Spring Break Fun Can Fit Every Budget

By: Mallory Huron

Posted: 2/7/08

Maybe your mother is worried about the drinking water in Cancun. Maybe you are saving your money for studying abroad next semester. Or perhaps you have the money and the means, but are simply out of ideas for Spring Break. Whatever the case, to aid you in this time of desperation, here are 10 thinking-outside-of-the-box ideas for Spring Break.

For A Continental Week

Deborah DelMastro of Travel Planners on Storrs Road cited South Beach, Fla., as being one of the hottest options for Spring Break this year within the United States. "It's going to be warm there, as long as you get as far as Miami or Fort Lauderdale, but it is going to be pretty expensive nonetheless," said DelMastro. "But for someone who can't get out of the country and is still looking for that traditional Spring Break destination, it's a great vacation."

For The Foodie

Would you like to spend a few days scouring Connecticut for the perfect hot dog or the best ice cream? If you think that sounds palatable, then a "gastro-tour" may be a perfect spring break diversion for you. "Gastro-tours" take tourists through a destination to try to literally taste the flavor of a town, and to find the perfect dish from many. Take a guided Gastro-tour, such as those offered by prominent Connecticut food critics Jane and Michael Stern, or plot your own dream day in New York or Boston ending with a splurge at an acclaimed restaurant.

For High-Seas Glamour

A cruise is a great option for students who are fortunate enough to have the extra money and a passport, but want to get the best value for their dollar and their time. It sounds extravagant, but there are many local ports in New York and New Jersey, and one can score a three-to-five day cruise from $300 to $600, especially if booking at the last minute, acccording to Carnival Cruiseline.

For The Sports Fan

If you are into sports, then a trip down to the popular Hilton Head Island, S.C., for a golf vacation is a good option for you. There are dozens of Web sites devoted solely to selling affordable golf vacation packages with meals, hotel, and multiple tee times included. Or if baseball is your favorite, go watch your favorite team at spring training in Florida: Tampa for the New York Yankees, Port St. Lucie for the New York Mets or Fort Myers for the Red Sox.

For The Snow Bunny

If a cold mountaintop is more your thing than a humid beach, then hit the slopes for a ski or snowboarding vacation at any of the dozens of resorts in our area. As long as you have your own equipment, then lift passes and food expenses should be a small consideration. As far as the cabin expenses go, 6th-semester allied health major Mary Nketia adds, "Housing isn't really a big expense as long as you have a lot of people to split the cost. In fact, you can rent a nicer, bigger place as long as you just pile a lot of people in close quarters."

For The Nature Lover

A little-known Spring Break option for nature-loving college students is to hike a local portion of the Appalachian Trail for a week. During the Spring Break months, the trail becomes flooded with college students who are trying to finish the trail in increments. As one of the landmark journeys for avid hikers or nature enthusiasts, the trail never disappoints, and a good portion actually runs through northwestern Connecticut. The Connecticut section can be comfortably hiked in about three days, and includes a number of peaceful campsites along the banks of the Housatonic River.

For The Beauty Queen

If facials and massages are more your thing, then a day or two at a local spa can be a surprisingly affordable escape from the mundane. Many spas offer day or overnight packages at reduced rates, like the Spa at Norwich Inn, which offers day packages from $183 to $300; each includes several indulgent treatments and full use of spa services.

"A spa day would be really cute and relaxing," remarked Kate Godlewska, a 6th-semester marketing major, "especially if you go with a lot of friends and make a day of it with some shopping and a fancy dinner out."

For The Language-Deficient

Studying abroad next semester and terrified of offending the natives with your pronunciation? Never fear, just take the opportunity of spring break to attend a language immersion camp. Having grown in popularity in this age of international connection, there are programs in any desired language in any desired time span: from a weekend to a few days, from one week to many. Although many are overnight camps, there are also a few day camps for commuters.

For The Disney Fan

Love "The Lion King" or "Beauty and the Beast?" Go to the place that started it all: Disney World. A student can easily do four days in Disney World for only $500, including airfare and hotel, said DelMastro, who has already booked several affordable Disney World vacations for 2008.

For The Desperate And Stranded

If you are truly and unavoidably stuck inside your same boring hometown, try and bring some Spring Break to you for compensation. Gather up all of your fellow collegians who are also Connecticut-bound (or Connecticut-stuck) and plan a fiesta- or beach-themed party so that you can all commiserate together. After all, misery loves company.

Contact Mallory Huron at

Mallory.Huron@UConn.edu.