With midterms and the worst winter weather in years behind them, many students will take spring break as an opportunity to relax and recuperate. This year, however, potential travellers are wary of an economic downturn and the possibility of war.
Kristen Williams '04 will be venturing to Montego Bay, Jamaica, a poplular destination for spring breakers. Like many, she had to weigh the threat of war with Iraq.
"The war did not affect my plans," she said, "The trip is already paid for and I am going."
Williams made the reservations for her trip two weeks ago while talks of war with Iraq were intensifying. However, she remains undeterred about traveling abroad.
But Catherine Hendry, a certified travel counselor at Nassau Street's Kuller Travel and Co., said the impending war with Iraq has affected the travel industry.
"People are hesitant to book anything because of the geopolitical situation and the stock market problems," Hendry said.
Kuller Travel has arranged about 10 spring break trips for University students a year since it opened five years ago, but the business did not make any student bookings this year, Hendry said.
She also attributed the decline in business to the popularity of online travel arrangements.
Booking online
Caroline Joei '05 used the Internet at the beginning of the semester to make reservations for her spring break trip to Miami.
"I felt pretty confident about booking over the Internet," she said. "I don't see there being any complications."
She and her friends booked the trip online because they considered it to be "the cheapest and most worthwhile vacation package."
Even on the eve of war, Joei remains confident in the nation's security.
"Airport security has been really good since Sept. 11," she said.
"We just wanted to go someplace warm and fun. I am looking forward to being in 80 degree weather, hanging out with my girlfriends and doing some shopping," she said.
Rishard Cooper '06 will be returning home to the Bahamas, a hot-spot for spring break travelers. Cooper said he likely will not partake in touristy spring break activities, though.
"Natives don't really go to those things," he said.
Instead, he will venture back to his high school to encourage students to apply to Princeton, he said.
But Cooper will make some time for rest.
"I want to get some fun in and hit the beach," he said.
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