Some Road Trip Planners just want to catch up on their sleep, relax poolside and enjoy some nice dinners during Spring Break. Relaxing does not mean boring; it means replenishing and rebuilding energy after a rough week of testing.

Others just want to be lulled to sleep by the sounds of waves lapping the beach. And there are those who want to choose which nightclubs or beach parties they'd like to attend, not necessarily be surrounded by it 24/7.

Spring Break is first and foremost equated with single college students ready to party, yet they aren't the only ones who go on road trips during Spring break. Students in a relationship may opt for a romantic getaway for two. Families also plan vacations during this time as a reward for their college student. Add to this list, teachers and families of K-12 grades use their road trip planners to create a fun family getaway during this time.

THE FOLLOWING SAFETY TIPS PROVIDE SOUND ADVICE FOR ANY ROAD TRIP PLANNER.

* Make sure all buckles in the backseat work.

* Take turns driving and switch drivers every two hours.

* Passengers riding shotgun have the extra responsibility of keeping the driver alert (yes, even if the others in the back seat get to snooze!).

* Check that everyone has their driver's license and that the vehicle registration is in the glove compartment before departure.

* Ideally, someone in your group should belong to AAA or another Roadside Assistance membership. It'll save everyone time and money if car trouble develops during the trip.

FIRST, WE HIT THE BEACHES

* SOUTH BEACH, FLORIDA - Overall, Florida is hands down, the favored Spring Break destination for road trip planners and this long section of Miami Beach is one of the reasons why. One can stroll on the beach for miles!

* KEY WEST, FLORIDA - Probably a bit too pricey for most college budgets, but oh, those beaches are pretty!

* SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - The water won't be as warm as in Florida but rumor has it the sun shines there all the time (and it's true... 75% of the time :o)

THEN THERE'S THOSE ROMANTIC HIDEAWAYS

* SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, TEXAS - This island is in the Gulf of Mexico and just north of the northeastern border of Mexico. It's been a popular Spring break destination for college students and other tourists. Resorts and condominiums are strewn along the lovely coastline.

* KONA, BIG ISLAND, HAWAII - While Honolulu is good for families and Waikiki in particular, is great for night clubs, the Big Island has a more relaxed atmosphere where most of your activities will take place during the day followed by a lovely sunset dinner. There are a few bars but not anything like on Waikiki.

* SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA - Dry sun and an abundance of spas make this a great destination for a road trip planning couple. You'll find an eclectic mix here, as evidenced by Old Town, which is flanked on the north end by the West's premier fashion shopping mall, Scottsdale Fashion Square , at the corner of Scottsdale and Camelback Roads. This mall offers wonderful shopping experiences, with more than 15 restaurants and anchor stores Neiman Marcus. More than 500 specialty stores are also a part of this desert shopping oasis.

* FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - Once upon a time, more than 350,000 college students descended on Fort Lauderdale during Spring Break, but the city changed its party laws in the mid-80s and enforced the minimum drinking age so now only about 20,000 come, making this a good place for couples who want nice beaches and great views.

HERE COME THE FAMILY HOT SPOTS

* ORLANDO, FLORIDA - One of the favorites among road trip planners because of the multitude of activities available there. We recommend getting the Go Orlando Card which gives you unlimited admission to over 50 central Florida attractions, including the Kennedy Space Center, Splash Island Water Park, Daytona USA and more!

* HONOLULU, HAWAII - Because of the sheer number of hotels in the Honolulu area, budget-minded families can pick up a good deal here. The beach at Waikiki is a great spot for the whole family because there's a near-shore break for the kids, while more experienced swimmers surf the waves further out.

* DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA - Once also a major Party Town, Daytona followed Fort Lauderdale's example and now it's known as a beautiful place for couples and families.

OF COURSE, WE CAN'T FORGET THE FAVORITE PARTY TOWNS - Just book your hotel a few miles away from the heavy traffic areas and choose to relax one day, party the next.
CANCUN, MEXICO - Known as the Riviera Maya, an excellent place for fun in the sun and under the night sky.

