The Travel Version of “Would You Rather?”

My friend over at The Adventure Travel Company blog just posed this question to his readers:

“If you were given the choice between a 60” high definition plasma flat panel television with Dolby Surround Sound or a luxury two-week South African safari with private guide, which would you choose?”

Not a safari, but Taronga Zoo in Sydney has excellent giraffes with big tongues.

Since most of us aren’t in the position to purchase either right now it might be easy to say that of course we would take the safari. (If you chose the TV, maybe you should be reading this blog instead.)

But one of the points he makes is that it’s not just a choice between one big purchase or one amazing vacation. Even if you manage to save small – a few dollars a week – it adds up fast, so that this time next year, a safari might be something you could afford.

Money adds up fast the other way too. Eating dinner out instead of cooking at home, buying CDs and DVDs, stopping for a morning latte a few times a week – all of these things pick away at money that you could be saving to fund the trip of a lifetime.

So, would you rather invite friends over to watch a move once a week and spend next Spring Break in Costa Rica, or go out to a movie and buy popcorn and soda that you won’t remember a week later?
 

Have Your Own “Real World” Experience in Cancun

You may have heard that the next season of MTV’s “The Real World” is being filmed in Cancun. After 21 seasons of drunk people in (and out of) bathing suits, it’s about time they called this place home.

The cast members will be working for StudentCity.com, acting as tour guides for Spring Breakers just like you. You can have your own StudentCity Cancun experience at a great price this year. It’s not too late to book, so have a look at TravelCUTS.com for a list of departure cities, packages and dates.

Meet strangers, live in a hotel, but don’t ever stop being polite. Travel is always more enjoyable when you’re kind to those around you, especially in the real world.

Last-Minute Spring Break Deals Still Available

If you just recently looked up from your books and noticed that it’s February already and you still haven’t planned a Spring Break trip, no worries. There are still deals available for trips to Jamaica, Mexico, Florida and other popular destinations.

If you’ll be departing from the US, have a look at these Spring Break deals.

If you’ll be leaving from Canada, here are some student travel deals for you.

Time is running short, but a knowledgeable Travel CUTS student travel expert should be able to find something to fit your schedule and your budget. If you don’t see something you like online, give them a call and ask what else is available.

Spring Break 2009: Pick a Beach and Get Packing

Hopefully you already know what your Spring Break budget is going to be this year and you’ve started to make plans with friends that will keep you within that budget.

There are dozens of options for Spring Break destinations both within and outside the US, depending on how long you have and how far you want to go. Interested in one of these hot spots?

Cancun, Mexico
Negril, Jamaica
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Nassau, Bahamas
Acapulco, Mexico
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Mazatlan, Mexcio
South Padre Island, Texas
Panama City Beach, Florida

Or how about a Bahamas Party Cruise? All of these options and more are available at really good, student prices. If skiing or snowboarding is more your idea of a good time, talk to a student travel specialist at Travel CUTS about fares to Canada, Colorado, or wherever you like to play in the powder.

If you’re coming from Canada, there are special student travel deals for you too. Check out these Canadian deals:

Cuba
The Dominican Republic 
The Mayan Riviera
Daytona Beach, Florida

And remember, there’s no studying allowed on Spring Break (even if they call it “Reading Week” where you are), so be sure to get your homework done ahead of time!

Only a Few More Days for Lufthansa Spring Break Deals

This is just a sample of possible fares, good through November 30th. Book now and avoid the last-minute rush.

From New York* to:
London	$214	Frankfurt	$295
Amsterdam	$284	Barcelona	$299
Paris	$288	Prague	$315

From Boston* to:
London	$238	Frankfurt	$234
Amsterdam	$295	Barcelona	$299
Paris	$295	Prague	$342

From Washington D.C.* to:
London	$263	Frankfurt	$317
Amsterdam	$330	Barcelona	$342
Paris	$307	Prague	$377

From Miami* to:
London	$212	Frankfurt	$352
Amsterdam	$367	Barcelona	$357
Paris	$371	Prague	$408

From Chicago* to:
London	$278	Frankfurt	$352
Amsterdam	$391	Barcelona	$351
Paris	$272	Prague	$384

From Los Angeles* to:
London	$415	Frankfurt	$364
Amsterdam	$445	Barcelona	$353
Paris	$334	Prague	$343

From Portland* to:
London	$421	Madrid	$309
Amsterdam	$360	Athens	$379
Paris	$471	Rome	$419

From San Francisco* to:
London	$415	Madrid	$341
Amsterdam	$445	Athens	$442
Paris	$329	Rome	$394

From Seattle* to:
London	$212	Prague	$442
Amsterdam	$445	Athens	$459
Paris	$445	Rome	$453

From San Diego* to:
London	$462	Frankfurt	$410
Amsterdam	$333	Athens	$488
Paris	$380	Rome	$390

Remember…you can only get the Lufthansa Student Spring Break Specials at Travel CUTS.

* Roundtrip fares shown do not include taxes. (Taxes are between $370 and $470 additional to fares shown). Fares are subject to availability, may change without notice, and vary by date of departure. Other destinations also available, ask your agent for details. Valid for departures between 27 OCT 08 – 11 DEC 08 or 25 DE C08 – 02 APR 09.

For more information or to book,
call 1-800-592-CUTS (2887) or visit your nearest Travel CUTS!

Put Spring Break on Your Christmas List

It’s months away, but if you want to go further than your campus library for Spring Break, start planning now.

When relatives ask what you want for Christmas this year, let them know where you want to go and what you could use to help you get there. Maybe you need some new beach clothes, or maybe a travel gift certificate you can put toward airfare or accommodations.

Step one is getting together with a friend or five and picking out someplace you’ll love. Florida has been done, but how about the Dominican Republic, or a Bahamas Party Cruise? Check in with Travel CUTS for student discounts on the most popular packages.

Have You Been a Student Travel Cliché?

And if so, does it matter?

In a recent blog, The Backpacker listed what he thought were the ultimate student travel clichés, including a drunken bus tour of Europe and a full moon party in Thailand. But while he thinks some of these cliches should be left behind, others he sees as a right of passage, or worth doing despite the fact that everybody does them.

His list is focused on Autralians abroad, but Americans have their clichés as well: Spring Break in Cancun or Florida, a graduation trip to Disneyland or Disney World, maybe a weekend in Vegas for your 21st. 

But why not do them? If that’s where you want to go, and you have good friends to have good times with, that’s what matters most. Thinking outside the student travel box can’t hurt though, so take some time to explore your more uncommon options.