Although the economy is at its worst since 1929, according to some analysts, students are still making ambitious plans for the highly-anticipated spring break.

A survey administered to Tennessee State University students found that of 100 students, 76 percent are taking trips during Spring Break, March 7-15.

Though the economy has determined how far and by what means students will travel, spring break is nevertheless in full effect.

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Spring Break, Panama City, Fla.

Scales also indicated that there was no way he will not be enjoying the week-long break.

As usual, many deals are available for spring breakers, at sites such as StudentCity.com.

Places like New Mexico and Miami are doing their part when it comes to accommodating students' possible financial struggles.

"I always get a special deal when I fly with Southwest and find package deals for a trip," said Marteicus Reed, a sophomore finance major from Memphis.

Even with discounts and lowered rates available, there are still a percentage of students that have to be realistic when it comes to break plans.

Some students, like Valerie Felder, had made plans that changed due to the economy.
Felder said she planned to go on a cruise with her friends, but had to change her plans when her father received a pay cut from his job in Texas.

I can't rely on him for financial support anymore," said Felder, a senior mass communication major from Houston. "He was my backbone and since it's no longer there I have to make sure I can survive on my own. That means cruises are out the picture."

Despite the recession, spring break hot spots are still retaining their appeal among students.

According to the Quintana Roo Tourism Office, about 30,000 people visited Cancun in 2008. They are expecting the same amount of visitors in 2009.

The main spring break locations are Las Vegas, Orlando and south Florida, according to Travelocity.

"I hear so much about Florida and have never been to the beach ,so I have to hit the hot spot for the break," said Stuart McClean, a senior psychology major from Dallas.

In Florida, the Panama City Beach Convention and Visitor Bureau made adjustments to ensure no financial losses.

Last year, the bureau cut in half its advertisements, and still managed to attract about 200,000 visitors. Panama City is the number one city for spring break tourists in Florida.

Jason Chute, the director of operations for StudentCity.com, said that specialty trips such as spring break will never die in popularity.

"Typically the student business is more resilient to the economy because it's like a lifetime trip," Chute said. "A lot of times kids will go no matter what."

Tiffany Downing writes for The Meter, the Tennessee State University student newspaper, which originally published this article.