Although spring break is still a few months away, beach-bound ISU students are already planning their mid-semester trips – and warm weather is the biggest attraction.

Some of the most popular destinations for ISU students are Cancun, South Padre Island and Europe, local travel agents said.

“We had students in looking at packages the week after school started when they realized when spring break was and wanted to see how much money they would have to save,” said Judy Cooper, travel agent at Travel and Transport, Inc., 133 Welch Ave.

Several local travel agencies offer package deals that usually include airfare, hotel reservations, transfers to and from the airport and sometimes meal and drink specials, Cooper said.

“I care whether everything is included in a package and am willing to spend more money if lots of things are included,” said Lauren Stephenson, junior in psychology. She is planning a spring break getaway, possibly to Las Vegas.

Cooper said students can find good deals, especially if they are willing to not include meals or stay in a place off the beach, Cooper said.

Ann Erickson, manager of Adventure Travel Services, Ltd., in Nevada, recommends calling a travel agent or the Better Business Bureau if students are unfamiliar with the travel company.

“Always be careful and make sure you understand all that is included in the package, including cancellation penalties, before giving them your credit card,” Erickson said.

Charging travel packages to a credit card is also a very good idea to prevent getting scammed, Cooper said. This way, you can refuse to pay and get your money back if plans fall through.

Shane Jacobson, junior in communication studies, has been checking various Internet sites to plan a spring break trip to either Las Vegas or Florida.

“Once we actually come down to booking a package, we will probably make some phone calls to make sure everything is lined up and legitimate,” Jacobson said.

Students looking to get away have the option of studying abroad through the university.

Trevor Nelson, program coordinator of the ISU Study Abroad Center, said study abroad is a popular option because it combines travel with study.

“Typically with these programs, students are enrolled for three credit hours for the spring semester and the study abroad component is like a field trip for the course,” Nelson said.

According to the Study Abroad Resource Center Web site, programs for spring break 2002 include traveling to Honduras, Mexico and Costa Rica.

The general consensus among travel professionals is that it pays to book early and to be an informed consumer.

“A travel agent can put together great packages and is a good source of information,” Erickson said. “And it is nice to deal locally with someone you know.”