A last-minute decision will help Katie Schilling break out of her mold – and the cold of Northeast Ohio this spring break.

Schilling, sophomore physical education major, said she will go to Orlando with her sister and two friends during Spring Break.

She found out about the last-minute trip a week and a half ago.

“It took about three days to get things in place,” Schilling said.

Most students who decide to travel at the last minute still have some options, said Shelly Moats, president of Armstrong Travel in Ravenna.

Hotel costs generally stay the same for last-minute travelers, she said; however, airfares shoot up. Through Apple Vacations, Armstrong Travel sponsors charter flights to certain destinations, such as Cancun.

“However, there’s only one flight in and one flight back every day,” Moats said. “There are no extra planes.”

Popular student destinations include Panama City, Fla., and Myrtle Beach, S.C., although Myrtle Beach is a little chilly this time of year, Moats said.

“Even though Myrtle Beach is not swimmable, most hotels have indoor pools,” she said.

If students want to leave the country for active beaches, Cancun is an option, along with Punta Cana, in the Dominican Republic.

However, resorts and getaway spots often discourage some of the younger crowd because of excessive partying, she said.

“A lot of hotels require a cash deposit and require travelers to be at least 21 years of age,” Moats said. “Rental cars are also more expensive for younger travelers.”

Moats said it costs $25 per day per driver, in addition to the cost of the rental car, if the drivers are under 25 years of age.

If students are interested in history, Williamsburg, Va., and Washington, provide interesting travel alternatives, Moats said.

If students choose not to venture far, local attractions such as University Circle and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland still can provide a fun day-trip, she said.

“Big cities have more culture and museums for those interested,” she said.

Contact general assignment reporter Josh Echt at [email protected].