Spring Break: Getting the Most Bang for your Buck

by Courtney Cleveland

features editor

With spring break around the corner, students are searching for a destination that will provide copious amounts of fun and entertainment without breaking the bank.  Here are a few that do just that.

In Mississippi

  • Something interesting to visit is Geyser Falls Water Theme Park. It’s located in Choctaw, Miss., so it’s about an hour drive from Jackson. Aside from your basic pools and water slides, it also has a Caribbean Beach Club that features live performers, a restaurant, and bar. General admission is about $37 for one day.
  • If you just want to dip your toes in the sand, another place to visit is Gulfport Beach. Not only is part of the largest man-made beach in the world, but you can also find on-site vendors that offer anything from food to parasailing and jet-skiing.

In Tennessee

  • Beale Street, or “Home of the Blues,” is a popular attraction in Memphis that features around 25 restaurants and 7 stores. On March 11, it will be featuring The 44th Annual Silky O’Sullivan Beale Street St. Patrick’s Day Parade complete with bands, floats, cars, dancers. Best of all, it’s free.
  •  visit Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley. It is complete with a tour of the actual mansion, and you can take a peek at some of Elvis’s cars and jets. Tickets range from $38-$150, but if you make it there before the park opens, you can view Elvis’ and his family’s gravesites at no charge.
  • Another main attraction in Memphis is The National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel. It holds 260 artifacts and well over 40 films and interactive presentations that cover subjects from slavery, sit-ins, the Montgomery Bus Boycott, and Freedom Rides. The museum is open 6 days out of the week and tickets are only $15.
  • One more option would be to re-visit your childhood and go to The Nashville Zoo at Grassmere. Tickets are only $16 for adults, and for a few dollars extra, you can go on a train ride or even feed the animals.

In Florida

  • Another place to visit is PIt’s around a six-hour drive, but you could also travel by bus. One major downfall, however, is that new laws prohibit alcohol on the beach.
  • Lastly, you could make a day trip to the “happiest place on earth.” Walt Disney World is home to The Animal Kingdom, Epcot, Magical Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios.  While it’s not the cheapest route, you’d definitely get your money’s worth. A 4-park, one-day hopper pass starts at around $70. You might have to stand in the lines a while, though.

Even though spring break is supposed to be a stress free time, free of classes and boatloads of homework and papers, there are still a few things you should keep in mind.

While Driving

  • You and the individuals you’re traveling with should take turns behind the wheel. Keeping everyone well rested and alert is key. You also get to share the AUX cord, so that’s cool.
  • Make sure that everyone’s driver’s license is valid and that insurance and proof of registration are located in the vehicle.

Drinks

  • This should go without saying, but don’t drink and drive. If you do plan on drinking, know your limits and have a safe mode of transportation already planned out.  When you’re in a public area, keep an eye on your drink at all times.

Hotels

  • Use caution when choosing your hotel. Always check to ensure that your windows and doors are secure. Don’t leave anything of value out in the open when you are leaving your room. In addition to these things, you should also be aware of where the emergency exits and stairwells are located.

In short, be safe and be aware of your surroundings, but in the words of Drake, “YOLO.”