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Spring Break. Where to go, top 10 fun things, and safety tips Submitted by Erika Guerra, Resident Assistant, University of the Incarnate Word. TOP SPRING BREAK SPOTS.
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Spring Break Where to go, top 10 fun things, and safety tips Submitted by Erika Guerra, Resident Assistant, University of the Incarnate Word
TOP SPRING BREAK SPOTS It is hard choosing where to go for spring break every year. For the past several years these have been the top spots to go for your trip. 1. Bahamas 2. Rosarito Beach/ Ensenada Mexico 3. Key West, Florida 4. Daytona Beach, Florida 5. Mazatlan, Mexico 6. Jamaica 7. Lake Havasu, Arizona 8. South Padre Island, Texas 9. Cancun, Mexico 10. Panama City, Florida Where will you be going this spring break?
Spring Break Safety Tips • Spring break can be the greatest time of your life, but if you do not take precautions it could be the worst time of you life. Here are some safety tips to take with you on your spring break trip. • Make sure to have everybody’s cell phone number that is in your group. This is a safety precaution in case you are separated. • Make a list of emergency contact numbers. In the event that some thing happens people know who to contact if you have an emergency. Sometimes creating a an identification card with allergies, medical conditions, emergency contact, and other identifying information may work better. • Stay in large groups at all times. Being alone in a foreign country or unknown area can be very dangerous for your health and safety. • Have a plan of what you are going to do when you get to your destination. • Set a meet up location in the event that your group gets separated and has no way of contacting other members of the group.
Spring Break Safety Tips • 6. Know where the closet fire department, police stations, and hospitals are at your destination. • Control your drinking. Yes, it is fun to have a good time, but it is not fun if you end up lost, hurt, or harmed. It is hard to make good decisions when you drink. • Keep an eye on your friends. Make sure they don’t drink too much or leave with a person they don’t know. • Do not participate in activities after you have been drinking that could hurt you or potentially kill you. This includes driving, swimming, or anything that utilizes your concentration or motor skills. Alcohol diminishes your ability to use these skills. • Spring break is a great time off from school to have fun and make excellent memories with your family and friends. Be responsible and make the right decisions to continue having an awesome spring break every year.
Airplane travel tips • There are a few things you should remember when you decide to take a trip by flying: • Remember that the security has heightened in the airports ever since September 11th happened and many things are changed or new rules are implemented. Make sure to check with the airline for those necessities. • Confirm the status of your flight. Your carrier's web site or telephone helpline has this information, as do several other sources including online flight-status checkers and travel agents. • Arrive at least two hours before scheduled departure times for domestic flights, and at least three hours for international flights. • Most airlines and airports have resumed curb-side check in. There are additional requirements at some airports, so check with your travel agent or carrier before arrival... and be prepared to show ID and travel tickets. • You may find some airport amenities curtailed or closed. This applies also to first-class lounges and VIP rooms.
Airplane travel tips • In-flight meal service will be discontinued on some domestic and international flights beginning November 1. Check with your carrier for details.Access beyond security checkpoints is being limited to passengers with electronic or paper tickets. If you are using an e-ticket, you will need to have your boarding pass or a computer printout of your ticket confirmation and itinerary to proceed past checkpoints. • In addition to your boarding pass, you will need proper photo identification, • such as a driver's license, passport, or military- or government-issued identification to enter secured areas. • Limit carry-on luggage to one bag and one personal item (laptop, purse, briefcase, etc.). Actual restrictions and limitations vary by airline and destination. Hand inspections of carry-on baggage will be more likely, as will increased inspection of electronic devices.
Airplane travel tips • Knives and other edged-items are not allowed in carry-on baggage or past security checkpoints. This includes pocketknives, ice picks, corkscrews, box cutters, screwdrivers, etc. Be aware that similar items are considered suspicious, such as knitting needles. • Needles or syringes must have a doctor's note to be allowed on the plane. • Unattended luggage will very likely be searched, and possibly destroyed. DON'T LEAVE YOUR LUGGAGE UNATTENDED. • Picking-up and dropping-off travelers will become more time-consuming, so plan • accordingly. Also expect greater attention from airport security. • Unaccompanied minors are forbidden on flights with a change of aircraft, and those that make stops. Most carriers allow minors on non-stop flights. Check your carrier or travel agent for details.
