Seattle

If in the mood for seafood or coffee, the Seattle area could be just the ticket. 

Nestled on the coast of the Puget Sound, Seattle offers a wide variety of attractions to sea-faring wanderers and landlubbers alike.

Pike Place Market gives a true experience of Seattle. 

This iconic area has a multitude of restaurants, coffee shops, and entertainment. Between the sounds of the fishmongers and other stall vendors hawking their various wares, there are street performers playing pianos, basses, fiddles and singing, and the smells of fish, coffee, and different foods. 

The market has multiple levels and many stores, ranging from books to luggage and even magic and fortune telling stores. There are many restaurants with an assortment of flavors and cultures available as well.

For coffee nuts, take a minute and visit the first Starbucks, which is located right across the street from the market. There is usually a slight wait but it is definitely worth it, and there are street performers performing a variety of instruments.

Moving down the hill from the market, there are even more opportunities available. The Seattle Aquarium is a short walk and has a great view of Puget Sound.

For a unique seafood dining experience travel to the Miners Landing, located on Pier 57, home of The Crab Pot. “The Seafeast”, which was featured on the Travel Channel’s “Man vs. Food”, is probably one of the most fantastic seafood meals one could ask for.

The dish includes crab, clams, mussels, shrimp, salmon, halibut, oysters, potatoes, corn on the cob and sausage all steamed together. The dish not only has variety, but after the server pours it on the table, the eater is given a bib and a mallet. 

Of course, one cannot travel to Seattle and forget about the Space Needle. The monolithic structure is something to behold, even if you do not feel like paying to go to the top where the restaurant is located. In the bottom floor is a gift shop with a selection of knickknacks for the travelling connoisseur. 

In the shadow of the Space Needle, on the corner of Denny Way and Cedar Street, is a small pizzeria called Zeeks. 

The menu is fairly typical of a pizza joint, but the portions and taste are second to none. 

New York

For those who have spent most of their lives in Wyoming, New York City can be intimidating.  However, New York City offers too much fun and excitement to miss out on just because the city may seem daunting.  If flying from Denver, one will most likely land at LaGuardia Airport since it handles most domestic flights.  Taxis are available outside of LaGuardia that may cost between $20-$45 depending the destination.  Once in the city, the subway is the easiest way to travel uptown or downtown, and although the subway can be confusing, New Yorkers are usually happy to help and there are subway maps at every station.  

The Metropolitan Museum of Art “holds more than two million works of art, spanning over 5000 years of world history,” according to the website.  If you want something more up-to-the-minute, head to the Museum of Modern Art to enjoy more contemporary art displays. Of course, Broadway offers some of the best plays and musicals in the world.  The musical “American Idiot” features music by Green Day and has received some good reviews. 

Mexico

To many Americans, Mexico is synonymous with beaches, sun, and margaritas. Mexico was the tenth most popular international tourist destination in 2009, according to The World Tourism Organization. Many college students flock there because resorts offer cheap promotions for students. Some of the resorts, such as the Dreams Resorts & Spas located throughout Mexico, are all-inclusive and offer deals for both families and students. Cancun, Cozumel, Puerto Vallarta, and Cabo San Lucas are some of the more popular resort spots. These resort towns may offer “open bars,” where one payment at the door includes drinks all night, bikini contests, circus performances, and crazy competitions for those travelers who want to let loose. 

In September 2010, the United States government issued a travel warning to advise travelers on the security conditions in Mexico.  However, the report also states “Resort areas and tourist destinations in Mexico do not see the levels of drug-related violence and crime reported in the border region.” Because of the 2008 swine flu scare and recent drug violence, US flights to Mexico have declined 2.5 percent from 2009, according to the US Office of Travel and Tourism.  The reaction: Resorts are offering more deals to entice travelers. Students can take advantage of cheap rates and enjoy the sun and beaches of Mexico instead of the cold, windy March in Laramie. 

Las Vegas

Whether you want to soak up some sun, lose your last paycheck in mere minutes, or throw a mattress out of your hotel room window, Las Vegas might be the right spring break destination for you.

Known for its “Sin City” atmosphere and never ending nightlife, Las Vegas has something to offer for everyone in this day and age.  Traveling to and from Vegas is fairly cheap as well, making it a popular destination for college spring breakers. The vast availability of hotel rooms also means the city is ready to take on as many college kids as it can handle.

Traveling to Vegas during spring break means that you will never be bored.  World class dining, gambling and other attractions are sure to keep you occupied during your short stay. For most people, all the action takes place on The Strip, a four-mile long stretch of road in the heart of Las Vegas. Take a stroll down the historical section of Las Vegas Boulevard and stop in for a game of craps at the historic Flamingo Las Vegas, do some shopping at the 250-store Fashion Show Mall, or catch Blue Man Group at one of their nightly shows at the Venetian Resort, Hotel & Casino.

If adventure is on the itinerary, check out one of the many helicopter rides that are available for flying over the city, or take a shuttle a few hours south to Lake Havasu City, Ariz. to enjoy a day at the popular party spot.

The possibilities are endless in Sin City; just remember to pack a swimsuit, some sunscreen and a bottle of ibuprofen.

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