Spring Break 2003 is on the horizon, giving Mississippi State
students an opportunity to close the books and relax in a variety
of ways. Whether they take a trip to the beach, the mountains,
their hometowns or even just stay in Starkville to sleep, students
are ready to forget about the hassles of school and, as commonly
reported, “chill, party and sleep late.”
According to a survey of 110 MSU students, 49 say they are just
going home for the holidays, too weary from schoolwork to worry
about planning a trip.
“I’m so tired of school. It has worn me down so bad I don’t even
feel like going anywhere but home to sleep,” junior David Brown
said.
Freshman Shera Allen agrees: “I’m going home to rest and be with
my family.”
Senior Chris Tyler claims the grimmest of Spring Break plans:
“I’m not going anywhere. I’m having my gall bladder removed.”
On a lighter note, 61 students reported that they will travel
this Spring Break, and 33 shared a common destination–Florida.
“I’m going to Destin to shop and lay on the beach,” freshman
Gina Applewhite said. “The beaches in Mississippi are just too
dirty.”
Travelchannel.com lists the top 10 spring break destinations
each year, according to student travel surveys and business growth.
Key West, Daytona Beach and Panama City, Fla., make the top 10,
with Panama City coming in as the No. 1 college student Spring
Break destination.
Panama City offers 18,000 rooms for Spring Break each year and
usually sees them booked completely at peak travel times. According
to StudentCity.com over a half-million college students reported
visiting Panama City during Spring Break last year.
There are also plenty of options besides Florida for those
wanting a unique break from Starkville.
“I’m going to Atlantic Beach off the coast of Georgia,” senior
Sally Tumlinson said. “There is horseback riding and it’s away from
the family. I’ll stay as long as I can.”
The destinations continue west as well. South Padre Island,
Texas, ranks as the fourth most popular destination among college
students for Spring Break retreats. South Padre Island boasts 34
miles of fun in the sun.
South Padre also has an internationally recognized tequila bar
at Padre Contina, not to overshadow the Charles Paradise Country
Club that features a mind-whopping 24 bars and 11 dance floors.
Inclined for international pleasure? South Padre Island is only a
30-minute drive from the Mexican border.
“I’m heading to Mexico,” senior Ricky Caraway said. “I’m making
the drive with a few buddies and honestly don’t know when we’ll
come back. But one thing’s for sure–Cancun is going to be rocking
when we get there.”
Many students found packages that offer the famous (possibly
infamous) “all you can drink for a week” special for travel
destinations in Mexico. These packages usually run for around $150
and include cover charges to most clubs in the city. Cancun will
host the Tommy Hilfiger Model Search with special guests to be
announced. MTV will be alongside with the annual Reebok ‘Hard Body’
Contest for two days each week of Spring Break.
Jennifer Plum, of Travelchannel.com, reminds students to “always
be smart and careful in Cancun. And don’t forget: what happens in
Cancun, stays in Cancun.”
A more tropical retreat that has grown in popularity over the
years is the Bahamas. Over 700 islands make up the Bahamas, and
they are spread across 100,000 square miles of the Atlantic Ocean
between South Florida and Hispaniola.
“I’m getting a trip planned for me and some friends to the
Bahamas,” senior Clay Parker said. “I’ve been before, and I promise
the things I do remember about that trip were awesome. It’s time to
do it again. I hope I’m back to finish the semester though.”
The Bahamas’ main attractions can be found on the aptly named
Paradise Island, where casinos and clubs glitter the island
nights.
Wherever students desire to go, the easiest method of planning
can be found on the Internet.
A few of the top listed sites for reservations and destination
status can found at: www.springbreak.com, www.springbreaktravel.com
and www.spring-break-party.com. These Web sites include hotel
information, basic prices for packages and entertainment events
that are scheduled. For the complete list of the Top 10 Spring
Break Destinations, visit www.discoverychannel.com.
The MSU academic calendar officially lists the beginning of
Spring Break 2003 at the end of class day on Friday, March 7.
Classes will resume Monday, March 17.