Driving travel tips A driving vacation can be a lot of fun, but don't leave safety and common sense behind. Here are the basics for a safe vacation. Before You Go-Check your car or have it serviced before any long trip (battery, tires, belts and fluids). -Have a qualified technician check the air conditioner. -Check your oil. If you will be towing a trailer or boat, or driving in the desert, switch to a motor oil with higher viscosity. -Pack an emergency kit that includes water, jumper cables, flares, a flashlight, equipment to change a tire, and a first aid kit. -Fill up your gas tank at night or early in the morning to minimize damage to the ozone layer. -Make sure your child safety seats and booster seats are properly installed.
Driving travel tips On the Road-Require all occupants to buckle up, with children in the back seat. -Obey speed limits and all roadway signs. -Drive calmly and avoid entanglements with aggressive drivers. -Pack non-perishable snacks and plenty of juice and water (individual water bottles for each traveling member helps you monitor intake to avoid dehydration). -Take frequent breaks - at least every two hours - and avoid driving when tired. -Be especially careful around railroad crossings. -Avoid driving in the "No Zone" around trucks. If you cannot see the truck driver in the truck's mirror, the truck driver cannot see you. -Slow down in work zones, obey all signs and flaggers and pay attention to the vehicle in front of you (most work zone crashes are rear-end collisions due to an inattentive driver).
Driving travel tips Touring Your Destination-A sunshade can help keep the car from becoming dangerously hot. -Taking or renting bikes? Be sure to pack your bike helmets. -Have a planned meeting site in case someone gets lost. -Above all - take it easy! Vacations should be enjoyable. If you are tense you are more likely to speed and drive aggressively. If you are tired, you are more likely to make driving errors or fall asleep at the wheel.
WHAT TO BUDGET? • Here are a few things you may want to keep in mind when traveling for spring break: Hotel: Wherever you go you will need a place to stay. Make sure to try to book in advance to get the best discounts. There are many online places to reserve a room through. Sometimes you can even book flights, rooms, and attractions through those sites like expedia.com, travelocity, etc. • Food: you think you will eat cheap until you see that there are other amazing restaurants wherever you go. It is recommended that you budget enough money for food whether you have it in an ice chest or eating out. Packing an ice chest is a good idea since many people can eat from it. Also it is always handy. • Transportation: it is not safe to drive in other countries or unfamiliar territories so taking reliable transportation is a big factor. Make sure to do research before as to which local transportation you will be taking and if you need to make reservations. Don’t forget to get the cost for when you arrive and when you leave. Ask them if they have a round trip plan for a cheaper cost of getting them together. • Sight Seeing/Entertainment: You should make a plan of what you want to do in your destination. This includes places you would like visit, clubs, drinking, and any other exciting attractions. Look online before heading to your destination to get the price of the activities you want to do.
EUROPE There are many places you can go in Europe, but listed are a few places that are frequently visited in Europe. Paris, France Paris is known as the city of Love. It contains attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triumphe, and the Cathedral of Norte Dame. London, England London is the capitol city of England. You can visit the palaces of the Royal Family, Buckingham Palace, and many other attractions. It is closely located next to Ireland, Wales, and Scotland.
EUROPE Rome, Italy Rome happens to be one of the largest cities in Europe. You can visit ancient cities and attractions. Things like the Roman Colosseum, museums, and other things from history. Venice, Italy Venice is a city that is built on water. It has no motor vehicles or trucks. It is also called the “city of canals.” Amsterdam, Holland Famous for it being the “City of Dreams.” Find excitement at Central Station, Clubs, and coffee shops. This country is very liberal, and not like the US for example you can freely smoke marijuana.
EUROPE Brussels, Belgium This city has a lot of culture and heritage. It makes the city an awesome place to visit. Half of the people in the city speak French, and the other half speak Dutch. Barcelona, Spain Home to one of the Iberian Peninsula borders. Barcelona has many different cultural and historical sites. You can visit the different cities of Roman Ruins, Medieval City, and the Modern City. Lisbon, Portugal Lisbon has lots of country side and beaches. You can see many different shops, beaches, and other attractions. Such attractions like the Vasco de Gama Bridge and the Belem Tower. The Vasco de Gama bridge stretches over 12,000 meters in length.
