By Kristen Garza
Staff Writer
As most students are acutely aware, because the week is highlighted in several different bold colors on their personal pocket planners bordered with countless exclamation points, spring break is quickly approaching. Since most of us are distracted by the thought of our week of reprieve rather than preparing for the even faster approaching finals week, let us capitalize on this distraction and explore spring break options. Although spring break is only a week long, think of it like a pre-party to the main celebration known as summer vacation.
The first stop on researching a spring break getaway is to explore popular vacation locations. For instance, travelchannel.com lists the top spring break hot spots for college students and also popular family destinations in case you’re a parent like me.
Number one for college students is no surprise: Las Vegas. Following Las Vegas are the more unrealistic destinations: the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic. But if you’re lucky enough to have a generous loved one or a trust fund, bon voyage!
The top family destinations according to travelchannel.com are the Atlantis Resort also in the Bahamas, a ski resort in Vermont known as Smugglers Notch and a dude ranch in Arizona known as Rancho de los Caballeros.
If you’re staring wide-eyed, mouth agape at the website’s impractical list of popular locations blink and breathe. An epic spring break does not have to break the bank. Possibilities may include a road trip to explore Yosemite National Forest or catch some amazing sights while driving the California coastline on Pacific Coast Highway.
For those over the age of 21 perhaps a tour of one of the many wineries in Paso Robles offers the perfect combination of relaxation and entertainment you’re looking for. California also offers countless hiking trails, many of which are in Bakersfield’s backyard. TrailLink.com is an easy-to-navigate site to help you find an appropriate trail.
For Beatrice Cueto, a 33-year-old liberal studies major, her trail through the mountains leads to Las Vegas. Just the thought of those bright lights and late nights is all that is needed to entice spring breakers over the state line. If you’re on a budget, like most college students, perhaps you can manipulate your Las Vegas plans to include friends who can share the room and gas costs.
Maybe you have some money saved up and want to experience more than a trip over the state line to Las Vegas. A three-day cruise to Ensenada, Mexico is relatively inexpensive and the ship is always bustling with activities on board and off. Typically, as an incentive with your ticket purchase all your meals on board are included.
If cruises, parties on the beach and Vegas extreme pools are not your style, perhaps some of the activities around Bakersfield are more inviting to your tastes and wallet. The Empty Space theatre has Major League Improv with free admission from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on March 22 and 29. Club Odyssey inside the Double Tree Hotel offers dance lessons for $7 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on March 23.
For those looking to branch out from singing in the shower to a small stage Bakersfield also has a number of karaoke options from Whiskey Barrel Saloon on Calloway and Rockstarz on Meany to the Bull Shed on Rosedale Highway.
The Fox Theater is hosting Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles on March 28 and the Rabobank Arena showcases the rock musical “Hair” on March 27.
If you grew up watching MTV’s annual spring break coverage don’t be tricked into thinking that every spring break should involve nude beaches, dancing to your favorite pop artist in the sand and having your stomach pumped. Spring Break is whatever you want it to be. If you’re simply happy knowing that your kid’s spring vacation is not until April and you get to stay in your pajamas until noon, then embrace that. If you plan to spring clean and garden then turn the music up and drown out the world.
“I plan to just hang out with my kids and celebrate their birthdays,” Sarah Stutz, a 28-year-old liberal studies major, said. For some, simply catching up on lost time with family is satisfying.
If you’re anything like me, your big plans include changing the batteries in the smoke detectors and getting a head start on reading the required texts for spring quarter. Can you say boring? ‘Cause I can. Whether relaxing or partaking in the rituals of dance, adult beverage consumption and perfecting your mating dance is your spring break goal, make the most of it and enjoy yourself. Spring quarter is but a few booty shakes away.