OCHO RIOS, JAMAICA - Montego Bay is actually the most popular destination in Jamaica, but Ocho Rios is a close second. Located on the Northern Coast, it's a great area for scuba diving and other water sports.

So go ahead, whether you're a student, teacher, a couple or a parent, you deserve this break. Who says road trip planners can't have their Spring Break cake and eat it too?

No one probably appreciates vacations like students. Most students practically plan their entire school year around their breaks, and spring break is the most popular time for travel among students. Most students' only concern while on vacation is running out of beer, but there are a few other very important factors to consider for the traveling student. For example, students who are choosing to study abroad may have never flown or traveled internationally before. This makes traveling for a student slightly more complex than the average population.

For a student planning to travel abroad, it is important to obtain a visa or passport as early in advance as possible. A student who will be spending a semester or more in a foreign country will usually need to obtain a visa prior to attending school in that country. Usually, the professor in charge of coordinating the student's international study trip will know whether or not a visa is needed. It's always a good idea to check with the laws and regulations of the country you are visiting regarding international students.

Students traveling abroad should always know where the nearest U.S Embassy is located in the country they are visiting. In the event of an emergency, the student can receive messages via advocates available at the U.S Embassy. This service is also available through the Consular Section, an organization dedicated to serving foreign visitors in the event of an emergency. Research the Consular Section of the country you are visiting prior to your arrival to obtain information about registering. Additionally, students should have a valid health insurance policy that provides coverage overseas.

Finally, a student planning to study abroad should thoroughly research the curriculum of the foreign school's degree program. While most programs are legitimate, some are not accredited or require work much different than what the student was used to in the United States. Knowing in advance the requirements of the curriculum will help the traveling student achieve their goals in a timely and easy manner.

However, not all students travel for the purpose of studying abroad. As described earlier, spring break is a time of rest and relaxation for college students. While fun and freedom remain the top priorities, safety should always remain a prime concern. The student should carry some form of identification on them at all times, as well as contact information in case of an emergency. This should be someone who lives with the student or is familiar with them, such as a parent or a roommate.

Last but not least, a student should have enough money to cover an emergency or unforeseen expense, such as low fuel, first aid, or food. This money should be cash and kept only for these purposes, not spent on souvenirs or alcohol. Students can experience a safe and enjoyable time while away by playing it safe and pre-planning the details of their trip.

Spring Break is the time of year most college students look forward to. It's right before the end of the semester and exactly what students need before cramming for finals, thesis projects and such. Spring break is a chance to get away from it all and have some fun. Spring break is essentially the biggest party of the year. And the college spring break experience is far different from that of high school, but it can also be quite expensive. Not every starving college student can foot the bill for a massive drinking fest in some exotic location. However that doesn't mean they can't still have the unique experience a spring break can bring, it's all just a matter of timing and packaged deals.

Obviously the sooner you book your spring break plans the cheaper it will be. So plan early. Get together with your friends and decide where you want to hang out for a week then commit to it by making it happen. The more people involved the cheaper it will be as well. Check out all your options. By sitting down and figuring out the numbers you might be able to save a wad of cash. Or ask your travel agent about packaged deals. Some Spring Break companies in both Panama City and South Padre Island offer packages that include food, a specified number or hours of drinks and more. Think about it, forty hours of free drinks can be a lot if you schedule your days rights. Party it up for two days then relax for a couple and your alcohol bill won't be that high.

Another great affordable spring break option is an all inclusive. For one flat fee you have access to an entire resort, all the food and drinks you can consume and lots of extras such as entertainment, sports and scheduled activities. Or catch a party bus! Party buses take you to your destination and allow you to start the celebration on the way there. Many even have connections with hotels and will offer a packaged deal. One special to Mazatlan in Mexico offers a 5 night stay at a hotel, transportation and some drinks for only $299. Now that's a steal. A spring break experience can be planned on a budget; it is just a matter of doing some research and early planning. Have fun and try not to get yourself into too much trouble!