By CYNTHIA HILL

Staff Writer

Visions of sugarplums are only a dream now, and tans from the summer sun have long since faded. Students made it through the dreary days of winter quarter without end.

The light at the end of the tunnel shines brightly in 11 blessed letters.

S-P-R-I-N-G B-R-E-A-K.

A mass exodus will take place from campus as students, staff and faculty rush to begin a weeklong respite from the daily grind.

Smiles are pasted on the faces of those who planned ahead, itineraries in hand, headed for the departure gate.

Those left behind wonder not only how to spend these days but also how to pay for the memories they should be making.

Whether traveling by plane, train, automobile or foot, there are ways to spend both time and money wisely.

Dr. Dwight Anderson, department head and a professor of finance, said students should use common sense when planning any type of trip, especially during spring break.

"A student who wants to travel during a time when so many other people will also be traveling should remember a few very basic concepts," Anderson said. "Trying to save money can be costly if you're not careful."

Drastically reduced airfares are available to someone willing to spend time waiting on standby for available seats on flights inside the continental United States, Mexico and abroad.

Anderson said students should be aware of restrictions on such flights and be prepared to use up some of their valuable Spring Break just sitting.

"Airport food isn't cheap, either, so you might want to pack a little something and take it with you," Anderson said.

He also said students traveling by car could easily save by sharing the ride as well as expenses.

"Make it easier on everybody by splitting the cost," Anderson said. "Offer to pay more than your share of expenses on a trip if it's not your car. When possible share a hotel room. Know, though, not to violate the hotel's policy.

"But if you want to drive to any distant destination, remember you'll be eating up your time, too."

Lauren Meador, a freshman secondary education major, said she traveled to Florida for a Spring Break trip while she was still in high school.

"But now there just isn't enough time. One week is not long enough to take a trip, come back and get settled in," Meador said.

Lindsay Manning, a sophomore secondary education major, said she agreed that time and money are major factors in planning a trip.

"It would be nice if we could forego the Mardi Gras break and add that time to our Spring Break. And most people can't afford to fly," she said.

Nicole Lynch, a representative at Delta Airlines, said anyone who wants to fly to Florida during Spring Break who has not already purchased tickets should make alternate plans.

"Getting a ticket to Florida at this point is pretty much out of the question," Lynch said. "In fact, any popular destination that's warm will already be booked solid. This late in the game your best bet would be to call a travel agent."