Daytona, Myrtle Beach, Cancun? How about South Padres Island, Texas?
By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
Where do you want to spend spring break?
If you want to get away from it all, Lynn Kistner, travel agent with Canalview Travel Service, Inc. in Fulton, has a few ideas of great places to go.
If you want to snag good deals — and warm up for a few days — she recommends Cancun, Mexico and the Dominican Republic.
“The prices are lower and the resorts are nice,” Kistner said. “You have to be careful as a lot of resorts don’t accept ‘spring breakers.’ You have to find a resort that will accept college student-aged people.
Confirm this before making plans.”
In the U.S., check out South Padres Island, Texas (www.sopadre.com). Kistner lauded both the resorts and beaches at this venue. The coastal town offers nightlife, fishing, nature excursions, bike rentals and more. Check the “Spring Break” tab on the tourist website. “Daytona Beach is a classic party place,” she added. “They’re usually having concerts and there’s a lot of activities going on for college students.
In addition to 23 miles of white sand beaches, Daytona Beach (www.daytonabeach.com) offers nature trails and parks, auto and motorcycle racing, golfing, waterfront dining and arts and culture.
“South Beach Miami is more of a high-end vacation, if money is not an issue,” Kistner said. “There are a lot of night clubs and activities.”
South Beach Miami (www.visitflorida.com/places-to-go/southeast/south-beach) provides abundant nightlife, against a backdrop of historic Art Deco architecture and waterside dining. Enjoy tennis, golf, biking and of course, the beach.
If you don’t want to fly, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina (www.myrtlebeach.com) may be an option. Catch a show at the Carolina Opry, enjoy animal interactions like Ripley’s Aquarium and Alligator Adventure, or explore the Grand Strand by kayak or paddleboard. Since you will be traveling in April, the weather in South Carolina may still be iffy.
Speaking of iffy, the entire concept of traveling for spring break is still a big question because of COVID-19. Booking online may be quick and easy; however, travelers have no support if the pandemic changes their plans.
“At this point, I wouldn’t book on the internet but seek a travel professional to navigate the COVID details you’ll need,” Kistner said. “It’s a lot more involved now than it used to be. You have to stay up to date on all the protocols and with each country, it’s different. A travel agent will make sure you’re within all the requirements.
“There are certain dates that you have to do certain things by to make sure your trip will be successful, whether COIVID testing or staying at a hotel that requires it or forms you have to have for different countries.”
Whether you book it yourself or use a travel agent, make sure you understand any cancelation policies and create a back-up plan in case your original plan must change. Each attraction you want to experience may have specific COVID guidelines, so understand these before you book. Check your venue’s social media pages frequently for any COVID updates.
Featured image: Skyline of Myrtle Beach, a favorite spring break destination for college students.
