Spring Break Alternatives
You just finished up your midterm exams and papers, you're freed from the confines of the classroom, you retire your backpack to the corner of your room and begin the process of blocking out the previous two-and-a-half months of lecture.
What is your next move?
Most students pack up their sunscreen, bathing suit and photo-ID to head down to the crowded, bustling beaches of south Texas and Mexico.
Lindsey McEachern, a senior psychology major from Lubbock, said she has the hardest time holding her concentration on the week before spring break.
"It is the perfect time to release all of the stress and frustrations of the first half of the semester," McEachern said. "I love the feeling of having no deadlines or assignments to balance, and being able to cut ties with Lubbock and head to the beach."
But, instead of visiting the frequented alcohol-drenched environments of South Padre Island and Cancun, some local travel agents suggest enjoying a relaxing vacation elsewhere.
Deborah O'Connor, the owner of Bell Travel Services, said most college kids just want sun and alcohol out of a spring break trip. She said this formula results in their agency being totally booked six to seven months in advance.
"Those students who have passports or their parents approval usually set out for Cabo and Cozumel," O'Connor said. "However, those who are not able to leave the country usually tend to choose Florida or Las Vegas.
"If college students are looking for a destination that is not exclusive to springbreakers," O'Connor said, "I would suggest California, New York, ski trips, cruises and European vacations."
Ronnie Miller, the manager of National Travel Systems in Lubbock, said students need to realize the advantages of using travel agents to craft a vacation. He said many students do not understand the process of using a travel service.
"Our agents travel all of the time and are able to equate that experience and guidance into the packages we create for our clients," Miller said. "We hand build, and customize each vacation, guaranteeing a once in a lifetime, personalized trip that meets the needs of our individual clientele."
Miller also said that any vacation experience depends on how much the person is willing to spend. He was able to give some examples of possible inexpensive, medium-range, and high-end vacations for college students.
Inexpensive: Ruidoso, New Mexico
Towering above the village of Ruidoso is Sierra Blanca Peak and the New Mexico ski resort, Ski Apache.
Spring break weather is mild and great for outdoor activities including
skiing, camping, hiking and cycling. 
College students will enjoy two of New Mexico's finest casinos, horse racing at the Ruidoso Downs race track, top rated golf courses, horseback riding, golf, tennis, art galleries, museums and shopping .
Miller said ski destinations are an up and coming vacation option.
“We are seeing less of the ‘party destinations’ and much more of the destinations that offer adventure sports or a connection to nature,” Miller said.
Lodging includes cabins, resorts, hotels, motels, Bed and breakfasts, RV parks,
campgrounds, condos and homes.
Ruidoso dining and restaurants offer a full range of options to fit any budget or taste.
Medium-range: Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is a world-class destination for all vacationers offering something for everyone, from the college student budget to the high-roller budget. It is one of the few places in the world designed and dedicated to adult fun.
Based on the hotel they stay at, vacationers can choose the theme of their trip. Options include a tropical island, old castle, Egyptian pyramid, pirates, Italian villa, circus, New York, Paris, Venice, New Orleans, or Rio-inspired environments.
Shows and performances on the strip include Cirque du Soleil, many Broadway hits, the classic Vegas showgirl venue, Penn and Teller magic, and the Blue Man Group.
Once known for its all-you-can-eat buffets and classic steak joints, Las Vegas has enjoyed a culinary make-over of late. As talented chefs continue to flock to the area, the city reinforces its reputation as a world-class dining destination.
For college-aged women, Vegas has become well-known for providing an all-inclusive shopping experience. Las Vegas Boulevard South is one of the world’s great shopping streets.
Cocktail bars, 24-hour casinos, casino lounges, and nightclubs, featuring top deejays, keep tourists partying all night.
Miller said Vegas has the ability to cater to all students’ tastes.
“The other positive aspect of Las Vegas is the many readily available flights straight out of Lubbock,” Miller said. “Also, middle-of-the-week rates are less than the weekend rates.”
Expensive: Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Travelers book flights to Amsterdam with one thing in mind: a good time.
With marijuana being legal and the drinking age at 16, there are no party limitations on young adults.
Besides the intense nightlife, visitors can take walks along the old cobblestone streets and enjoy the ancient architecture and crooked houses that line the city.
If you are too tired from a recent late night, adults can grab a good book and relax by the numerous water banks.
In spring and summer, the weather and climate is at its best, with opportunities for open-air dining on sidewalks and canal boats.
Visitors can tour the Heineken 
Brewery to get a good view of beer making, and the entry fee entitles you to sample some of the product.
There are several parks, concert halls, a variety of authentic Dutch restaurants, elegant shopping areas and three well-known museums, including one devoted to Vincent Van Gogh.
Miller said that European destinations continue to be hot Spring Break vacations.
“College students just need to explore all of the possibilities available to them for a spring break vacation,” Miller said. “I know that there are several students who want to follow the crowd down to Mexico, but for those who are looking for something more personally tailored, I suggest doing a little research.”