Travel Agents: Still Time to Make Spring Break Plans

College students know the hype -- Spring Break is a big deal.

And travel agents say it's not too late to plan your own tropical getaway.

"Many students start selecting their Spring Break options as early as August, but now is still a good time to book reservations," said Brandon Vernon, manager of Spring Break Travel in Chapel Hill.

Vernon said the most popular package destinations include Panama City,Fla.; Cancun, Mexico; Jamaica; and the Bahamas.

Vernon explains that for vacations such as these, passports are not a necessity. "An original birth certificate with a raised seal will suffice," he said.

Another increasingly popular option for Spring Break is travel by sea.

Tiffany Felde, manager of STA Travel in Chapel Hill, said flight reservations decreased slightly in the months following Sept. 11.

"Everyone is still planning to make Spring Break trips, but recently more students have seemed happier to drive to Florida and hop on a boat," she said.

These high-demand student cruise packages offer passengers a voyage to the western Caribbean for approximately $500, including meals.

For students eager to settle their break plans, Felde suggests they act quickly. "Now is the crunch time. Don't expect to find a good last-minute deal one week prior to break," she said.

Prices for vacations can range from $250 to $1,200, depending on accommodations and spending money.

Matt Habib, a junior journalism major, recalls his Spring Break trip to Jamaica as a wonderful experience but warns students to remember that you get what you pay for.

"Don't worry about what your room looks like," Habib said. "You're a college kid. Living conditions only really matter for the first two hours."

But some students, like junior economics major Mike Davidson, say a memorable week is worth the extra cash.

"You can save your pennies, sleep eight to a room and cook your own meals, but how many times will you be given such an opportunity for freedom?" said Davidson, who spent last Spring Break in Panama City.

Once they have assessed their wallets, there are a few ways students can go about booking their vacations.

Web sites such as http://www.studentexpress.com and http://www.springbreakpanamacity.com are filled with information about vacation destinations and offer online reservation options.

But for students who prefer personal assistance, booking through travel agencies such as Spring Break Travel and STA Travel are popular choices.

To do this efficiently, Felde recommends that students get their groups together and have an idea of where they want to go. "Dealing with 'I just want to go to someplace sunny' can be tough," she said.

And Vernon said students should be prepared to dish the cash right away. "In order to secure reservations this close to break, quick payment is necessary," he said.

Because Spring Break trips can be a pricey investment, Felde recommends that students purchase travel insurance.

"This $43 policy can serve as an angel on your shoulder for the week," she said. "It offers a refund if your plans change, insurance in case of accidents and 24 hour-a-day access to English-speaking doctors."

Overall Habib suggests that students enjoy and take advantage of their trip. "Despite where you stay or what you do, the fact that you're on Spring Break and partying all the time should make the trip wonderful," he said.

So grab your friends, make reservations, and smile for the camera -- you might be seeing yourself on MTV Spring Break reruns for the next six months.

The Features Editor can be reached at features@unc.edu.