Artwork by
Dennis Murphy

For the students, by the students

What are you doing for Spring Break?
Silvia Christen, Corner Post Staff

March 11, 2004 - Spring break is just around the corner. Because of cost, Europe is out of the question and it's too late to book a reasonably priced trip to Cancun or Miami. Most college students' budgets don't leave room for a lot of elaborate plans, but they still want to go somewhere and do something for spring break this year.

Here are a few inexpensive and fun ways to get away for spring break this year.

Road trips are always fun, and there isn't much planning involved. Pick a final destination and decide day you would like to arrive back at home. Do enough basic research so that you can predict the approximate cost of hotels, gas and entertainment.

Once you have decided the general direction of your travels, you can start driving and have a great time. Stop as often as possible along the way to take pictures of random things, and take all the detours you want. Taking music, cards and snack food along is also a good way to cut down on the cost of food and entertainment.

Another really inexpensive way to travel over spring break is by visiting your friends at home. You can go and spend the entire week with a friend or consider a tour of several friends' homes. Get a carload of people, and systematically travel from one home to the next throughout the week. Since most parents will be happy to feed you and your friends for a night or two, all you will have to pay for is gas and snacks.

Have you ever considered going camping? Most state parks and conservation sites allow camping and are usually very reasonably priced. The two limiting factors would be the need for equipment and the Missouri weather. The nights are still pretty cold, and building a campfire is not everyone's strongest talent. However, if you are the outdoorsy type, this could be a fun way to spend spring break. The Rec Center rents camping equipment, tents and outdoor gear to MU students for a nominal fee.

Finally, the cheapest way to spend your break is probably going to involve activities in and around Columbia. There are a lot of fun things to do that are within driving distance from Columbia. The Outlet Mall in Osage Beach is a fun way to spend the day, or try looking for destinations in Kansas City and St. Louis. Try the MKT and Katy Trails. Go to Rock Bridge State Park. Read that one book that you've been wanting to finish.

No matter what you do for spring break, remember to have fun. But don't forget to always put safety first. Risking your safety or the safety of a friend is never worth a thrill.

If you still don't have any plans for break, don't stress, a week off may be just what you need. Enjoy the week away from appointments, roommates and classes, and have a great spring break.

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