By Rodney Richey
March 09, 2008 11:48 am
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(This story, which originally appeared in Madison magazine, is reprinted here for the enjoyment of our readers. If you'd like to read more articles like this, subscribe to Madison, or pick up a copy at locations around the county.)
One of the time-honored privileges of young college students is to travel to exotic, remote geographic spots on the planet, commune with the indigenous people and, whenever possible, kill a keg or two.
Spring Break is here.
What began, according to legend, more than 70 years ago in Florida has blossomed into a multimillion-dollar industry, one that offends some and amuses others, what with decades of fun in the sun, scantily clad young people, wild parties and, some say, strong beverages.
This year, the magic span of dates is March 8-22. That’s the time when most college students will be partying.
So, everyone else — travel some other time.
According to the Web site TripSmarter.com, one of the endless locations that pop up when searching online with the words “Spring Break,” it all began with the ancient Greeks and their celebration of spring and the rejuvenation of the earth. At such times, the elders would notice that young folk would grow restless and playful.
In more modern times, the observances of Easter and Passover — and the accompanying time off from school — allowed such raucous good times to flourish, especially with the annual festival that preceded Lent, called Mardi Gras in the U.S.
The tale told by TripSmarter.com says, “America never really caught the Spring Break bug … until the First World War, when American Doughboys serving in France watched, wide-eyed with wonder, as the Europeans would temporarily halt Spring Offensives, and instead, party.”
The Web site even makes a guess — perhaps with tongue in cheek — about a revered Spring Break tradition.
“Miraculously, scantily clad women would appear over the trenches, dancing and prancing about like nymphs. Unfortunately, it was discovered that many, if not most, of these ‘ladies’ were in fact men. America’s farm boys and day laborers were horrified, and therefore made the phrase ‘Show us your ----!’ a Spring Break staple (which has since been adopted by Mardi Gras).”
Springs Break grew into its current form after the Great Depression and World War II, when Americans yearned for a happier, more carefree life.
To put it delicately.
WHERE THE BOYS (AND GIRLS) ARE
The first major Spring Break destination was Fort Lauderdale, and that phenomenon was the basis of the 1960 film “Where the Boys Are,” starring Connie Francis and Yvette Mimieux. (It was remade in 1984 with Lisa Hartman and Lynn-Holly Johnson.)
And Fort Lauderdale, along with its nearby brethren of Miami Beach, Daytona Beach, Panama City, Key West, et al, still pulls down a considerable chunk of the spring break dollar.
Other traditional hot spots of the season are Hawaii; Las Vegas; Myrtle Beach, S.C.; Puerto Rico; the Virgin Islands; South Padre Island, Texas; the Bahamas; Negril, Jamaica; and several sites all across Mexico: Puerto Vallarta, Oaxaca, Tijuana, Cancun, Cozumel, Acapulco and, on the Baja Peninsula, Rosarita Beach and Cabo San Lucas.
Some alternative sites are New York City, various spots in Europe and even ski resorts, despite global warming. Even cruises have gained popularity among Spring Breakers, although some cruise lines aren’t exactly happy about that.
PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS
Gas prices and a slowing economy will no doubt yank a knot in many students’ bikinis.
Still bargains can be found, if one is frugal or just doesn’t want to wade through crowds of inebriated freshmen.
Farecast.com estimates that fares for peak Spring Break trips are up 10 percent to 12 percent over last year. Those prices peak in mid-March, when an estimated 60 percent of U.S. colleges take spring break.
According to John Rauser of Farecast.com, other factors impacting spring break are “rumors of consolidation and reduced capacity (among airlines), emphasizing that consumers need to be smart when knowing when to fly and buy this season.”
Shopping early can almost guarantee savings, although a majority of college students travel in groups and thus wait until dates are set before booking. In mid-January, Farecast.com was tracking national average fares at the upper $200s to the lower $300s.
The collegiate crowd can bank some cash by avoiding expensive destinations such as Cancun, which may cost on average $400-500 per ticket. Consider traveling to less busy destinations such as Nassau, Bahamas, or Puerto Vallarta, where fares can be $30-90 less.
Picking a strategic day of the week can save, too, according to Farecast.com. Leaving and arriving on a Tuesday can be less expensive than heading out or back on a weekend.
For those in the eastern U.S. looking for beach getaways, Nassau in the Bahamas is a relative value, as is Florida. West Coast folk should look to Puerto Vallarta, as well as, surprisingly, Hawaii, which is a much cheaper trip than it is from the East Coast.
