Traditional choices not only options for spring break fun
by Chris Taylor, editor in chief

    Spring break is right around the corner, and college students all across the country are preparing for vacations.

    Students generally gravitate toward beaches for the week-long break from studies. But options other than the traditional sites are available.

    The Australia Tourist Commission suggests a trip to the land down under for spring break.

    Australia offers some of the world’s most famous beaches, including snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef.

    Another appealing aspect for college students might be that all the bars and clubs in Australia are open until the sun comes up.

    Such a trip is not cheap though, with the cost somewhere around $2000 depending on departure sites.

    One plus to an Australian trip for spring break is that the U.S. dollar is worth about $1.85 in Australian money. So when the visitor gets there, he will have almost double the spending money in his pocket.

    Those interested in Australia may visit the Commission’s website online at www.australia.qantas.com or call 1-800-96-KOALA for more information.

    Students who prefer to go to some of the more traditional locations can still experience a wild week and possibly find a job.

    The Spring Break Career Expo, in its fourth year, will be in Panama City Beach, Fla., March 6-7 and in South Padre Island March 13-14.

    The Expo has been called an “employer’s gold mine” by some.

    It offers job seeking college students the chance to meet with recruiters from top national firms in a relaxed, hassle-free environment.

    At the expo, recruiters will swap their wingtips for sandals and suits for shorts to meet potential future associates.

    “People can walk around without their shirts and shoes, have a great time and still get a good paying job out of it,” Scott Pressman, the expo’s promoter, said.

    “All we ask is that both recruiters and students leave their suits and ties at home,” he said.

    Exhibit facilities for the expo are directly on the beach. The recruiters will answer any questions. Students may fill out resumes and participate in interviews with the companies.

    For more information on the expo, call 1-800-252-4757 or visit the Expo online at www.ejobexpo.com.

    For students venturing to South Padre Island, the popular night spot, Charlie’s Paradise Bar, is gone. In its place a new waterpark is being built on the beach.

    Though the park will not be ready for spring breakers to splash into in March, park operators plan a night event at the site called The Club at Rio Beach. Featuring a nightclub atmosphere, the event includes a 5,000 square-foot dance floor with a DJ, midway complete with 18-story Slingshot and Skyscraper rides and live music during Texas Week.

    Entertainers include Robert Earl Keen and Trish Murphy performing March 12. Additional performers are being announced on www.theclubatriobeach.com or on the information line at 956-761-1175.

    Students may also purchase insurance for their spring break trip.
    Travel Guard International is offering students insurance, starting as low as $29 per trip. The all-inclusive policy includes coverage for trip cancellation, emergency medical expenses, baggage and travel delay and lost baggage.

    The StudentGuard 24-hour emergency assistance hotline helps students with emergency cash advances, ticket or passport replacement, medical referrals and even bail bond assistance.

StudentGuard is available to students under 29 years of age and covers trips up to 14 days.

    For information, call 1-877-216-4885 or visit the company’s website online at www.travelguard.com.