Spring break on the beach in the sun may sound like a picture-perfect scene, but it comes with a price.

Molly Cleveland, sophomore in pre-journalism and mass communication, is going on a spring break trip to South Padre Island, Texas, with a group of friends. Some members of the group will fly to the destination while others will drive, but all will meet at the condo they rented to stay in.

Cleveland considered popularity of a destination when picking out a spring break trip.

“I had looked at the popular destinations and thought South Padre looked fun,” she said. “I have a friend that lives in Texas, and it would be easy for them to drive to South Padre and meet us.”

Cleveland estimates her trip will cost about $1,000, but this doesn’t worry her.

“I think a spring break trip is something that every student should experience,” she said. “You only get four years before you graduate and so everyone should experience it at least once before entering the real world.”

Cleveland’s plans for the week fell through for last year, making her more excited for this year’s trip.

Not all students are ready to pay that price. Students who decide to stay closer to home often consider their financial situation when making plans for break.

Tiffany Casaccio, sophomore in psychology, is staying in Ames during break to save money.

“I decided to stay in Ames and work,” Casaccio said. “I have bills to pay and I am already in debt and I don’t want to spend more money.”

“[Spring break trips can be] fun, but I am not 21, so I would rather wait until I am older and it can be more fun.”

Casaccio works at two different jobs throughout the week. She said she will be making about $250 total for the week instead of spending $600 to $700 on a trip.

“I do not think a spring break trip is worth it right now,” Casaccio said. “Everything keeps getting more expensive, so why waste your time and money if you’re not old enough to do most things that college students want to do on spring break.”