Spring break for every budget – Archive
Written by Amanda Pretulac, Feb 21, 2011, 0 Comments
Amanda Pretulac
Entertainment Editor
Life as a college student is hectic—three-hour classes, late-night studying, and part-time jobs. Some time off is in order. Here are a few ideas to fit different budgets to ensure you have a memorable 2011 spring break.
$0-100: Plan a Staycation
Travel can be overwhelming and stressful. Opt for a more low-key vacation. Plan to take the week off from work so you can really get the most out of your time off of school. Here is a week’s worth of ideas to inspire you to plan your own Staycation.
Sunday: Wear one of the prettiest dresses you own and meet your girlfriends for tea and pastries at the Vinoy Hotel downtown overlooking the marina.
Monday: With leftover berries from the Saturday Morning Market, bake a homemade pie. Pair it with vanilla ice cream and your favorite reruns.
Tuesday: Wake up at sunrise and drive to the beach. Leave all electronics in the car, and don’t forget to bring your favorite novel, a cozy blanket and a thermos of iced tea.
Wednesday: Visit First Fruits Hydroponics on 46th Avenue North to go strawberry picking. Spend the rest of the afternoon making homemade strawberry jam.
Thursday: Meet up with your best friend for relaxing manicures and pedicures. Before the trip make sure to stock up on the most recent fashion magazines.
Friday: Meet your friends for a picnic at North Straub Park. Pack lots of blankets and pillows to sit back and relax.
Saturday: Host a game night party. You’ll need classics like Monopoly and Scrabble, and plenty of chips and salsa.
$250: Weekend Away
If taking off work for a whole week is not an option, take a weekend escape to Sarasota. Stay at the charming Hotel Ranola. Amenities include beautiful hardwood floors and luxury bedding. Make sure to call the hotel beforehand to get the lowest rate. Get to know the area by visiting John Ringling Museum, Selby Botanical Gardens, or Mote Marine Aquarium. Rent a bike to save money on gas and take a trip down to the beach to pick up shells along the shore.
$500: Seven-Night Southern Caribbean Cruise
The New York Times recommends Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas cruise because of its deluxe spa experience. Ports of call include San Juan, Puerto Rico, British Virgin Islands, and St. Maarten. Make sure to pack a floppy hat, aviator sunglasses, and a sarong to be the epitome of glamour on the ship. Instead of inviting your close friends, choose to take your mom along with you for a much-needed girls’ vacation to catch up.
$1,000+: Runaway to Miami
Stay in Miami in style by booking a room at The Delano Hotel on Miami Beach. Visit the Villa Vizcaya recommended by “1,000 Places to See Before you Die” for its famous gardens and remarkable architecture. Treat yourself to a spa treatment at The Spa at Viceroy Miami, and then perfect your tan on South Beach. For the ultimate romantic gesture take a private plane ride by booking with Miami Sea Plane for a flight over the city.
