Spring break options expand

Spring Break can be more than a time to relax and blow off steam. In addition to surf, sun and fun, students can also soak up a little local culture either in Negril, Jamaica or Cancun, Mexico, when they book Spring Break trips with the Wisconsin Union Travel Center.

“We’ve been working with local agencies in both venues to offer students educational and cultural opportunities,” says Melissa Kaltenbach, travel center director. “The Jamaica Tourist Board’s ‘Meet the People’ program links visitors with local volunteers, and sometimes their families, to showcase ëthe real Jamaica.’

The free program matches Jamaican hosts with tourists who are interested in learning more about the culture, food, environment and more.

“In Cancun, we’re organizing ways students can learn more about ‘Semana Santa,’ the holy week festival that is going on during the trip.”

Kaltenbach says that some may be wary about flying outside of the country at this time, but these trips are similar to excursions in the United States, and in some ways safer.

“You don’t need a passport, and the flights are charters filled only with UW students, staff and faculty, Union members and their guests,” she adds. “Plus, these trips are sponsored by the UW and our staff from the Travel Center goes along with each group to act as liaisons.”

While she acknowledges that fun is still the operative term for students on spring break, Kaltenbach believes there is still room for an educational component.

“This fits in well with commitment to providing opportunities for students to learn outside of the classroom,” she says, “which is part of the mission of the Wisconsin Union as the department of social education at UW–Madison. Plus, it’s a good selling point when students are trying to convince parents to pitch in to help cover the costs of the trip.”

The trips run for seven nights during the March 23-31, 2002 spring recess. Cost: $499 for Cancun and $549 for Negril including airfare. Those who book before Dec. 22 save $30. Meal plans are optional.

For more information, contact Kaltenbach at the Wisconsin Union Travel Center, 263-4586, makaltenbach@facstaff.wisc.edu.