The Quad

Issue date: 3/5/07 Section: Features

Need to get away this spring break but don't have the money for an island vacation? No need to worry; there are many options for last-minute spring break vacations that won't break the bank.

There are plenty of destinations close by that are perfect for short trips or to visit for the day. New York City is a quick train ride away, where one can enjoy shopping, sight seeing or a Broadway play. Everything from "Hairspray" to "Mamma Mia" to "Wicked" is playing at this time. There are also hundreds of tours offered throughout the day; including tours of Central Park, hidden treasures of the city and the finest chocolate shops in the city. For fans of the HBO series "Sex and the City," there is a unique tour that highlights the hot spots from the show. Visiting Carrie's front steps, the bars where the ladies would eat and the woodshop where the Aidan worked are all highlights of the tour. Tickets are $38 a person and run throughout the week. For more information visit www.sceneontv.com/tour.php/satc/.

Washington D.C. is also a short train ride from our area. There is plenty of sight seeing and nightlife for a long weekend or an overnight trip. Cherry blossom season begins in March and hotels are available for as low as $119 a night. There are a dozen different tours and activities available throughout the month, including wine tastings, museum tours and Washington photo safaris.

Students aged 21 and over can take the short ride to the Jersey Shore for some gambling this spring break. "Always turned on," Atlantic City is always a hot spot, even if the temperatures are cold. With a variety of casinos to gamble in, the nightlife is just as fun as a tropical destination this spring break. Visiting A.C. during the week is cheaper than during the weekend, so take a mid-week gambling trip sometime this spring break.

Don't forget the city of Philadelphia. An overnight trip won't break the bank and there is plenty to do in the city. "Philly Overnight" packages are available throughout the week, and feature free parking and coupons for staying in Philadelphia for two nights. Find out more information at www.gophila.com.

Philadelphia sports teams don't take a spring break, so go support your Philly teams! The 76ers are playing throughout the week, facing Los Angeles on Friday, March 9 at 7 p.m., Chicago on Wednesday, March 14 at 7 p.m., Utah on Friday, March 16 at 7 p.m. and Houston on Sunday, March 18 at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $15 to $110. The Flyers are facing Atlanta on Thursday, March 15 at 7 p.m. The Phantoms take on Rochester on Friday at 7:05 p.m. and play Bridgeport on Sunday, March 18 at 5:05 p.m. Tickets for the 76ers, Flyers, Kixx, Phantoms and Wings can be purchased at www.comcasttix.com.

If you are in search of warmer climates this spring break, there are many last minute spring break deals. Apple Vacations has last minute deals from Philadelphia Int'l Airport, including five nights in Hawaii, with airfare, for as low as $899. Visit www.applevacations.com for more last minute spring break deals.

American Airlines offers last-minute packages, vacations that can be booked anywhere from 14 days to three hours before departure. The destinations are endless from Philadelphia Int'l Airport; Orlando, Miami, Ft. Lauderdale. A three day weekend in Orlando runs as low as $321 a person, including airfare and hotel stay. With so many attractions in the Orlando area, the limits are endless for a fun filled spring break vacation. Miami, Fla. is another fun spot to visit this spring break. Packages for five night stays are starting at $474 a person. Visit www.aa.com for more details.

Travel search engines such as Orbitz and Travelocity also offer last-minute hotel packages for this spring break. Breeze through the Web sites to check out last minute deals.

Want to enjoy the warm weather while cruising to different destinations? Well, it is not too late to book a cruise this spring break. Many cruise lines still have spots open during our spring break week. One advantage of cruising is that food is included in the price. There are activities and shows nearly every hour of the day. Carnival Cruise Lines still have spots open on their five day Bahamas cruise sailing from Jacksonville, Fla. on Saturday, March 10. Interior rooms start at $539 a person, visit www.carnival.com for more cruise details.

If you don't have the cash to shell out for a vacation, there are plenty of other fun things to do during spring break. Visit your friends at college who have a different spring break, or take day trips to a museum or a different city. Either way, it is a nice break from being in class.

Spring break is all about fun, relaxing and not worrying about schoolwork or classes for a full week. Whether you are in warmer weather or hanging at home, be sure to stay safe. this spring break.

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