Spring break²
Holiday destinations off the beaten track
SHAWNA SWEENEY VOLUNTEER STAFF
As snow piles up and the semester grinds on slowly, students’ thoughts naturally turn to spring break. Visions of bright sunshine, sandy beaches, and exotic adventures are balanced carefully against possible budgets and fantasy math as they prepare to leave town in droves.
Many students travelled to springbreak hotspots like Mexico or Florida, but here is a guide to exciting global locations that are a little further off the beaten path. Chock full of hidden gems and unusual experiences, this guide will show you how to beat the crowds and next year find a spring break adventure that you will remember for a lifetime.
Mitchell, South Dakota — Mitchell is home of the world-famous Corn Palace, an auditorium covered entirely in dried corn murals. Art students and travelling salesmen alike have been delighted for generations by this modern architecture marvel. And even if the Corn Palace isn’t your thing, you can head right across the street to the Enchanted World Doll Museum, which houses over 4,000 international dolls!
Caracas, Venezuela — Experience emerging socialism at its best in good ol’ downtown Caracas. If you ever wondered how a country feels on the brink of nationalization, now is your chance to find out. Rampant poverty and escalating inflation are no match for this spirited population, as colorful local vendors offer many unusual souvenirs and foodstuffs. Travel the mean streets of political education and come home with stories that will entertain your friends for weeks!
Luxembourg, Luxembourg — Both a city and a state, Luxembourg boasts a compact old-world quaintness not found anywhere else in Europe. Totalling only 2,600 sq km, Luxembourg is the destination of choice for both the efficient and impatient traveller. And for those who enjoy fine dining and expensive tabs, Luxembourg offers the most five-star restaurants per capita in the entire world. A feast to remember!
Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania — Groundhog Day has come and gone with a prediction for early spring, but Punxsutawney is an exciting yearround destination loaded down with attractions. You can spend a relaxing afternoon at the Official Groundhog Zoo, and then stroll on up to Gobbler’s Knob to see where the magic happens. Travel in the footsteps of Bill Murray and Punxsutawney Phil for a hoot and holler you won’t forget.
Linfen, China — No global journey is complete without a stop in the world’s most polluted city. Boasting free asthma screens and sweatshop tours, Linfen has a little something for everyone. Hack along with local residents as they recount the hilarity of chemical spills, gas leaks, and steadily decreasing quality of life. Fun for all ages!
Oslo, Norway — A little-known fact about Norway is that it has the highest quality of life in the world. Full of ridiculously happy people who will gladly give you directions to any historic castle or museum on your manifest, Norway was voted the number-1 travel destination for optimists worldwide. A smiling good time! Bikini Atoll, South Pacific — Famous for its comfortable weather, agreeable population, and legacy of American nuclear testing, Bikini is now the new it spot for amateur scuba divers and war buffs. Capitalizing on its distinctive radioactive heritage, Bikini now offers scuba tours of the largest underground ship graveyard in the world. Swim through crystal-clear waters and view the effects of nuclear war on First and Second World Warera battleships firsthand!
Madagascar — Ranked as the fourth-largest island in the world, Madagascar is home to five per cent of species in the world. Animal enthusiasts and veterinary majors of all kinds will enjoy the abundance of zoos and nature trails. Watch as local tour guides point out lemurs and bats of all shapes and sizes. Not for the faint of heart or people who enjoy modern plumbing.
Flin Flon, Manitoba — If warm weather and sand are not your cup of sunscreen, consider a destination a little closer to home. The only city in the world named after a sciencefiction character, Flin Flon is nestled majestically in northwestern Manitoba and dedicated to the memory of that whacky underground submarine captain, Flintabattey Flonatin. Let your imagination run wild with Flinty and his ongoing quest for the city of gold. Be sure to stop off and get your picture taken at the statue of Flinty riding his famous submarine!
Baghdad, Iraq — Home to one of the most unpopular wars in history, Baghdad offers a highly affordable example of desperation for tourism. Dodge bullets and fundamentalists as you experience the breathless excitement of occasional suicide bombers. An adrenaline-charged adventure you just can’t miss!
