Spring Break 2009 Checklist

Spring Break is just around the corner. Are you one of the college students who are planning to go on a trip to the beaches to escape the long, cold winter days? Before you go, here's a quick checklist that may help you make the most of your trip:

1. Do you want to travel far or near? Does a Caribbean beach sound more exotic to you, or would you rather explore the beaches in the U.S. coast? If you live in California, it's cheaper to hang out in Las Vegas than in Panama City. If you live in Texas, why go to Cancun when you can spend Spring Break at South Padre Island?

2. How many friends are you going to travel with? The more, the merrier and cheaper. A lot of Spring Break vacation deals offer huge discounts or perks on package deals. For example, if you are a group of ten people, you may be entitled to a special rate that's half the price cheaper than if you are a group of four. Some vacation package deals actually offer free trips for students during summer if they book a package deal on Spring Break.

3. Do you want to drive, fly, or take a cruise ship? There are advantages and disadvantages for each of these transportation options, so calculate your budget and decide how to go. Many Spring Breakers prefer to go on a road trip with their own car, while others could score a discount on a party bus. Others who book on the last minute would rather take the plane. And believe it or not, a cruise is not at all very expensive. There are a lot of package deals that offer cheap cabins for students -- along with free drinks and food at a much lower price than a stay at the hotel.

4. Do you know the laws in the state or country you're going to spend Spring Break at? I know it's like throwing a wet blanket on a fun occasion, but if you don't know the legal age for drinking alcohol or going to the bars, you might end up somewhere you don't expect to be. Also, you should always bring pertinent documents such as your passport, ID, etc. when traveling outside of the U.S. Ignore foreign laws at your peril!

5. Last but not the least, ask yourself this question: How do you intend to experience your Spring Break vacation? Are you going to hang out with a rowdy crowd or will you stay away from trouble? Are you going to take precaution and not get "too wild" or will you have your name put on the police record? Spring Breakers are out to have fun, but it is to your discretion whether to be involved in wild partying or not.

See you at the beach!