Lucky graduates planning getaways

It is the end of the semester, finals are over and for some lucky students registering for next semester is not required.   Finally the day has arrived. Graduation, a sweet word for many but not as luscious of a word as vacation.

Now that the books have been sold back for a whole whopping $11, college graduates can use that wealth and the stash of graduation money from various family members towards a recuperating vacation.

"I'll be going to Hawaii for two weeks and then I'll be coming back for a graduate degree in political science," said Jill Loscalzo.

According to Cal State Long Beach Funfest Travel consultant Jerry Spaulding, Europe, Mexico and Hawaii are the three top getaways requested by college seniors.

"Every body wants to go to Europe," said Spaulding. "A lot of students are taking the Contiki tours."

Contiki tours take travelers to more than 17 countries with a price tag ranging from $1000 to $2000. Cancun, Mexico is the place to go for sombrero wearing, tequila drinking graduates and Oahu for those who have Hawaiian Island fever. The price is a little lower from $500 to $1000.

Council Travel located at 4706 E 2 St. in Long Beach also named Costa Rica as the hottest vacation spot along with Europe and Hawaii.

"Costa Rica is more requested than Mexico right now. Students can go for about $507," said travel counselor Marina Odisho.

However if Europe has to be the place to go, Odisho suggests making travel plans before June 15 to keep the cost down. June 15 is considered the first day of summer and travel prices increase, she said.

"It is the cheapest to fly into London and get a Euro pass and travel from there," said Odisho.

Five-day youth Euro passes are available for anyone 25 and younger for $233 allowing two months in which to use the pass. Euro passes are available at a higher price for those older then 25.

Some students on the other hand are looking for rest and relaxation in another form instead of traveling away from home.

"I'm going home to spend some quality time with my family," said industrial design graduate Darren O'Brien.

Students who don't have the financial freedom to get out of town are resorting to adventures within their means such as drinking and dancing or throwing parties. Others are wasting no time and are searching for a job immediately.

Whatever the vacation, college graduates everywhere will be soaking up the sun, trying to forget everything they learned in college.