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More hints to save
From Suite101.com, some alternatives to the traditional Spring Break trip:
The Road Trip: If you stuff a car full of people, then split two hotel rooms upon arrival (or find a cheap youth hostel), you can see significant savings.
Volunteering for Spring Break: A quickly growing Spring Break trend is to ditch the vacation altogether and spend Spring Break building houses or helping those in need. Search online with the phrase “Alternative Spring Break” for opportunties to do volunteer or missionary work in a foreign land.
The Big City Spring Break: Heading to a large metropolis instead of a beach may not get you sun, but it could be more fun, especially with a group.
Camping: If you're the outdoor type, what better way to spend some time with your friends for cheap? Or spend a bit more money and rent a cabin with a bunch of your friends.
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When traveling south:
The folks at the Web site for the U.S. Department of State (http://travel.state.gov) offer some friendly advice for the 100,000 kids and their wild partying in Mexico:
• Remember: All persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air to the United States from Mexico, Canada, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport or similar ID to enter or re-enter the United States.
• While traveling in Mexico, American citizens are subject to Mexican law. U.S. citizens who find themselves in legal trouble should contact the closest U.S. Consulate, U.S. Consular Agency, or the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City.
• Excessive alcohol consumption and unruly behavior can lead to serious problems with Mexican authorities. And all individuals 16 years of age or older are tried as adults.
• Visitors should exercise caution when renting vehicles, including jet skis and mopeds. Many are not serviced and in poor condition, and many are uninsured or under-insured. Read rental contracts carefully. The Department of State has received reports of equipment rental operators using locals to form a “mob” to intimidate customers into paying exorbitant amounts for damage to rented equipment.
• American citizens planning on driving to Mexico should carry a valid driver’s license at all times. U.S. driver’s licenses are valid in Mexico.
• It is strongly recommended that you purchase a full coverage insurance policy that will cover the cost of bail, in case some traffic incident occurs.
• Be aware of the rules and conditions at any beach. Some beaches in Mexico can be hazardous, with rough currents, rip tides or rogue waves. And some due to the human element, can just be violent. Check the State Department Web site, or call the toll-free number: (888) 407-4747.
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Some safety tips
From Suite101.com, some things to keep in mind when breaking spring:
• Take as few valuables with your on your trip as possible,
• If possible, book hotels that give you access to a safe. Do not leave money or valuables around your room.
• Always lock your hotel room door.
• If traveling abroad, keep your passport in a secure location.
• Watch out for scam artists who try to rip off students. Avoid high pressure sales pitches, and never go off to a secluded location with someone who wants to sell you something.
• If your cell phone or credit cards are stolen, report it immediately to the companies so they can cancel your service.
• When booking your trip, watch out for Spring Break travel package scams.
• Always stay in the proximity of at least one friend, and preferably two or three. Do not leave with someone other than your buddies, and choose buddies you can trust.
• Do not leave with strangers, even if it seems like a good idea at the time.
• Watch your drink carefully, and be aware of “date rape” drugs. Never accept a drink from a stranger or let someone else hold your drink.
• Carry a cell phone with you in case of an emergency, as well as your ID and medical information.
• Make sure you know the signs and symptoms of alcohol poisoning.
• Do not drink and drive, ever.
• Be aware of all local laws and regulations involving alcohol, especially if you are travelling abroad.
• Always use sunscreen with at least an SPF of 15 (higher if you have fair skin), and be sure to wear sunscreen even if it’s cloudy.
• Never swim alone, and avoid swimming when no lifeguard is present. Do not drink when swimming or operating a boat.
• Drink plenty of water. Don’t rely on alcoholic or carbonated beverages to quench your thirst, as these drinks can actually make you more dehydrated.
• If you’re going to be sexually active, wear a condom.
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Furthermore ...
Additional things to remember on Spring Break, this time from About.com:
• Florida State Law requires that you must be 21 to purchase, consume or possess alcoholic beverages.
• Bring your ID — the clubs do check IDs.
• Be aware of alcohol poisoning. According to a University of Wisconsin study, 75 percent of college males and 43.6 percent of females reported being intoxicated on a daily basis during Spring Break. Binge drinking is the major cause in alcohol poisoning.
• Should a member of your group become intoxicated, never leave them alone. If they pass out, make sure they sleep on their side to prevent choking, and if their level of consciousness is too low to get a response, call 911.
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