<p>I started this in the College Life section, but I figured parents could help out too since you guys have been making travel plans for years now probably.
My friends and I have started to think about spring break plans for '08 just so we have plenty of time to take care of stuff like passports, reservations, getting good deals, etc if need be. However, we’re pretty overwhelmed as things seem to change weekly. This is our second year in college, so we really want to go to a beach/warm place to get away from the stress/coldness of March in VA. So, how should we go about this? When should reservations be made? Should we go through something like Expedia or Travelocity? Also, how do we get around the whole “21+ must check you in”? Where are top locations to go to that arn’t ridiculously expensive?</p>
<p>Basically, how on earth should we start going about this?</p>
<p>This made me chuckle (sorry). But kids from my son’s school WENT to VA during spring break to get away from cold weather!!</p>
<p>Seriously though, you can try to book online or you can go to someplace like AAA (if you are a member) and get at least some help and ideas. One of my kids said that Cancun is a “go to” spot for spring break these days. The options are endless…you could go to Disney, some island in the carribean, a Carnival cruise (last time I saw one of those boats, I was sure it had more college students on it than “oldsters”) although I don’t know the rules about cruise travel for under 21’s, Florida, San Antonio (that would be nice but not a lot of young folks flock there for spring break). </p>
<p>Personally, I don’t use Travelocity anymore. The last several times, they changed my airline flights so many times prior to my trip, and the times, I was very inconvenienced and ended up calling the airline to get it all straightened out. But that is just my opinion. Certainly others are having good luck with them. My son uses Expedia. I book my flights with the airlines and the hotels directly with the vendor.</p>
<p>Kayak.com is a great site for fare comparison. I’d also recommend booking thru the airline if you can - Orbitz, Travelocity, etc. won’t be able to help you much when your flights are delayed (and they will be).</p>
<p>And you are not going to get any sympathy points on the Parents forums for 'stress". Most of us pretty much wish we were our kids.</p>
<p>A cruise could be one of your easiest options (planning as well as cost-wise). I’m pretty sure 18 is the minimum unaccompanied age. There are 7 day cruises to the Caribbean islands starting from $300 with no frills.</p>
<p>As far as hotels go, many require you to be 21, but if you search around enough, there are some that allow 18 year olds. (esp. in the usual destinations of Florida, Cancun etc.)</p>
<p>There are package deals available to Mexico, Dominican Rep. etc. including airfare, hotel and all meals. My friend’s son just went, as a newly-turned-18.</p>
<p>There are many great last minute deals, but when your dates are not flexible, the earlier you book, the better.</p>
<p>I would say that the first thing you all need to do, before you even figure out your destination, is apply for passports now. 2 of my children’s renewals took 4 months!!!</p>