Spring Break 2012: The Guide

Kristen Jakubowski
Delta Zeta

Welcome back, readers! I think you all know what time it is...not just the beginning of a new semester. It’s time to plan for your Spring Break 2012!

I have gathered some great ideas, along with tips, activities, and wallet damage each break will incur. Hopefully you have already begun planning, but if not, I may be able to offer some inspiration.

Cancun, Mexico

Cancun is a beautiful area known for its Mayan Culture, warm weather, and of course, spring breaking for college students across the nation. There are many packages through various companies so make sure to check all your options out.

Wallet Damage: $$$$

What to do: Cancun is right on the beach so there are many watersports from snorkeling to renting a sailboat for the day. You can go ziplining, four wheeling, or tours in the jungle. Cancun is a beautiful area, so make sure to take advantage of all it has to offer. 

Tip: This is one of the breaks that you will want to go in on with many friends so that rooms can become cheaper. Also, Mexico isn’t known as the safest countries, so make sure you are always with your group of friends and do not drink water unless it is bottled. The resorts here tend to be very big and lots of fun, so you will most likely stay on the resort most of the time.

Many of the other common destinations like Jamaica and other places in the Caribbean are similiarly priced to Cancun. Keep in mind that you also have to pay for your flight among other additional costs.

Disney World

Who doesn’t love roller coasters? This may be a great destination because all of the usual parkgoers are still in school unlike us college folk. And if you live up North, starting your journey from South Carolina may make this a much more tolerable drive.

Wallet Damage: $$ 

What to do: All of the parks! Your break will be stretched out further if you get Park Hopper passes. Universal Studios isn’t too far away, and if you are an avid Harry Potter fan, the new attraction is a definite must. Also, make sure to visit all of the countries in Epcot, and if you are of age, Disney Downtown has great clubs according to reviews.

Tip: You don’t need the fanciest hotel around. There are plenty of cheaper stays than the Disney resorts right near the park, and most hotels offer some sort of transportation to the park. I would suggest staying at a hotel that offers breakfast because you will be out the whole day. You will want to get a good start. This is not the most relaxing spring break, but it sure is one of the most fun options.

The Beaches in South Carolina

South Carolina is known for its beaches. Since we are only 2 hours away from them, why not take advantage of the beautiful oceans? If you do not want to travel far, this may be the perfect option for you. This is a break that you will want to go in on with many friends. If there is a small group, you may want to just get a hotel instead of a house.

Wallet Damage: $$

What to do: Relax at the beach all day! I would suggest staying somewhere close to Charleston so that you can also explore one of the most beautiful cities in South Carolina when you want a break from the salt water. Of course, don’t forget the slave market where you will find many beautiful handmade items.

Tip: If you go with a big group of friends, go ahead and splurge on a big house. You can always fit several people to a bedroom, and put a few people on the couches. If you can afford it, many houses have pools and if you are getting a big house, try to get as close to the beach as possible. It’s spring break, so why not?

Alternative Spring Break in the South

Through getinvolveducf.com, there are various options. Destinations include Birmingham, New Orleans, Memphis, and others. These are the cheapest of spring breaks and also allows you to visit places with world renowned culture. You will meet other students like yourself from across the country, and feel great about giving back at the same time.

Wallet Damage: $

What to do: Before embarking on the trip, make sure it is the destination you want. One of the great things about Alternative Spring Breaks is that there are more choices than ever. Research how much time you will actually be working whether you will be teaching or building homes, so you know how much down time you get. More likely than not, you can still get your nights to go out and have some fun!

Tip: Go with a friend if you want to so you have someone to room with that you already know. Greeks are already so well known for helping the community, and this spring break trip will give you all the required community service hours you need for your semester. If you still want your spring break, take a weekend trip another time-you’ll still have enough pocket change after this trip to do so!