Affordable, exotic locations available for students

From Tahiti to Scotland, there are many foreign and exotic locations students can travel to for an exciting and affordable spring break. Exotic is not exactly a word that comes to mind in southern Utah. While some students are already going exotic this year, Angela Jepson, Dixie State College's travel agent, has some advice that can help potential exotic travelers plan and prepare for a unique spring break experience. Elizabeth Cormier, a freshman psychology major from Tooele, is already going exotic by going to Hawaii for spring break. "I'm kind of combining spring break with my birthday," Cormier said. "I have always wanted to go to Hawaii but I have never been there. I'm going with my family for my dad's wedding. I'm super excited to spend time in the sun. Spending time with my family and partying on the beach sounds like a good spring break if you ask me." With palm trees and tropical weather, Hawaii provides the atmosphere of an exotic location, even though it is still technically in the United States. Jepson said Hawaii and Mexico are popular destinations for students. "Hawaii is a great beach destination," Jepson said. "The feeling there is awesome. I am comfortable sending anyone to Hawaii." Jepson said Mexico and Hawaii are good destinations, but she doesn't consider them exactly exotic. "My idea of exotic is something far away like in the South Pacific," Jepson said. "I send a lot of people to Tahiti. There is a wonderful feeling there, much like Hawaii. There is a five-day package deal available for Tahiti that includes airfare, hotels, and meals for under $1,500. That is a great deal." Dylan Topalian, a freshman business major from St. George, said he is hitting the slopes and spending time in the snow this spring break. "I'm going to a resort lodge in Montana," Topalian said. "It may not be exotic exactly, but its pretty fancy and expensive. I'm going with my family and we are going to spend a few days snowboarding, skiing and just relaxing. I have been to places like Florida and California, so this time my family wanted to try something different. You don't usually associate snow with spring break but I think it will be fun." Topalian said exotic and lavish vacations are better kept for summer. "I think summer is better for exotic type vacations because you have more time," Topalian said. "You only have a few days for spring break but you have a few weeks or more for summer vacation. Spring break can still be cold in some areas, but by summertime everywhere is pretty much warm and perfect." Jepson also recommended some exotic locations that maybe don't jump to students' minds right away. "I recommend trying a European destination," Jepson said. "Scotland is very green and pleasant and has a certain mystery with the ancient people, but it can be very cold. Rome or Paris would also be lots of fun. The Caribbean Islands are fairly inexpensive, and the Dominican Republic is an up-and-coming destination that is not that expensive either." Jepson said that students under the age of 26 can qualify for student discounts on travel, so students should always keep their eyes open and do research before traveling. "There are always deals out there," Jepson said.