EUROPE Berlin, Germany Berlin has a big history and a lot of culture. They have exciting nightlife and are famous for their beer. Other big attractions are the sites of the Holocaust and the Berlin Wall. Athens, Greece Athens is the capitol of Greece. The population is almost 4 million people. Famous attractions are the Acropolis and the Olympic Stadium. Remember the Olympics were first played and founded in Greece.
ORLANDO Dolphin Swims: Get to swim with bottlenose dolphins. While also learning about history and their behavior. Free-Flight Aviary: It is one of Discovery Cove’s hidden treasures to see a national habitat where you can watch hundreds of colorful birds fly around you. Serenity Bay: Go for a swim in an 80 degree pool of freshwater. Stingray Bay: Swim in the stingray shallows and experience these animals up close or reach out and touch them. Tropical Reef: Snorkel through beautiful and colorful reef with many different species. Wind-Away River: Travel through a tropical river that goes through a rain forest, rocky terrain of waterfalls, and an underwater cave.
ORLANDO Sea World Penguin Encounters: view and learn about different kinds of penguins that live around the world. Shamu’s Happy Harbor: a place for children to ride rides and play games. Sea Animal Shows: Shamu, Seals, Seal lions, and walrus shows that give entertainment to all ages. Other Attractions at Sea World - Journey to Atlantis - Wild Arctic Ride - Kraken - Manta - Sky Tower
ORLANDO Universal Studios Universal Studios Orlando has three theme parks that are apart of it. Island of Adventure: this park has 5 islands named Marvel Super Hero Island, Toon Lagoon, Jurassic Park, The Lost Continent, and Seuss Landing. This park is a perfect place for all ages. Universal Studios Florida: It is the number one movie and TV based theme park in the world. You get to take a trip behind the scenes of your favorite movie or TV show. Wet ’n Wild: Maybe you just want an exciting wild adventure. At this park you can relax in the water or ride big water rides and slides. Either way it makes for some good fun.
Top Ski Resorts Aspen Colorado: Well known as the ski resort to the rich and famous. One of the most visited resorts in the United States. Mont-Tremblant, Quebec: It was the second resort to open in North America in 1939. It was the first resort to open in Canada. The village is a pedestrian only area. Many people can enjoy their entire vacation without using their car. Stowe, Vermont: This resort has the longest vertical drop in the area. Has two ski areas. Banff (Lake Louise), Canada: Has some of the most scenic mountains. The resort has three ski areas and each are approximately 31 miles apart. Vail: Has 5,300 acres of ski action. Has art museums, galleries, dog sledding, and hockey. Whistler Blackcomb: Has the biggest vertical drop of any slope in North America. Has over 100 restaurants in the area.
South padre island South Padre Island is one of the biggest party places for Spring Break in Texas. It has miles of white sandy beaches with many beach and water activities. Students should just remember to stay safe when partying on the island. Activities at South Padre Island Beach Buggy: rent a beach buggy to cruise around the strip, in the sand dunes, or along the beach. Dolphin Watch Cruises: board a boat to go see the popular areas where the dolphins swim. Horseback riding: take a 1-2 hour ride through the san dunes and along the beach. Kite boarding: A new water sport adventure, south padre has year-around conditions for. IT is great for beginners or experts. Surfing: At South Padre Island the Gulf of Mexico offers great waves in Texas to get into surfing. They have lessons available for beginners. Windsurfing: South Padre Island is recognized for one of the world’s top windsurfing destinations. Other Activities: - Fishing - Golf - Banana Boat Rides - Jet Ski Rentals - Wave Runner Rentals - Parasailing - Scuba Diving - Kayaking - Schlitterbahn
HAWAII Hawaii has six main islands attached each has unique and fun activities to do: Kauai is the oldest island of Hawaii. It houses many attractions like Polihale Heiau, Kauai Museum, and Havola Place of Refuge. Oahu is home to many significant points and landmarks. Attractions such as the cliffs of Nuuanu Pali Lookout, the Lolani Palace of King Kalakaua, Pear Harbor memorials of the Battleship Missouri and the USS Arizona. Molokai use to be a place of refuge for those who broke kapu (taboo). The people on the island are really separated form mainland adventures. IT hosts attractions like the Kalaupapa National Historic Park, Zamehameha V House, and Molokai’s Fish Ponds.
