It's party time
Winter-weary students trade their books for bathing suits and head out for a good time at March Break destinations Cancun , Florida still top list of the places that will be hot this year, but New York City is a favourite too, writes Julia Dimon
Looking to escape the pressures of exams and essays, winter-weary students prepare for the ultimate of all parties — March Break (known as Spring Break south of the border). This year, for one week sometime between Feb. 14 and March 20, student travellers ditch the books, abandon the family, and flock south.
"It's going to be off-the-hook," says Boyanna Popvassilev, a 21 year-old Humber College student on her first trip to South Beach , Miami . Boyanna, who plans to fly down and crash at a friend's apartment, is anxious to tan by day and "play Paris Hilton" by night.
Each year, thousands of young Canadians like Boyanna will travel during March Break season looking to chill out, shed their winter blahs and, more often than not, their clothing too.
When planning a March Break vacation, there are a few factors to consider. With only one week of vacation time, March Breakers traditionally travel close to home, saving trips abroad for summer. Budget is another concern. For students who are broke this Break, organized bus tours to Florida , Quebec City or New York City , are often the most affordable options.
Breakaway Tours (http://www.breakawaytours.com), a student tour operator in its 21st year, organizes special March Break programs to such hot spots as Panama City Beach , Fla. , for as low as $299. This price varies according to occupancy but includes bus transportation from Toronto , five-nights accommodations, evening activities and taxes.
"It's almost cheaper to travel for the week than it is to stay at home," jokes Breakaway Tours president TJ Donnelly.
Investigating group rates is another way to save on cash. TNT (http://www.tnt-tours.com), a party tour company that specializes in student packages to New Orleans , offers young travellers the chance to earn a free bus trip. Entrepreneurs, who organize and sign-up seven of their friends, can vacation at a TNT destinations for free.
Spring breakers with a bigger budget might want to investigate all-inclusive packages to resorts outside North America . However, since Florida , Cuba and other spots in the Caribbean were hit hard this year by multiple hurricanes, travellers would be wise to investigate hotel and beach conditions before finalizing their vacation plans.
Angela, a marketing manager for Travel Cuts, offers this advice:
"A lot of students wait until the last minute to see what their friends are doing," she says.
With the strong Canadian dollar, travel is on the rise and spaces are filling up quickly. So check out this Top 10 March Break list:
1-Panama City Beach, Fla.: In the Northern part of Florida on the Gulf of Mexico, Panama City Beach is the most popular choice among Spring Breakers and is home to the stereotypical March Break experience.
2-Cancun, Mexico: One of the most happening March Break destinations for those with a little money to burn, Mexico, annually draws swarms of young sun-seekers;
3-Daytona Beach , Fla: With toga parties, wet t-shirt contests and beer funnelling championships, Daytona, though surpassed in popularity by Panama City Beach , is still a rockin' party. Check out the Daytona 500 (Feb. 20) or Bike Week (March 4-13).
4-Puerta Plata, D.R.: A popular spot for those looking for a packaged vacation at an all-inclusive resort.
5-New Orleans: From Jan. 28 to Feb. 8, travellers can catch the Mardi Gras festivities in this bustling city.
6-Varadero, Cuba: With American sanctions still imposed on communist Cuba , a March Break visit to the beach town of Varadero is sure to be free from rowdy American college students.
7-Montreal and Quebec City: Only six hours from Toronto , this province promises trendy shops, home-grown cuties, cool after-hours clubs and late night poutine. Ski at Mont-Ste-Anne or check out Quebec City 's Carnival, from Jan. 28—Feb. 13.
8- New York: This city that never sleeps is perfect for the budget traveller who craves a weekend getaway close to home.
9-Whistler, B.C.: For an alternative March Break experience, visit B.C. for some soft snow and sweet skiing.
10-San Jose, Costa Rica: Tropical rainforests, volcanoes, unique wildlife and awesome surf draw adventure-seekers to this small Spanish country in Central America . |
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Julia Dimon is a Toronto-based freelance writer.
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