Warm weather is right around the corner and Dixie State College students are ready for spring break. Spring break is three days away and students at DSC are planning trips to get out and let their hair down. With the current economy there are many ways to have fun and stay within budget. All it takes is thoughtful planning and you're on your way to a week of freedom. Angie Jensen, a travel specialist working in St. George for Hess Travel, 150 N. Main Street in Bountiful, said there are several things that can be done to plan properly. Step one is to set the limit of how much money you are planning on spending. It's easier if you know how much to spend rather than spending too much. Step two is to find the package deals. These are usually the least expensive since they include a hotel room, food, drinks and transportation. These deals are usually reserved for places like Cancun and Mexico. Jensen said, "Inclusive deals are best. That's why Cancun is so popular. You get everything for one set price." Step three is to split the cost. Figure out how much money everyone in your group is going to spend. Sharing a room and splitting the cost saves you more. A cheap away trip could be Mexico. Jensen said her favorite place to go is Mexico. "I'm a huge fan of Mexico. It's less expensive to go there, and it's less expensive when you get there too. The beaches, culture, people and sites are wonderful," Jensen said. There are some great beaches that are in the states as well, such as those on the West Coast. Gary Sorensen, manager of Morris Murdock Travel, 1386 E. 100 South, said: "It's best to get a hotel off the beach, inland a couple of miles so you can save some money. You also have a better opportunity of finding some deals if you go inland rather than right on the beach." Another place that isn't far away but could require some planning is Vegas. Sorensen said: "Vegas during the week is inexpensive for rooms. It's when you get into Friday and Saturday that it starts to get expensive." Stephanie Kelsey, a senior communication major from Albuquerque, N.M., is traveling to Las Vegas for the week and staying in a hotel on the strip. Sorensen said, "Mesquite is also very inexpensive during the week and it's close by." Vegas and Mesquite are the perfect places to party. There is an array of clubs and casinos around every corner that can fit varied tastes and likes. Some great places that are closer can seem like a smart idea when money is a little tight. If a week in Vegas seems out of reach for you, there is always the day trip. Priscilla Whalen, a senior communication major from Corona, Calif., said: "Day trips are good. You can go down to Vegas and shop around, or go to a buffet and spend the day. Some other day trips could be going hiking or to a lake in the area. Hiking is a great option for those who are broke. The Grand Canyon is only a few hours away as well as Zion National Park. Both offer great hikes and beautiful scenery for everyone. If you want something to cool you down, head for the water. Sand Hollow Reservoir is 20 minutes away and offers great water for fun. There are beaches for families, and you can even swim out to the rocks for more fun. Whalen said: "Day trips to the lake are good. All you need is food and a ticket to the water." If you want a trip that lasts for more than one day, Whalen said camping trips are always fun and cheap when the money is tight. Grab a bunch of friends and head out to Zion National Park for a night for about $20, or if you want something a little closer, head to Pine Valley, which is about $10. Camping on the water is also a great idea. Lake Powell is the perfect place to combine water and camping into one. You can camp on the beach or rent a houseboat and head out to open water. If all else fails there is always a camp-out in the backyard. That option is absolutely free.
Preparations crucial when planning spring break trips
Published: Friday, March 5, 2010
Updated: Monday, August 16, 2010 08:08
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