Story by the Merge staff

As the spring semester goes into full swing, students’ minds start to drift from their studies into images of vast beaches with white sands underfoot and umbrella-adorned drinks in hand; spring break is just around the corner.  

While we are in the era of self-planning travel accommodations on Web sites such as Travelocity and Expedia, many students still seek the professional advice of a travel agent to find out just what they can expect for this travel season.

One expert’s advice

One such travel agent is Wanda Mattiace of Adventure Travel and Cruise Center in Las Cruces, N.M.  She said the best way to get the most “bang for your buck” is to get on the ball early and book an inclusive three-day cruise.

“We were booking cruises for two people leaving from Los Angeles and Galveston, Texas, for $150 to $200.  And that included food and entertainment,” Mattiace said.

Because those deals expired last fall, that information will most likely be more useful for people booking a 2011 spring break package.

For those still looking to make plans for this year’s vernal fiesta, Mattiace tells us that going to Las Vegas mid-week can be one of the most economical destinations, so long as you are not stricken with the often undeniable urge to splurge your money at casinos and bars.

What about Vegas?

“I am going to Las Vegas, Nev., for spring break,” Celeste Maes, a senior at New Mexico State University studying mass communications and journalism, said. “We already booked our plane tickets to save money. We’re flying instead of driving because it ended up being less expensive, even though we originally thought driving would be cheaper.”

 

While Las Vegas has its bright lights, Mexico still holds many of the most popular spring break hot spots for college students. Cancun is widely referred to as the No. 1 spring break vacation destination.

The U.S. Department of State said that more than 100,000 American teenagers and young adults travel to resort areas in Mexico every year for spring break. However, due to the increasing violence surrounding Mexico, many students at NMSU are opting to stay within the United States.

“I guess I would go to South Padre again for spring break, but definitely not Mexico. I just don’t that’s a very good idea,” Emily Wright, an elementary education major, said.

Here in the borderland we know all-too-well the inherent dangers of crossing into Mexico.  But, as far as spring break destinations – Mazatlan, Cancun and Puerto Vallarta – you need not worry as much about drug violence that plague cities such as Juarez. 

“I’ll be going to Elephant Butte for spring break. I don’t think I would mind going to Mexico right now, just not Juarez or Acapulco,” biology major Eleah Ervin said.

Violence is not the only major concern plaguing international travelers this spring. Health risks are also becoming a key factor in travel considerations.

“Number one, you’re probably safer going to Cancun, but my big thing is swine flu.” Mattiace said about traveling to Mexico.  “Last time I was there, we were greeted off the plane by people wearing surgical masks.”

So before you hop on a boat to Jamaica or book a flight to Cancun, make sure to do your research. Know the laws of the land and take necessary precautions to ensure a fun and safe spring break you will never forget.

– Erica Tinsley, Jon Traffansted, Ben Scheer, Simone Del Rosario, Cody Hoffman and Jenn Grider contributed to this story