The end of February is fast approaching and Pepperdine students know what that means— spring break. The weather’s warming the sun is shining and we’re all able to enjoy an entire week with no alarms and no stress. The question remains. Where to go? For those of us not involved with Project Serve or Project Lead spring break offers an opportunity for entertainment travel and relaxation. Location: Home Criteria: Rest needed
Although spring break is legendary for its good times some choose to return home for some good old-fashioned tender love and care. This plan is beneficial to those who want a week off from the stress-filled college life. Rest relaxation and home-cooked meals are waiting for you if this is your choice route. The only problem is the cost of a ticket or a drive home. Luckily Web sites are available to help ease the financial blow such as Studentuniverse.com. This Web site offers students deals for unsold seats on flights usually on Southwest or American Airlines. Other Web sites that help customers find good deals include Expedia and Orbitz. Cost: Plane ticket Location: Anywhere Criteria: Money to spend
As college students this suggestion may be less of an option for most of us. But for those lucky few who can afford to travel here are some possibilities:
A cruise: We live near two of the most popular ports on the West Coast: Long Beach and San Diego. Cruises to Mexico start at $200 for the interior rooms and most cruises include food in the form of all-you-can-eat buffets. Specifics for each cruise must be determined by the passenger but a relaxing three-day trip could be an exciting choice. Cost: Your ticket
Las Vegas: Who doesn’t love Sin City? Why not grab the girls grab the guys and head on over to the city made famous by one less-than-a-mile ‘strip.’ Not 21? Doesn’t matter. Hotels will rent rooms to anyone over 18. As for the entertainment there are pools shows and shopping that can keep anyone occupied for more than a few days. Rooms can run from $90 to more than $200 a night at some of the nicer resorts (such as Ceasar’s Palace or The Venetian) but start at $65 for less-high-end accommodation options. Some hotels even feature promotions such as Luxor’s “stay three nights get the fourth free.” Just search online for the name of the hotel in Las Vegas and “coupons and who knows what kinds of deals might pop up. Though the rooms are a bit more pricey, who goes to Vegas alone? The hotel bill split among friends could lead to a potentially frugal and exciting adventure. Cost: Room, food and entertainment
City of choice: For those who love a little exploration, close your eyes, find a map and throw a dart. You could end up on the white beaches of Miami, visiting the city that hosts the reigning Super Bowl champions or checking out the Statue of Liberty in the Big Apple. The main objective here— exploration. Comfort Suites, Holiday Inns and Embassy Suites can be found in most any U.S. cities; these hotels offer cheap deals and room rates depending on the city and the days you choose to go. Most even offer a complimentary breakfast. The cheapest rates are in the middle of the week, so take the weekend off and drive, catch a train or fly to your chosen destination. Any of the Web sites previously mentioned can help you find good deals. Cost: Transportation and hotel stay Location: Malibu Criteria: A week off
We go to school in a city most people only dream of someday visiting, so why not enjoy it a little? If home’s too far and you and your friends want to appreciate the perks of Malibu, you’re guaranteed a relaxing week. In Los Angeles, there are museums ($10 to $25 entry fee), parks (free), restaurants, shopping and even a zoo ($13)— not to mention the great hot spots right outside our windows. Santa Monica is a quick drive for a day of shopping or a meal out, while Zuma is a mere 15 minutes north on Pacific Coast Highway. If you’re looking for a week to catch up on reading and relaxation time, Malibu is the place to be. Cost: Cost per activity (Otherwise free) Location: House with friends Criteria: Looking for a good time
This semester is almost halfway over so tests and essays are in full swing. The stress of school the recently passed Valentine’s Day and the upcoming week have led many to adopt a hermit lifestyle and abandon friends and their social lives. Spring break is the perfect time to catch up with others while also finding time to rest. My suggestion? Take your friends and rent a house. Depending on the size of the group the cost can be minimal. The best part of this plan is by far the cost of food. It is cheaper to buy your own food and cook it than to eat out every night. Not to mention midnight snacks available anytime and your own rooms (and your own beds). If you’re looking for a full-week excursion this is definitely an option to consider. Cost: Rent and food. Location: A friend’s house Criteria: Wanting a new experience
In relation to other colleges and universities Pepperdine has an early spring break. So while we’re off having a good time many of our friends are stuck at their respective colleges tying up loose ends. The benefit of this circumstance is obvious— staying with a friend is an easy way to check out another school’s atmosphere and to hang out with someone you might not otherwise see until summer. This outing provides the relaxation you would get from going home the excitement of traveling somewhere new and the ability to catch up with friends. (Just don’t forget to be gracious to your host or hostess and don’t overstay your welcome.) Cost: Transportation and food So how do you choose? First gauge what you need. Once you have established what will benefit you most during your week off go for it. Still can’t decide what you want to do? Mix and match. Who says you can’t go home and come back early to enjoy Malibu or vice versa? Whatever you choose your spring break is what you make of it so go out be safe and most of all— have fun.