ULTIMATE SPRING BREAK
Dreaming of shutting your laptop for the first time, zipping up your book-bag and capping all those pens… we all are in need of some sort of getaway. Finding a place to retreat to may require a little effort; however, it’s nothing compared to the struggle of finals. Whether your definition of a vacation is volunteering towards a greater cause or surfing something other than the web, it’s time to pack a bag and step off campus. Your arguments with your TA over mid-term grades should not be your only adventure this semester.
Lake Havasu City, Arizona
Distance: 2100 miles
Hotel: London Bridge Resort
Itinerary:
10am: Stumble out onto the boat deck where you sip your morning coffee overlooking the water.
2pm: Show off your moves on water skis, wake boards or jet skis.
5pm: Sip your drink of choice, listening to your favorite tunes as you rotate between gliding around the lake and dropping an anchor to socialize with other spring breakers.
10pm: Martini Bay, Style Entertainment Lounge and Kokomo Havasu provide the perfect outdoor experience with beer and great music.
Price: $70/night (Hotel & Food)
Zion National Park, Utah
Distance: 2163 miles
Hotel: Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort
10am: Begin your day with a massage on site at the Juniper Spa.
2pm: Venture out on a jeep tour, climbing wall or mount a horse to explore the canyon overlooks. Maybe stop for a quick bite at Narrows Snack Bar after the day’s adventure.
5pm: Ride an ATV around the area exploring nature, or enjoy the view from a zip line.
10pm: Utah may not be the ideal location for the avid partier, but for those that prefer to kick back with a few drinks and a game of cards, Zion National Park is calling your name.
Price: $70/night (Hotel & Food)
Daytona Beach, Florida
Distance: 385 miles
Hotel: Hawaiian Inn, Dessert Inn, Plaza Ocean Club
Itinerary:
10am: Lazy morning. Hopefully you aren’t too hung-over.
2-5pm: Well with 23 miles of beach you shouldn’t have too hard of a time catching some rays and engaging your friends in a volleyball game or two.
10pm: Make sure to visit bars like Ocean Deck and Razzles. You’ll also want to see the live reggae and bikini contests. Club 600 North has the largest pool deck in the area.
Price: $80/night (Hotel & Food)
Virginia Beach, VA
Distance: 400 miles
Hotel: Travelodge Suites, Virginia Beach Oceanfront
Itinerary:
10am: Motoring out of Rudee Inlet allows for a perfect, relaxed morning of fishing offshore. However, pier fish is always an option.
2pm: Set up a few chairs on the beach and listen to the live music or participate in the spring break festivals during the day.
5pm: Waterman’s Surfside Grille surely lives up to the name. Grab a bite overlooking the water then maybe climb down to the beach to join that game of volleyball.
10pm: When the sun goes down, the heat turns up! Clubs of all kinds allow for the ideal nightlife.
Price: $90/night (Hotel & Food)
Cape Cod, MA
Distance: 970 miles
Hotel: Cape Point Hotel
Itinerary:
10am: Start you day early on the water and try kite-boarding for a few extra bucks. You could also go on the Starfish Bass River Cruise.
2pm: Break up your trip by taking a day in the car towards Martha’s Vineyard or continue to enjoy the sunshine on the beach.
5pm: Take some of your good friends to Good Friend’s Café for a delicious bite.
10pm: With live music or entertainment every Thursday through Sunday and bars both indoors and outdoors, The Sand Bar is the perfect place for relaxed cocktails.
Price: $95/night (Hotel & Food)
Niagara Falls, Ontario
Distance: 772 miles
Hotel: Niagara Escape, Wyndham Garden
Itinerary:
10am: As the sun rises over the falls, admire the reflection and fog rising from the water. Having crossed the border you deserve a lazy morning. Maybe slip into the indoor pool for an early swim.
2pm: Take a boat tour of the falls; don’t forget your poncho!
5pm: Dine within your hotel package at the Steakhouse or venture out to any of the nearby restaurants.
10pm: Climb down a few stairs into the beautiful chaos we refer to as a casino. Test your luck on the slot machines! $50 voucher included in your room reservation.
Price: 100/night (Hotel & Food)
MISSION TRIPS
For those of you with kind hearts, these organizations can always use an extra set of hands. Take a few friends and spend the day helping a family rebuild their home. Great music, great people, and moral satisfaction make this a perfect opportunity to remove yourself from your studies. Satisfy your craving to do good by going on a mission trip.
Catadupa, Jamaica
A change of scenery from Columbia, Catadupa is far from the stoplights and busy intersections. Even though it is set upon a mountain, you are the perfect distance from the beaches and resorts Montego Bay offers. There is moderate physical challenge and a significant ministry component. This is a significant work service project.
McDowell County, West Virginia
This is a shorter mission trip, in one of the poorest communities in the United States. In the southernmost tip of West Virginia, students come together to practice and share their faith while working on and coordinating a variety of service projects.
For more information visit: www.experiencemission.com
GREAT TIME ON A SMALL DIME
Between books, air fare from your last trip home and your friends’ weekly dinner or morning Starbucks run, scrounging the money together for a break from classes is a challenge in itself. Here are a few suggestions and tricks on how to get the most bang for your buck.
USC Equipment Rental: Even after several semesters on campus, most of us are not aware of all that USC Outdoor Recreation has to offer. Rent kayaks, surfboards, and bikes from the office (located in the lower level of Strom), and combine your equipment with the right snacks and a few hours in the car, and you’ll be relaxing in no time. Take advantage of student resources and begin making plans as soon as possible.
Priceline, Last Minute and VacationsToGo.com can help you find reduced hotels, rental cars, cruises and flights. Every penny counts!
