Agents cram features into packages

By KATHERINE MORRIS
and SUSIE XU
Collegian Staff Writer

Finding the perfect balance between value and an enjoyable vacation poses a challenge for many spring-break travelers. But students can work with travel companies to create packages for their ideal week of fun in the sun.

Local and national travel agencies provide vacation packages ranging in price and quality to popular locations such as Cancun, Florida and the Bahamas. Investing in a package deal can be about more than money, Sharon Dixon, travel agent at World Wide Travel Service in Bellefonte said. She added many students enjoy the convenience of these deals as well.

"I think it's more difficult to worry about a transfer, rental car and taxes. It's just a lot easier to buy a package," said Kristine Kiphorn (senior-journalism), who went to Cancun last year for spring break.

The majority of vacation packages include accommodations, roundtrip airfare, taxes, alcoholic drink discounts and transportation to and from the airport.

With these expenses accounted for, factors determining prices include quality and location of the hotel, length of stay and departure location.

Another factor is the coverage of meals and drinks offered with some packages. Some students didn't find these amenities to be beneficial.

"Our meals weren't that great, and we only got free drinks at certain times," Katee Frost (sophomore-international politics) said.

Because price is a key factor for many students when purchasing a package, travel agents try to cater to a student's financial limitations.

Council Travel, 220 Calder Way, can create packages based on the amount an individual is willing to spend. However, many travel agents stress the vacation experience usually reflects the cost of the package.

"You get what you pay for. If you pay $300, you're going to be staying in some dinky motel," said Amy Stuck, travel agent at McAdams Travel World, 103 E. Beaver Ave.

Chas Hamill (sophomore-accounting) said although the low price of his Cancun trip was apparent in the hotel, the vacation was still a pleasant one.

"I didn't go on spring break for a nice hotel room," he said. "It's what you make of the trip."

• In depth: planning for spring break
• Low hotel, airfare costs come to those who plan vacations in advance