Students trim back on spring break plans

By: Brandei Harris

Posted: 2/7/01

Tight budgeting will keep a lot of SMS spring breakers close to home this year.

For business major Dale Halliway, the decision to live off campus this year put a damper on his spring break to Cancun.

"I had no idea how expensive living off campus would be," Halliway said. "Buying my groceries and paying stacks of bills each month doesn't leave much extra for spring break."

Travel agent Donna Mitchem from spring break.com said the number of trip packages she reserves for students for the spring is down about 30 percent from last year.

"A lot of students on our calling list are saying they are driving to a spring break destination this year instead of buying a package," Mitchem said.

"Whether it's because of bills or something else, it's evident students are more strapped for cash this year."

Sophomore history major Cameron Steed said increased utilities are solely responsible for her canceled trip.

"I sat down last night and figured that I'll be paying $300 more over the next few months since my electric bill has been doubled," Steed said. "I guess that means no Jamaica for me."

According to the "spring break Survival Guide," the average cost of a seven-day trip to Cancun, Jamaica or the Bahamas including air fare, hotel accommodations and select meals is $849. The guide suggests staying at hotels not directly on the beach and eating light meals to lower the costs to an average of $669.

A trip to Cancun based at $800 ended up costing junior April Caspy $1150.

"When I committed to my trip last year, I forgot to consider spending money," Caspy said. "I spent over $300 on shopping and drinking."

Keeping trips within driving distance is senior marketing major Shelley Haden's advice for an affordable spring break.

"For the past three years my friends and I have driven to Florida," Haden said. "We take turns driving, eat lunch meat sandwiches and have a blast for about $350 a piece."

As an alternative to the typical spring break destinations like South Padre Island and Panama City Beach, the Catholic Campus Ministries usually hosts a spring break, although Brother Tom Haerle is not certain at this time if the ministry will sponsor a trip this year.

"In the past, we've gone to Chicago, Minnesota, and New Jersey on trips," Haerle said. "We usually keep the cost of the trip down to about $80."

For some students, the cost of the trip isn't an issue just as long as they get to go somewhere.

Senior Bridgette Shawler stayed home her first three spring breaks at college to save up for one final bash.

"I'm going all out this year," Shawler said. "Cancun's finest hotel and plenty of spending money. I'll be sure to think about all of those students who can't go somewhere while I'm laying on the beach."