From staggering the dirty beaches of South Padre Island to toasting one at Cheers, OU students are seeking a spring jubilee in diverse locations.
According to STA Travel, Las Vegas ranks in the top three final destinations for students this spring break. OU finance junior David Hughes said his trip to Vegas is a coming-of-age experience for the 21- and-over crowd.
"This is the first spring break that all of our friends have been 21 and what better place to celebrate than Vegas," Hughes said. "Beautiful girls, lots of money and free drinks when you gamble. What more can a guy ask for?!"
They will be staying at Paris Las Vegas, with luxury accommodations that include half-scale replicas of Parisian landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe. The lasvegas.com Web site said the hotel is "modeled after the famous Hotel de Ville, and the rooms feature custom-designed furnishings, crown moldings and rich French fabrics. Ask for a room facing the Strip, so you can watch the fountains spurt and dance across the street at the Bellagio."
Hughes said time seems eternal in Sin City.
"In Vegas, you only want to spend three days maximum or you will be dead!" Hughes said. "The town never sleeps and you will not either once you are partying there. So three days feel like six."
OU religious studies sophomore Carrie Dutcher has chosen Boston for her break from Norman.
"My best friend and I are going to do the tour thing, enjoy amazing seafood and ride the subway," Dutcher said. "It will be fun to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Boston by going to Cheers and toasting to new scenery."
Dutcher said the regional scenery and five days of companionship will enhance the new experience of the East Coast.
"I have never been to that region of the country before, so I am excited to experience someplace different. Last year I went to South Padre Island and enjoyed the stereotypical college freshman trip," Dutcher said. "Now I have the opportunity to enjoy a cultural experience instead of overcrowded and dirty beaches."
While air travel is popular for efficient arrivals, Hannah Clawson, elementary education sophomore, and five friends are taking a road trip to Panama City, Fla.
"Our motto is: You can't go wrong with a road trip in a mini," Clawson said.
The group of girls are looking forward to sunbathing, socializing and relieving stress from mounting pressures in Norman.
"The six of us are road-tripping to Florida for the week," Clawson said. "We want a stress free spring break with sun and great college memories. I think spring break trips are more about the company than the travel destination."
Clawson and friends will be at a near-tropical locale with options for sunbathing and picturesque scenery.
"When you are among friends, anything can be entertaining, hilarious and truly crazy," Clawson said.
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