USD Magazine, Spring 2002

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Whether it's London, Mexico or points in between, Spring Breakers have one thing in common when it comes to travel planning- they don't.

by Krystn Shrieve

S itting in a corner of the University Center deli, nibbling on Sun Chips and sushi, juniors Michelle Guerrero and Erin Shea plot their spring break adventure. But their plan, if you can call it that, is skimpy at best - hop on a plane ro London, hook up with a classmate who is studying abroad in Oxford, maybe buy a train pass and wander from one youth hostel to the next, hit as many historic spots as possible in between. "So, I've got my plane ticket, and that's about it," says Guerrero to Shea, realizing that there's not much else she can check off her list of things to do. "Oh, and I'm going

when students, shaking off their books and midterms, head out with a carload of friends and an expectation that what lies ahead will be the ultimate college experience. Shea, therefore, is not the least worried that her biggest accomplishment three weeks before traveling is to call her credit card company, warning it not to be alarmed when charges appear from overseas. She still needs to rent a backpack, buy a money belt, get her travelers' checks and find a coat. But

to borrow my cousin's adaptor and sleeping bag, and I'm going home to buy some luggage, and my passport's still good..." The quest for the perfect spring break usually begins when the February chill is in the air, as rumors and gossip about the coolest place to go - where both money and fun can last the whole week - seep through campus. But planning the actual, gulp, details is put off until the days and hours leading up to that March weekend

Michelle Guerrero (white beanie) and Erin Shea gather necessities at the last minute before heading out on their European adventure.

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