaking mountains, dramatic views, cozy and romantic accommodations; what could be better than kissing winter goodbye on Spring Break in the Rockies. You can enjoy 4 nights in the cozy Buffalo Mountain Lodge in Banff, or rustic Deer Lodge in Lake Louise. You’ll receive a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine upon arrival, enjoy a delicious breakfast every day, and ski 3 days at Lake Louise, Sunshine Village or Banff Mount Norquay http://www.skibig3.reslogic.com
2. Jasper Alberta is located on Highway 16 in the Canadian Rockies. Take the Snow Train to Jasper to enjoy the romance and excitement of the Canadian Rockies by rail. Jasper National Park is one of the wonderlands of the world and has world class accommodations to match. Plan an exciting ski vacation at Marmot Basin and stay at one of Jasper’s wonderful hotels. http://www.snowtraintojasper.com
3. Mazatlan, Cancun, and Acapulco, Mexico-considered party destinations by west coast college students. Advertises fun, sun and nightlife and delivers on the promises. http://www.paradiseparties.com
4. Try a family oriented spring break vacation at the Big Cedar Resort in Ridgedale, Missouri, the activities can be child friendly, group inclusive, or a romantic retreat. Call the planning desk at (417) 335-2777 extension 4000. Tell them what you want; you can get the bed and breakfast package, the boating package, the Little Cedar Kids Club packages or many other exciting and family friendly spring break activities. http://bigcedar.com
I was astonished when I entered the words “Spring Break” into my search engine to see 46 Million 300 thousand items returned that fit that search term. Most of those sites had lists of the most popular destinations or activities for a “non-stop party” spring break. (It was harder to find the connections with the humanitarian activities that are quietly becoming the overwhelming norm).
High on the list for the United States were the famous party beaches in Florida and some destinations out of country in Mexico, or the Caribbean Islands.
Ten Popular Destinations:
1. Miami, Florida,- promises beautiful guys, beautiful girls, hot clubs, the sexy beach (how can a beach be sexy?)
2. Tampa, Florida- You can find pictures of the most astoundingly outrageous behavior on the web along with lists of “hot spots” and specials
3. St. Petersburg, Florida-
4. Clearwater Beach, Florida
5. Daytona Beach, Florida
6. Orlando, Florida
7. Cancun Mexico
8. (Aruba is pretty much off the list this year) What did happen to Natalie Holloway?
9. Acapulco, Mexico
10. Bahamas
11. Las Vegas, Nevada
Most of the travel information and the resort advertising promise lots of partying, tidal waves of alcoholic beverages, and lots of opportunity for sex (though none are really explicit about that). Check these sites for information and rates: http://www.springbreaktravel.com, www.ststravel.com, http://www.statravel.com
An article by Dawn Henthorn titled Your Guide to Florida for Visitors, under the “Spring Break Safety” banner advised “remember to take your ID”. Then the article detailed how to avoid alcohol poisoning, alcohol related accidents and alcohol related risky sexual behavior. Of course companies who market alcohol and travel related products push these spring breaks. The pressure to party becomes relentless as break time nears. Images of bikini clad girls and party minded boys without supervision or restraint are used to advertise destinations, party packages, travel modes and hotel accommodations. In some cities and in some circles the hedonistic spring break party is seen as a “must do” for children coming of age. Unfortunately a fairly high percentage may actually ruin their lives on that grand fling. The incidence of unprotected sex is extremely high on spring break and higher with drinkers than non-drinkers. Alcohol related deaths from alcohol poisoning to driving accidents spike during the spring break week. Not as often mentioned are the serious injuries such as broken bones, and burns or the permanent impairment from alcohol related coma or spinal injuries from accidents.
A look at Europe’s spring break traditions can give similar impressions with students flocking to Mediterranean sites for the same reasons and a chance to indulge in the same behaviors as their American counterparts.
In recent years however there has been a recognition of the immorality of this kind of excess and debauchery when millions world wide cannot find shelter or food on a daily basis and thousands are rendered homeless and helpless by natural and man made catastrophes.
A movement toward alternative spring break activities, and destinations, is gaining popularity in the United States. In April of 2005 students on spring break in Florida did not all go to the beaches to party and prove how immature they were. Many actually went to Florida to volunteer in clean up and recovery efforts following Hurricane Ivan. In 2006 that behavior is likely to occur again in efforts to continue the rebuilding of Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated those coasts in the 2005 Hurricane season. Students reported a sense of pride and accomplishment at having helped people to get back into adequate housing, and cleaning up storm debris from neighborhoods
Service learning is a term I first heard from Break Away executive director Jake Brewer who heads the non-profit organization “Break Away” based in Tallahassee at Florida State University. Break Away now involves upwards of 38,000 students from around 125 campuses to sites in the United States and abroad. Alternative break program projects place teams of college or high school students on spring break in specific communities to help with community service projects. This is a total immersion in experiential learning in humanitarian issues. Past projects have included:
1. Students who went to West Virginia to help the Appalachian South Folk Life Center with home repairs
2. Promoting sustainable agriculture in Wisconsin
3. Helping at an orphanage and health clinic in Guatemala
4. Fixing low income homes in Kentucky
5. Helping fix homes for AIDS patients in New York state
6. Painting houses on the Navajo Reservation in Utah
7. Tutoring migrant farm workers in Florida
8. Registering voters.
An Internet search for “Humanitarian Spring Break” returned 1 million 10 thousand results. Many of the sites had explanations about humanitarianism overcoming hedonism with students, community groups, universities, and other organizations participating in the growing trend.
Universities across the country are participating in finding ways to spend the spring break in humanitarian activities. Two of the best are:
1. Morehead University, Morehead, Kentucky- Students and staff traveling to the gulf region to assist in humanitarian service to those affected by the 2005 hurricane seasons
2. Pacific University, Forest Grove, Oregon – activities include habitat for humanity, big buddy program, tutoring students in disadvantaged areas, participation in the “Alternative Spring Breaks Program”
There are many other colleges, universities and groups who participate in spring break humanitarian activities and projects. The point is that a larger and larger percentage of the student population is opting for these activities instead of the hedonistic party animal behavior we hear about every year. For more information go to: http://www.alternativebreaks.org
Other delightful spring break alternatives are trips to Europe:
1. The Prague spring break tour includes 8 days and 6 nights in Prague a beautiful city of magnificent bridges, cathedrals, towers and domes for around $1350,
2. Eight days in Berlin for around $1500, A combination tour of Florence and Venice for around $1600,
3. Eight days of spring in London and Paris for around $1800.
For more information and to book tours, go to http://www.europeasap.com
The European spring breaks have a couple of features that are immediately appealing:
1. First; they represent a classy way to make a break away from the “booze and sex spring break at the beach” stereotype.
2. Second; you would have to be brain dead to get bored on a European holiday with historical buildings and museums, monuments, and shopping during the day and pubs, restaurants and clubs for evening entertainment.
To find the student travel discounts on airfare, hotels, hostel memberships, rail passes and more check http://student-travel.orbitz.com
Spring break heaven is in the experience of the individual, much like beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Choosing your spring break experience should be a matter of matching your dreams, desires, wishes and goals to a world of opportunities for fun, education, relaxation, or activity just as it suits you. Search the internet for resorts, travel packages, and activities that appeal to you. Consult with your travel companions or family and individualize your spring break for the experience of a lifetime.
