by Kendra Bridel
Staff Writer
Students travel great distances in order to show themselves a great time for spring break. However, this year, some students are keeping their trips local, while others are branching out.
The traditional hot spots for local college students are Lake Havasu, Ariz., Laughlin, Nev., Mexico and San Diego.
Andy Kowal, an agent for La Verne Travel, said, “A lot of people are going to Lake Havasu. Unfortunately, people can’t fly there unless they go to Phoenix, Ariz., and drive from there.”
Senior Pat Macias, behavioral science major, said, “My fraternity brothers and I are going to Crazy Horse camp site in Lake Havasu. A lot of people go there; it is affordable and it will help our fraternity get closer.”
Some students are being more cost conscious this year. Some believe that camping at Lake Havasu will save them money in the end.
“I’d rather spend $300 on beer than a hotel room,” said Macias.
Jim Daniels, manager of La Verne Travel, said, “Most people are calling to buy tickets to go home and see their folks. I don’t think we have had a lot of requests for just one place. It is a pretty wide range.”
Some people have called Daniels requesting information on travelling to the Napa Valley, Hawaii and Cancun, Mexico and some students were inquiring on trips to Florida where they could join their friends from other colleges for the break.
“A lot of people can’t afford to go anywhere and are just staying home,” said Daniels.
Depending on the different destinations, prices range anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
“Some people pay $800 per person and some people wish to stay in a five star resort and pay $1000 per person. Some fly first class and some people fly coach. Different people pay all different rates,” said Daniels.
Junior Milo Epling, history and physical education major, is going to Lake Havasu and Ensenada, Mexico.
“The majority of the people I hang out with are going there,” said Epling. “I’m going there to party and jet ski.”
Freshman Mike Barreiro, physical education major, is going to Lake Havasu.
“I heard it goes off,” he said.
Sophomore Kelly McFarland, sociology major, said, “I’m going to Puerto Vallarta with my boyfriend and his family. I want to sit back, drink, relax and get away from the pressures of school,” said McFarland.
“I’m going to the [Colorado] River with my roommate because it is the main attraction for spring break,” said Isa Lose, a freshman music major.
One of the popular attractions in Lake Havasu and Lake Mead is renting houseboats. Most houseboats hold eight to 12 people.
“We do very little of the houseboat rentals for Lake Mead and Lake Havasu. Seven Crown resorts deals with people one on one,” said Daniels.
Junior Nancy de los Cobos, physical education major, is planning on going to San Felipe for the first half of her spring break and to Lake Havasu for the second half.
“I chose those places because I want the most party for my money. It’s going to be non-stop partying,” said de los Cobos.
Senior Andrew Phillips, English major, said, “I’m going to the strip in San Diego and possibly Rosarito.”
Sophomore Armando Hernandez, a diversified major, said, “I’m going to Mazatlan. Some of my friends are going. I just want to go party and meet people from other colleges.”
Maui “the god of a thousand tricks,” has special rates for the spring season. For a standard hotel room at the Maui Palms Hotel, it costs $58 and holds up to three people per room. If there is a fourth person the superior room costs $68.
Freshman Morgan Babler, diversified major, said, “I’m going to Maui with my brother and my dad. I want to soak up some sun and drink tropical drinks.”
