Hey Winona State collegiettes, spring break 2015 is right around the corner! After classes on Friday, March 7th, Winona State students have freedom until classes start again on March 16th. Perhaps for some of you, that means the big trip you booked five months ago is so close you can almost taste it, for others maybe a nice quiet week at home with the family, or maybe you’re deciding to stay in Winona. There is no wrong way to spend your spring break.
Every year you hear about those big extravagant getaways that always spark amazing ideas, but seem to never happen. What if you could have these wonderful destinations but at half the price? Here are the top 5 great and highly visited spring break vacation destinations that can stretch that dollar a little further as well!
1. Daytona BeachAs it continually attempts to shed it’s well-known party beach image, Daytona still attracts many students every single year. Daytona offers opportunities in cheap hotel rooms, various inexpensive restaurants, and package deals for students during the springtime.
2. South Padre IslandLighting up the nightlife is something South Padre is known for. With it’s affordable lodging and some cheap beach front properties, South Padre is a family friendly destination that will always leave you wanting more.
3. Santo DomingoHome to the Malecon, a place that lures in night owls with it’s late night meringue dances, Santo Domingo is a caribbean treat that with numerous attractions that leave your wallet in tact.
4. Puerto RicoNot your typical warm vacation spot on spring break, but definitely one to consider. Puerto Rico has a booming nightlife, fun-filled beaches of countless entertainment, and affordable accommodations, plus, flights are not hard to find.
5. CancunA beautiful Mexican city that should be at the top of your list. Cancun never fails to impress with a growing party scene and many long stretch beaches for lounging all day long. Sometimes spendy room-wise, but provides a lot of all-inclusive packages to make it all worth it.
Not feeling like following the regular spring break routine with packed bars and sunburnt kids? Then take that week of freedom to do something positive with programs like Break a Difference: Alternative Spring Break! Not only are they a great resume booster but it’s a week long getaway that you can feel good about. The Break A Difference team coordinates Alternative Spring Break programs partnered with United Way, Boys & Girls Clubs, and other local nonprofits, in various cities across the U.S.. These projects engage with issues such as, hunger, housing, poverty, illness, and education. It’s an immersive week of service programs for students to serve communities by volunteering during spring breaks. Everything from meals and local transportation, to service projects and housing, all coordinated into the program fee. And when you’re not helping out excursions to nearby attractions (depending on the city) are included! It’s a cost effective and meaningful use of money. Find a full list of offered destinations, prices, and more information at http://www.breakadifference.org.
If you still want to get away but don’t have any plans or a group, consider traveling with the school to boost your resumé. There are a couple of trips available, although booking them earlier rather than later is key to stealing a spot on one of these trips. Winona has made trips all over the world, including New Zealand and Ecuador.
Last year, Elementary Education major, Cara Flom traveled to Jamaica through WSU, and completed mission work with a boys’ home. During this trip, this group of students saw many tough situations, but left with an accomplished feeling like no other. “Some of the things we had to deal with were hard,” she said, “but I loved every minute of it.”
If you decide to stay in Winona over spring break, you may think of it more as a second winter break. Perhaps if you’re feeling adventurous, you could go hike Garvin Heights and get an awesome view of the Mississippi River. Take a few days to catch up on your shows on Netflix, because we’re so busy with school work that we haven’t had the time to watch them. Did you know that we have an art museum in Winona? The best thing about the Minnesota Marine Art Museum is that on Tuesdays students get a discounted entry price. Winona is full of historical sights, you’d be amazed! Look around downtown Winona and see some cool historical landmarks. If you are a student at Winona State and have never been to Lake Lodge, now’s the time! Staying in Winona doesn’t have to be boring, you can turn it into an event filled Winona State Spring Break 2015.