Students at the University of Maryland Consider Price When Planning Spring Break Trips

After months of snow and schoolwork, students at the University of Maryland are counting the days until some rest and relaxation. Finally, break is right around the corner and students are getting ready to dive into warmer weather to blow off some steam.

Now or never

Some students, like Amber Langway, jumped on the opportunity to get away as soon as they could.

Langway, a junior, chose to go on a trip composed of mostly seniors because of her friend group. Many of her closest friends will be graduating in May so she wants to spend as much time with them as possible.

This March she will be traveling to Cancun, Mexico with over 500 other students from the university. Student Travel Services (STS) offers an all-inclusive, five-night stay for a base price of $1,200. This price includes a round-trip flight, hotel accommodations, food and drink. 

VIP party packages, which include guaranteed entry and skipping the lines at clubs, can be added to any trip for an extra $300. STS Travel offers trips throughout the year to various destinations, including Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, the Bahamas and Panama City, Florida.

While this may seem like a steep price for less than a week of travel, “It’s worth it for the memories that will be made,” says Langway. “I’ll never have the opportunity to travel with such a big group of people again. I’ve always wanted to enjoy a ‘typical college spring break,’ and this is my opportunity for it.”

Spring break on a budget

If an all-inclusive spring break plan isn’t in your budget, there’s still hope for a great week. If you’re lucky enough to have friends who live in warm areas, all you really need is money for is a flight. Reilly Dunn plans to visit her friend who lives in Miami for a quick, inexpensive getaway.

“I just wanted to spend a few days away from home without breaking the bank,” says Dunn. “The best way I could think of it was to visit my friend in Florida.”

With over 1,300 miles of coast, Florida is a desirable, yet nearby location. Students can book discount flights using travel search engine websites, and for Dunn this was the best option.

“I don’t have any crazy plans in mind. I look forward to laying in the sun, getting a tan and getting to see another side of [my friend] by getting to know her family,” says Dunn. She hopes to experience her friend’s Latin culture, and save a few bucks, through her mother’s home-cooked meals.  

At the end of the week, spring break should be just that: a break. Take the time to clear your mind and relax, regardless of your budget.