Home     Flights     Cars     Rail     Hotels     Vacations     Cruises     Last Minute Packages     SALE   My TripsHelp En Français

Make a Break for It By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large February 11, 2004 Groundhog Day has come and gone and, like it or not, it looks like winter isn’t going to release us from its icy grip for a few more weeks. Unlike the Groundhog, we can't burrow away in hibernation for several more weeks until the days turn sunnier and longer. What should you do? Tap into the Spring Breaker that lies dormant (or in some cases, not so dormant) inside yourself. I know what you’re thinking: Spring Break is about drunken, semi-clad college students running amok in once-quiet resort communities. To that, I reply: Spring Break is about all that--and more! Seriously, despite stereotypes fueled by late night cable movies, Spring Break is for anyone--couples, families, and singles alike--in need of an escape from the winter doldrums. I’m guessing that includes you. Don’t know where to go? Here are this year’s Spring Break hot spots: Orlando Las Vegas Tampa Fort Myers Fort Lauderdale Phoenix Denver Los Angeles Miami New Orleans Not far enough away? I hear you. More and more people are flying farther from home again. So how about London, Paris, or Rome? Those are just three of our top three European destinations. Or head south to Cancun, San Jose, Costa Rica, or Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. If the Caribbean is your thing, the top destinations are Nassau, Aruba, and Grand Cayman. (The good thing about getting out of the country is those trips tend to be a week long, where as those of us who remain stateside only shave off a few days.) Spring Break is about escaping and having fun. Traveling, no matter whom you're with, is often about meeting others and making new friends. But it should also be about safety, so remember to: Leave a copy of your itinerary with someone at home and plan periodic scheduled check-in call times. Never give out your hotel information to strangers, even if they seem harmless. Always arrange to meet new people in public places. As they say, there is safety in numbers, so if you're in an unfamiliar place, stay with a group, at least until you know the lay of the land. Always be aware of your surroundings and try to blend in. When abroad, carry the address and phone number of the American Embassy with you at all times. Wherever it is that Spring Break takes you, enjoy the respite from your winter routine. I'll see you next week when the days will be just a little bit longer! If you have a question or topic you would like me to cover in a future column, please e-mail Amy Ziff at askamy@travelocity.com And remember to look here for your topic each week!

Holiday & Seasonal Travel Tips & Advice Summer Is Here – It's Time for Vacation! By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large It's a Ho-Ho Holiday Gift Guide By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large Halloween Graveyards By Natasha Carvell, Editor Call Me Crazy, But I'm Ready to Talk Holiday By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large Why Traveling This Winter Holiday Will Be Different! By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large Over the River and Through the Woods for Thanksgiving We Go (and Go!) By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large 'Tis the Season for Gifts--and I Have All the Inspiration You Need! By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large Driving Smarter This Season By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large The Hottest Holiday Buy This Season Is a TotalTrip By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large It's a Day for Dad (and It's Coming Soon!) By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large A Beach Is a Beach--Or Is It? By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large Travel Inspirations for Today's Modern Mother on Her Day By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large Make a Break for It By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large Valentine's Day Vows Anyone? By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large Where Will You Ring in the New Year? By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large Holiday Gift Guide For Travelers By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large Red Hot Trouble Spots This Holiday Season: Predicting Delays By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large Travelers Want to Know What To Expect This Holiday Season By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large Getting Into the Spirit By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large Getting Into the Spirit By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large Time to Rethink that Holiday Buying Strategy. Starting Now. By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large Autumnal Outings by Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large Barbecue is a Big-Time American Tradition: Why Not Take a Bite This Summer? By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large What Have You Done for Her Lately? By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large Take a Break While Playing it Safe By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large Father's Day Top 10 Golf Resort Picks By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large Getting Away for Romance or Just Getting Away? By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large Holiday Travel Can Be a Breeze! By Amy Ziff, Editor-at-Large