It's 20 degrees outside, and beaches are calling. Sunshine, bathing suits and blue water are pulling students south this spring break.

With spring break less than a month away, many students are planning trips to warmer climates. Jamaica and Cancun are the two most popular destinations this year, said Briana Rogers, branch manager for STA Travel, located in the HUB-Robeson Center.

Although 78 percent of trips booked with STA have been to Jamaica, many students are still seeking a variety of other destinations, including Europe and Miami, Rogers said.

"There have been some great spring breaks out there," she added.

Most students also buy packages for spring break, because it can make traveling much cheaper, Rogers said.

Student rates to Europe and other locations also lessen overall spring break costs, she said.

Increases in gas prices may cost students extra, but the increase won't be too drastic, Rogers said.

When students buy tickets, they are warned that there may be an additional fuel charge, ranging from $20 to $50; however, no airlines have instituted such a fee yet, she added.

Susan Abruzzo, a travel agent with Centre for Travel, 114 Hiester St., said students are seeking the sunniest possible destinations.

Cancun, Jamaica and Panama City are most popular this year, Abruzzo said.

"You're guaranteed warm weather, and the prices are good -- people look for the best prices," she said.

Prices for traveling are "definitely" up this year, and fewer people are traveling, as compared to years prior to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Abruzzo said.

People who haven't decided on vacations yet will have no problem finding places to go, and higher costs for waiting to book won't be an issue, she said.

All of her office's packages have space left for late decision-makers, Abruzzo added.

"They're still trying to fill flights," she said.

Students who are looking for group trips and cheaper prices may also want to explore the option of traveling by bus, said Mike Fullington, president of Fullington Auto Bus Co., which operates Fullington Trailways, 152 N. Atherton St.

The company doesn't specifically cater to students, but many student organizations plan spring break trips through it, Fullington said.

Students can also buy the bus company's travel packages through local travel agents.

Some students prefer to travel by bus because it is often cheaper than flying, it provides transportation once they reach their destination, and it gives them the opportunity to meet other travelers on the journey, Fullington said.

"When you're on the bus for 20 hours, you get to meet people and make friends," he said.

Though traveling by bus takes time, the time to go through all airport procedures and reach a hotel is often not any faster, Fullington said.

The cost of fuel has also increased bus prices just as it increased flight costs.

This year gas costs about 35 cents more than it did at this time last year, Fullington said.

He added the increase makes profit impossible without ticket rate increase.

"We're trying to keep our prices down, but it's hard to do," he said.