March break to cure winter blues

by Casandra Malynowskyj

After this year’s record-breaking winter, students are anxious to head to a warmer destination this March break.

This winter has been Windsor’s coldest and snowiest in 36 years. According to Environment Canada, Windsor hasn’t had such a cold January and February since 1979.

With March break just around the corner, students across Windsor-Essex are eager to escape the cold weather and travel to a tropical climate.

 According to a poll released by CIBC, 12 per cent of Canadians plan on taking a vacation during March break.

Marcell Pieniadz, an 18-year-old St. Clair College student, said leaving Windsor’s winter weather is a must for March break.

“At first I was okay with the cold weather,” said Pieniadz. “But having it last for four long months is just too much for me to handle.”

Pieniadz said although he is adamant about going away for March break, he is unsure of where to go.

“I thought about going to Florida, but at the same time, I want to make sure I go somewhere that will be worth the amount of money I’m willing to pay,” said Pieniadz.

Kim Murphy-Facchinato, a travel sales consultant at Sears Travel, said there are three places students should consider travelling this break.

“The first one is definitely Mexico, Cancun, then the Dominican Republic or Cuba,” said Murphy-Facchinato.

Murphy-Facchinato said that Mexico is their top seller year after year and that the resorts they recommend are very safe and they have yet to have any complaints.

Due to the cold winter, Murphy-Facchinato said there has been an increase in the number of students booking trips for March break compared to the previous year.

In 2010 Statistics Canada revealed that Canadians spent about $35 billion on holidays and vacations annually, which is more than $1,000 per person for each trip.

According to MyAppleInLine.com, a website for professional travel agents, the average cost for a five-star hotel resort in Cancun with a seven-night stay is about $2,620 per person.