Preparing for spring break’s fun, trials
Imagine expecting the best Lake Havasu spring break ever, however, after renting a boat with the people in the hotel room next door, they steal everyone’s purses, wreck the propeller on the boat and leave everyone with no money.
A spring break disaster like this happened to Desiree Taraba, a 21-year-old psychology student who had to have her parents wire her money to fix the boat.
From alcohol to drugs, hooking up to going wild-spring break means no rules for some and a time to relax for others.
First step in planning early for spring break, which is March 12-18, is to find the best deals and discounts to the planned location.
However, keep in mind the new passport regulations state if traveling out of the country by air, a valid passport is needed.
Passports are not needed if traveling by land or sea until January 2008. A passport costs $97, which includes the application and execution fees, yet takes about six weeks to receive. An expedited fee of $60 extra would speed up the process to two weeks.
First time passport applicants must apply in person. A list of passport acceptance facilities can be found online at www.travel.state.gov. There are many websites, such as airline and travel sites, such as www.sidestep.com, that offer deals and discounts.
However, STATRAVEL offers the best offers to students, whether traveling in large groups or with a few friends.
Deals from STATRAVEL can be found online at www.statravel.com or by visiting their store in ASU’s Memorial Union Building, Main Level, on Apache Blvd. between Mill Ave. and Rural Rd. in Tempe.
According to Emmit Bryant, a travel adviser with STATRAVEL, right now is considered late booking for spring break because Arizona college students tend to plan later, while students in colder climates have already been planning for a while.
Currently, there are limited flights and even hotels just because spring break is around the corner, however STATRAVEL does offer student discounts on airfare and packages, and specializes in international travel.
Traveling in a group of ten people or more, may or may not save money right now due to the limited availability, however student discounts are offered still.
The best availability for Phoenix is Mexico-Cancun, Acapulco, or even Puerto Penasco, otherwise known as Rocky Point, however travelers do need a passport. The biggest spring break location this year is Cancun, Mexico, since they have renovated from last year’s hurricane by reconstructing the town and even remaking a few beaches.
One main danger during spring break is alcohol consumption. If planning on consuming alcohol, know personal limitations and do not over consume.
Adding alcohol can change a scene in minutes to attitudes, fights, rapes, arrests, and even deaths. Alcohol is the main instigator on the approximate 2,500 arrests and several deaths that occur during spring break.
Do not drink and drive, some countries have stiffer policies than the United States.
Don’t be a statistic-be safe and have fun.
Plan ahead and leave essential contact information with friends and family.
Be safe on spring break.
Volume 44, Issue 11. Today is
Davy Berrey/Mesa Legend