As always, college students are looking for celebrate the 2009-2010 school year with a great Spring break trip to an awesome destination. Unfortunately, due to the economic downtown and the rising cost of tuition, it's not feasible for all college students to venture out to the hottest Spring Break destinations for college students like Cancun, the Bahamas, or South Padre Island. Fortunately, one of the hottest Spring Break travel trends this year is this: cheap Spring Break travel options!
So where can college students go for a bargain Spring Break, or at least for a Spring Break vacation that's reasonably priced? Here are a few ideas.
Spring Break Gambling Destinations: Atlantic City, NJ and Las Vegas, NV
Here's something that savvy travellers have known for a long time: travel destinations that feature gambling offer fantastic travel deals on rooms, food, airfare, and all kinds of miscellaneous travel needs. Why? It's simple: the idea is to bring in as many people as possible with travel deals so that they'll spend lots of money on gambling, which leads to windfalls for the casinos.
This, of course, is a mixed bag for college student Spring Break travellers. For students who can practice self-disciple at the casinos (or who are too young to gamble), a trip to Atlantic City or Las Vegas can be a real bargain. For big gamblers, though, this might be a way too pricey alternative.
Atlantic City has another advantage: the beach and the boardwalk. It's also a close drive (or better yet, train ride) to New York City. For students who live on the East Coast, this can be a real bargain. Las Vegas also offers lots of travel bargains and really does offer something for everyone, from total debauchery to Cirque De Soleil.
Spring Break in Canada
Here's another savvy travel trip that Americans have known for years: travel in Canada can be a real bargain! The Canadian dollar is a weaker than the American dollar, which means that pretty much everything is a little cheaper. For American students who dream of going to Europe or other international destinations but who can't afford the airfare, a Canadian vacation is a much cheaper international alternative.
Where to in Canada? For big city fun, try Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal. The weather can be a little fickle this time of year, which may lead students to try out another Canadian pastime: great skiing! Keep in mind that for Americans, a passport or PASS card is now needed for Canadian travel.
The Spring Break Road Trip
Yes, when students think Spring Break, they usually think beaches and parties. However, the road trip is really just as classic of an experience, and with smart planning, it can be a whole lot cheaper and more adventurous. The biggest expenses will probably by gas and hotel rooms, and these can be cut down on by sharing the burden with a bunch of friends on one or two vehicles. Hotel costs can be cut down by:
- staying with friends or relatives along the way
- seeking out inexpensive motels (locally owned or inexpensive chains) in more remote areas
- staying at youth hostels in bigger cities or touristy areas
- camping
Alternative Spring Break Trips
In recent years, many college students have strayed away from the traditional beach Spring Break in order to volunteer in New Orleans, inner cities, Third World countries, and other places where help is needed. Along with the personal rewards that come from these trips, they also can be quite a bit less expensive. Here's more information about Alternative Spring Break travel.
Cheap Spring Break Travel 2010
When it comes down to it, Spring Break is about having fun, spending time with friends, and taking a much needed break from school. These are all things that don't require a major budget. Take the time to investigate less expensive Spring Break travel ideas, which can be just as fun than the traditional trip.
Naomi Rockler-Gladen - Instructional designer and freelance writer, Naomi Rockler-Gladen writes some of Suite101's most read work.
