By NICK TODARO

Staff Writer

The quarter is almost over. Suddenly, it seems there is an overwhelming urge for Mexican food, a good drink and sandy beaches. It's time to book for warmer climates.

For students who want to put together some kind of vacation plan for the coming break, the key is to dig and dig deep.

Joyce Moseley, owner and manager of Ruston Travel Services, located at 610 S. Trenton St., said it would be tough to find something at this time of year.

"Lots of travel agencies are booking Spring Break trips as early as four and five months ahead of time," Moseley said. "At this point, it's a shot in the dark if you want to find a good deal."

Popular vacation spots for finding college kids tend to be the warmer climates like Cozumel, Cancun, Florida and destinations around the Gulf of Mexico.

Derek Smith, travel consultant for Keys Travel, located at 1017 Farmerville Rd., recommends Cancun over other available beach spots.

"You can get three-night packages for two to Cancun for about $670 dollars each," Smith said. "That's including meals and drinks, as well as airfare and room-and-board. Most of the trips around the Gulf of Mexico are pretty comparably priced like Cozumel, Destin and Panama City.

"Cancun's the best bang for your buck, in my opinion. Rates fluctuate, but in my experience, it's a toss-up to really find a trip that's better for less."

Smith went to Cancun last Spring Break and brought his wife. He didn't go to find the wildest parties, however.

"It's not all what you see on MTV, although, you can find it easily if you're looking for it," Smith said. "There are easy places to find to stay away from all the commotion and just relax, if that's your thing."

There tends to be more of a college-age vacation destination with one common goal: debauchery.

"If you're looking for your peers, then head to Mexico and Florida beaches. But, then, there are some people that prefer cold weather vacationing or a cruise over hanging out on the beach."

Junior mechanical engineering major Brett Geesey planned the trip he is taking this break on his own.

"I'm really only vacationing to Toledo Bend for a few days after I see my family at home," Geesey said.

"If I was planning to take the big college getaway, I'd probably use one of these deals from the travel agencies. They seem like a good way to do it."

Ski trips are also popular, but Smith said the best deal in the area is through Tech.

The school finished taking deposits for its six-day all-inclusive ski trip to Winter Park, Colo., Feb. 2, at the low, low price of $595.

Depending on who you talk to, a cruise is inherently a better deal. You get to see more destinations but for less time, and the group of people is smaller.

Moseley feels cruises are the way to go.

"If you're looking for the best way to spend your money, then a cruise is probably it," Moseley said.

"I'm pretty sure that you can't book a cruise anymore unless you're 25 or older through the companies we use."

So, it seems, if a boat trip is what you're into, then bring your parents, your grandparents, or your older siblings along for the ride.