HAWAII Lahai is a main island for the growth of pineapples. The island holds many trails and beautiful landscape. Some attractions are Kaunolu Village, Wahiwa Petroglyphs, and Keahikawudo (aka Garden of the Gods). Maui’s history says that the Demigod Maui pulled the islands from the sea. The island is named after a mythological person because the island is shaped like a man’s head and body. The island houses attractions like the Halekii-Pinana State Monuments, Lao Valley State Park, and Whalers Village Whaling Museum. Hawaii’s Big Island is the youngest of the six islands. The big island is one of the biggest and most vital to Hawaii’s culture. The big island houses the Kilauea Volcano which is still very active. Kealakekua Bay, Mokuaikaua Church, and Puuhonua O Honauhau National Historic Park are located on this island.
Top 10 waterfalls • Niagara Falls, Niagara, New York: Connects Lake Erie with Lake Ontario. Portion of the border between the US and Canada. • McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Big Sur, California: Only waterfall to fall directly into the ocean. • Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite National Park, California: Waterfall is 620 feet high. • Multnomah Falls, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon: Waterfall is 620 feet high. • Shoshone Falls, Twin Falls, Idaho: Waterfall is 900 feet high. • Havasu Falls, Supai Village, Havasupai Indian Reservation, Grand Canyon, Arizona: Waterfall is 200 feet high. • Snoqualmie Falls, between Snoqualmie and Fall City Washington: Was in the TV show “Twin Peaks” • Upper Whitewater Falls, in Southwestern North California: Waterfall is 411 feet high. • Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming: Waterfall is 308 feet high. • Lower Calf Creek Falls, Escalante National Monument, Utah: Has a six mile trail to get to the 126 feet high waterfall.
Top 10 us historical sites • Statue of Liberty – New York, New York: Represents the country’s promise of freedom and democracy for millions of travelers. • Patriotic Path: Freedom Trail - Boston Massachusetts: Two and a half mile path through 16 significant US historical sites. Go through places like the site of the Boston Massacre and the Bunker Hill Monument. • Independence National Historic Park – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: The museum houses major landmarks such as the liberty bell, independence hall, and where the second Continental Congress wrote the Declaration of Independence. • National Archives Building – Washington, D.C.: Find the most important documents of US history. You can see the original copies of the Declaration of Independence, the constitution, Bill of Rights, and the Emancipation Proclamation. • Arlington National Cemetery – Arlington, Virginia: Every American veteran is buried in this cemetery. More than 290,000 heroes including three unidentified service members who are buried at the Tombs of the Unknown. John F. Kennedy who is also buried in the cemetery with an eternal flame.
Top 10 us historical sites • Lincoln Memorial – Washington, D.C.: View the 20 foot statue of the United State’s 16th president Abraham Lincoln. The statue represents the many accomplishments of President Lincoln and has them in scripted on the side and around the statue. • United States Service Academies: Visit any of the many colleges and universities where our military are trained and educated throughout the nation. Schools such as Annapolis, West Point, New London, and Kings Point. • Mount Rushmore National Memorial – Keystone, South Dakota: The famous 60 foot mountain with 4 of the US presidents carved on the side. The carving was done by sculptor Gutzon Borglum. The four presidents are George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt. • Plymouth Plantation – Plymouth, Massachusetts: A recreation of the original plymouth colony. Visitors can view living in the 1600s and board the Mayflower II. • Colonial Williamsburg – Williamsburg, Virginia: This sites takes visitors back to colonial days. It was founded by John Rockefeller, Jr.
Other Popular Sites Here are some other sites around the nation to visit during spring break: • Yellowstone National Park • Grand Canyon • Route 66 • Alamo • Washington Memorial • Jefferson Memorial • Veterans Memorial Wall • Death Valley National Park • Yosemite National Park • Pearl Harbor Memorial • Hoover Dam • Ellis Island • Empire State Building • White House • Holocaust Museum • Hana Highway • Central Park • Warner Bros. Studios • Aerospace Museum • NASA in Texas and Florida • Hershey Factory • Cirque de Soleil • Alcatraz • San Diego Zoo • Disney Land • Disney World
