Make Spring Break a Road Trip Adventure
Think Panama City is played out? Cancun doesn't catch your eye? Is South Padre Island down south on your "places to go" list? Why not try a different route for spring break? Instead of booking a flight straight to this year's hot spot, pull out a map, hop in the car and hit the open road.
That's what University of Colorado senior Adam Cole did. Cole and his friends bypassed the usual beaches and turned spring break into a road trip adventure.
"It was my friend's idea," Cole said. "He had family in California. It was a starting point and we had seven days to do as much as possible."
Spontaneity ruled the week as the five men made their way to Los Angeles, San Diego, Rosarito, Mexico and Las Vegas.
"First we stayed with [my friend's] parents," Cole said, "then buddies at San Diego. You have to work the connections as much as possible."
Only in Las Vegas did they have to spend one night in a hotel.
"One of our friends got a really cheap rate at the Sahara [Hotel and Casino]," Cole said. "It was $70 a night for all of us."
Without the burden of weeklong hotel expenses and airfare, Cole and his road trip companions were able to concentrate their budget on extraneous costs such as partying. Gas and food were the only major expenses of the trip, Cole said.
"I spent roughly $400 the whole week," he said.
Students without connections still have plenty of options for an alternative spring break. Fun in the sun isn't reserved for beach volleyball, it can also be found off the coast of the Eastern seaboard.
Adventurous students living in the Southeast can go sea kayaking in Georgia's Barrier Islands. A fee of $495 includes transportation, food, and all kayaking and group camping equipment.
For the same price, spring breakers can navigate the white waters of the Rio Grande National Wild and Scenic River in Texas. The 84-mile trip through the Lower Canyons of the Rio Grande includes Class II to IV rapids and a visit to the Chihuahua Desert.
Students with more money to spend should check out a childhood hot spot - Disney World in Orlando, Fla. A 5-day Park Hopper PLUS ticket for $261.84 includes rides, entertainment and a good time. Hotels range from $29 per night at the Holiday Inn Express to $69 or more per night at the All Star Resorts inside the Walt Disney World Resort.
If your budget belt's on its last hole and hotel expenses are out of the question, try a week sleeping under the stars. This option is available anywhere in the country. All you need is a tent, canned food and, of course, bear repellent.
For beautiful scenery during an outdoors adventure, Northeastern students can set up camp next to Niagara Falls in Buffalo, New York. The area offers opportunities for hiking, boating, fishing and many other outdoor activities. Museums, numerous bars and restaurants are also located near the falls. Meanwhile, Midwesterners can find low cost campsites near local lakes and rivers.
Just can't decide? Grab a group of friends, flip a coin and start driving. Just remember to veer away from any signs pointing towards overcrowded spring break locations. Keep an open mind and your spontaneous road trip may lead to next year's party central.
© 2008, Young Money Media, LLC. All rights reserved.
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