Break plans come to fruition

Whether dreaming of sandy beaches and suntans or comfy sofas and home-cooked meals, students are happily envisioning the upcoming spring break as a welcome vacation from school.

Lindsay Phillips (junior-theatre) is going home to spend time with her family and friends.

Saving money rather than spending money is Annie Marter's goal for her week without classes.

"I am going home to work to pay off some debts," said Marter (senior-film). "But I may be going away to New York to visit some clubs."

Realizing students' need to relax and get away from it all, some area travel agencies have offered travel packages or discounts to some of the traditional "hot spots," including Mexico, Puerto Rico, Florida and the Bahamas.

Group travel packages are the most popular options for students going through Centre for Travel Inc., 114 S. Hiester St., said travel agent Amy Smith.

"A lot of people aren't sure where they want to go when they come in," Smith said. "We try to work with the students within their budget."

The agency ran a package trip to Cancun that sold out before Thanksgiving, she said.

Other travel agencies supplied the packages for more unusual places. Accent on Travel, 444 E. College Ave., ran packages such as a skiing trip to Austria and Iceland, along with trips to Mexico and Florida, said Rodelle Weintraub, travel consultant for Accent on Travel.

She added that the agency worked more with independent travelers rather than travel package customers this year.

Whether taking a travel package or traveling independently, area travel agents agreed that Florida remains the most popular place for many people.

Council Travel, 220 E. Calder Way, saw increased business with students traveling to Jamaica and Mexico.

Stephanie Johnson-Smith, a travel consultant for Council Travel, said a popular spot this year was California.

"Most of the time we get groups of about four or five roommates who want to go somewhere together," Johnson-Smith said.

Travel agents warn about scam travel packages that seem too good to be true. Centre for Travel experienced problems last year with its group travel package.

"Last year, we had some students stuck in airports for days," Smith said. "It was not a reliable tour company. A good rule is that if it is too good to be true, it probably is."

However the week is spent, most students such as Andrea Rosenfeld are looking forward to an exam-free week of rest.

"I am sleeping and relaxing," said Rosenfeld (sophomore-advertising). "I (had) three tests this week so I totally deserve it."