The Commerce Times

Where you’re headed this Spring Break

With reading week just around the corner, many students are planning their escape from homework, essays and exams. Whether or not you have made plans, here are a few exciting places to go without breaking the bank.

Acapulco

You can’t hear “spring break” without Mexico coming to mind. According to Ethel Davey, the Office Manager at Imagine Holidays, a travel agency in Toronto, Acapulco is the most popular sun destination for students. Its low cost and lively local clubs are among its attractive features. The city is known for its “party” atmosphere and young, vibrant crowds. Price: 3 star hotel and flight for 7 nights starting at $517 plus $272 tax. $777 plus $272 tax starting for a 4 star (www.selloffvacations.com).

Daytona beach

Feeling the need for speed? Car enthusiasts gather from near and far to experience the Daytona 500 and Nascar at this sunny vacation spot. Breakaway Tours, a student-centric travel agency, says Daytona has “a 38km long stretch of the widest beach,” a guarantee to melt school out of your mind. For those who want more adventure, Orlando, Florida is only an hour’s drive away. Price: starting $429 for 5 nights accommodation and motor coach (visit www.breakawaytours.com).

Montreal

Haven’t taken French since Grade 9? Montreal offers exposure to the French-Canadian culture. Rue Sainte-Catherine, the Yonge Street of Montreal, remains lively late into the night with its clubs and bars. You will feel like you have entered the Twilight Zone when you discover liquor at every commercial establishment. Animal lovers should also visit Biodôme de Montréal, where hundreds of animals are living in replica ecosystems. Price: Hostel dorm rates are between $28.15 for shared rooms and $86.00 for private rooms per night (www.hihostels.ca).

Mont Tremblant

If you want to stay active this break, visit Mont Tremblant. Blaze down the snowy hills and absorb the beautiful Laurentian scenery. Apart from skiing and snowboarding, there is also zip-lining, snowmobiling, horseback riding and much more. After a long day of activities, enjoy a relaxing meal at one of many restaurants specializing in local Quebec cuisine. Price: packages start at $307.54 for two nights stay and 2 all-day lift tickets (www.tremblant.ca).

Niagara Falls

A sometimes overlooked destination, Niagara Falls offers dozens of fun activities for couples and groups. Clifton Hill showcases some of the most entertaining attractions like: SkyWheel, Movieland Wax Museum and Ripley’s Believe It or Not. Splash away at Fallsview indoor waterpark, or pay off your student debt at Casino Niagara. And Niagara Falls is just as breathtaking in the winter, if not more. Price: each room starts at $55.52 per night for lower-end hotels like Days Inn (www.daysbythefalls.com).

Tips on planning your trip:

1.  Set a budget – know how much you can afford before choosing your trip.

2.  Do your homework – visit websites like tripadvisor.com to learn about other travellers’ experiences.

3. Read between the lines – some hotels will require damage deposits. Make sure you know about all the extra costs so they don’t sneak up on you.

4. Shop around – while many travel agencies offer very similar prices, find out which will give you more value for your dollar.

5.  Go as a group – some travel agencies may provide better pricing on group bookings.

6.  Don’t wait too long – Davey adds that some spring break destinations book up very quickly.