The world is your oyster
It has been a spring-like week in the Carolinas and with school starting back up, classrooms are the last place many students want to be. However, spring break is right around the corner and now is the time to start planing for your extravagent adventure. If luxury and gorgeous destinations are what you seek and your budget is $500-$1,200, the world is your oyster.
If you’re looking for a skiing adventure away from the east coast, Aspen, Colo. is a perfect destination. The Gant is a beautiful hotel located at the base of Aspen Mountain and only three blocks from ski lifts and downtown Aspen. For four people to share a two-bedroom with one queen and two twin-sized beds for a four-day trip, the price is $554 per person plus taxes and fees. The overall price per person comes to $618.15. The condo includes two bedrooms, a kitchen, balcony, daily housekeeping, WIFI Internet and a wood burning fireplace. This price does not include the lift tickets, ski or snowboard rentals so budget wisely. On Expedia.com, flights leaving from Raleigh-Durham airport with only one stop to Aspen were $510. The overall price for this cold weather mountain destination is around $1,200.
Danielle Clark, a senior marketing major said, “I’d rather go to a warm place for spring break that way I can soak up the sun, de-stress and not even think about the cold weather here in Wilmington. Plus, it makes you happier to be in a place that is warm rather than in a place that is freezing.”
The Bahamas are known for tropical weather, fruity drinks and beautiful beaches; however, they are not always known for their affordability, but this destination is within reason. Club Fortuna Resort is an ocean front paradise and Grand Bahama Island’s only all-inclusive resort. The price online is misleading because www.clubfortuna.com claims to offer room rates for $75 per night per person. After calling to reserve a room, this was not the case. For four people to share a bedroom with two queen beds for a four-day trip, the price is $125 per night. However, the hotel does offer AAA discount rates making the room available for $106.75 per night.
According to the Viva Wyndham Resort Web site and www.clubfortuna.com, “The property offers two delicious restaurants, three bars, a disco, an invigorating activities program, a kid’s club and gymnasium.”
The hotel provides 24-hour snack services, unlimited drinks, cocktails and wines, fruit and drink services on the beach, local cooking classes and cocktail preparation classes. These features are all-inclusive, but be sure to save up for non-inclusive activities including water skiing, kite surfing, snorkeling, horseback riding and even banana boat rides.
On Expedia.com, flights leaving from Raleigh-Durham Airport with only one stop to these Carribean destinations ranged from $375 to $569 in price.
Without the AAA discount and the lowest airfare rate, the total cost per person for this all-inclusive Bahamas get-away is $500.
It is important to remember the rules have recently changed about flying out of the country. Citizens must provide a passport and this process can take six to eight weeks to receive the document.
According to the U.S. Department of State’s Website, “Implemented on Jan. 23, 2007, all persons traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States.”
Anywhere you choose to go during your spring break, be safe and enjoy every moment.