We all recognize the irony behind the phrase “spring semester”. Thoughts of spring evoke images of blossoming flowers, indulgent amounts of sunshine and colorful skirt-and-sandal combos sure to catch the eye of your lecture hall crush.
But for many collegiettes, the reality of spring semester (at least for the first couple months) is more along the lines of winter blues than springtime spunk.
You may be all bundled up and dodging snow banks on your walk to class now, but with the right group of friends, a little funding and some strategic planning, a week of carefree fun could be close in your future. Whether you plan on staying home for a week of solitude or planning a mini adventure, HC has got you covered from coast to coast with Spring Break 2012 ideas that are big on fun but light on your wallet.
You’re staying at home: Money is tight and your brain is too fried from midterms to search travel sites.
Giving yourself a day of beauty at a local spa in your area is a one-day staycation sure to recharge your batteries. Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spas has thirty one locations nationwide that offer full amenities. Everything from hair and beauty esthetics to massage and waxing services can be found at Red Door.
If you’re more the DIY kind of girl but still want to achieve maximum relaxation, stop by any Bliss Spa, Sephora location or where you can find spa quality products without the professional price tag.
Want to be more active?
By visiting group discount websites like Groupon or Living Social, you can find exclusive deals specifically in your area. And since the deals are time-sensitive, there’s more incentive to grab your friends and for a yoga class, rocking climbing lessons or scavenger hunt.
Requiring only a day or two of advance planning, a spa day or fun activity with your hometown girls is the surprise vacation you never thought you’d get to have.
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You want sun, surf and sand: If you are a cold-weather collegiette, chances are you’re just itching to whip your bathing suits out of storage and have some good old “fun in the sun”.
The Student Travel section of About.com [www.about.com] ranks the top three warm-weather Spring Break destinations as Cancun, Mexico (the location receives top billing nearly every year), Panama City Beach, Florida and Miami Beach, Florida. These destinations are fun, breezy and not too far south, making the price tags a lot cheaper. These areas cater to college students in terms of beach play, discounts and nightlife. The hotels and motels of Panama City Beach [www.pcbeachspringbreak.com] for example, coordinate with local bars, restaurants and beach concert promoters to give their customers all-inclusive packages for about $300 a person, making travel plans a one-stop shopping deal.
If you’re the more thrifty shopper out of your group of friends, a weekly check of airline comparison sites like Kayak, Hotwire or Cheapism lets you mix and match airline and layover times to get the cheapest and quickest routes. Cheapism even takes your vacation needs a step further, suggesting cruise deals and luggage brands.
All travel deals are time-sensitive, so hustle to avoid the hassle. Most consumer watchdog sites suggest that reading the fine print is imperative when booking online and that the best window to book is around six weeks before the date of your trip. Also, booking during the weekdays when the site has less traffic will save you a few bucks, versus on a Saturday afternoon when more people are available to surf the web.
You want to try something different: You’re not looking for the traditional sun-soaked getaway.
“I’m not into the traditional idea of Spring Break,” said Hofstra University sophomore Maggie Carter. “I don’t mind the cold—plus I’d rather try something new.”
If you feel the way Maggie does, try a ski or snowboarding adventure. You can have fun chilling on the slopes or, if you’re not a snow bunny, you can sip hot cider and socialize in the lodge.
The downside to thinking outside of the Spring Break box is the crazy prices of ski resorts and equipment, especially at top destinations like Aspen or Vermont. But Ski.com offers weekly discount rates that you can customize to fit your group and your break schedule. For example, Borders Lodge in Beaver Creek, Colorado offers 25% off their three-night package with lift tickets included.
To discover more of the local flair around your school’s state, coordinate a one- or two-day road trip with your roomies. Using the business review website Yelp you can survey the best restaurants, bars, coffee shops, hiking trails, theaters, museums and more in your area and hit up all the best spots. And if you don’t have a car, the rental service Zip Car with vehicles in thousands of locations (including college campuses) requires only an account with the company, proof of driver’s license and hourly rental rate.
For more of a global getaway geared specifically toward you, try Contiki which customizes trips for young adults ages 18 to 35 to destinations from England to Australia, China to Egypt. And with the launch of HC’s travel section (in conjunction with Contiki), the site is sponsoring the “Have Contiki, Will Travel” Guided Trip Giveaway. Through the end of February, HC subscribers can enter to win one of Contiki’s college-geared trips, like Greek Island Hopping or Italian Espresso. Match up a trip with your scheduled break and enter once a day as many days as you want!
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You want to make a difference: Instead of spending money, you want to restore your mind, body and soul by rolling up your sleeves and doing good for your community (or someone else’s).
Numerous outdoor community service projects look for volunteers during the spring months and can be found all across the country.
One famous organization that helps with alternative Spring Break is United Way which focuses on education, income and health. You can opt for a water conservation effort in Mexico for your week off or house construction in Arizona. The United Way accepts applications for participation a year in advance, so planning early and checking back often is the key to making this your vacation itinerary.
Strapping on a tool belt is now more convenient than ever. The non-profit housing organization Habitat for Humanity is famous for building brand new houses for the needy. With headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia and building sites internationally, Habitat can help coordinate your community service plans.
Remember, when brainstorming the perfect Spring Break, it’s important to note that you don’t want to overwhelm yourself and ultimately stress yourself out when you should be relaxing. Keeping your options open and your close friends in the loop is the best way to plan your break with less hassle.
Have fun!
Photo Credits:
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