Ski trip, New York, Mexico - OH, MY! 

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By Ally Champagne

On Saturday, Dec. 12, at approximately 5:30 p.m., students will be done with fall 2009 final exams. This occasion is a time for glory, fun and excitement. The holidays are here, and vacations have arrived.

Members of greek organizations have many options during the holidays. Because most of the houses close down for renovation and winter cleaning, members are able to travel home, vacation with friends or just hang out in Baton Rouge.

Although the houses close down, the greek action is still alive and well. Companies throughout the United States offer vacation packages at discount prices for LSU greeks, with such destinations as Winter Park, Colo., and Cozumel, Mexico.

An example of a greek-oriented vacation is the annual ski trip to various places in the United States. Organized by Lifestylez Tours, the trip offers a low price for all ski trip necessities, including lodging, lift tickets and entertainment.

"Lifestylez Tours is the largest college snow tour operator in the United States, representing university and college groups nationwide," said Drew Ryan, Lifestylez regional director of entertainment and production. "The fact that LSU has the largest group, year in and year out, out of all the universities, truly says something special about this trip."

This year, most LSU greeks plan on traveling to Copper Mountain, Colo., with Lifestylez. Entertainment such as MIMS and Benjy Davis Project will play at various venues throughout the vacation. Also, local Baton Rouge deejays attend and spin music for the students.

"Experiencing the incredibly festive atmosphere unique to Louisiana's culture in such an extraordinary setting makes the trip a once-in-a-lifetime experience," said Harry Hennegan, Lifestylez regional sales director.

Other greeks prefer to visit a warmer area during the winter months. Professional offices throughout Louisiana offer programs for large groups to assist them in trips to Mexico. These "mission trips" revolve around building houses, cleaning lots and ultimately improving the area.

"For the past two years, my sisters and I go to Mexico with a doctor out of Baton Rouge to help him take care of the kids," said Megan Thomas, sorority member and philanthropist. "It's only two weeks, and you get to spend time helping people."

Cheap winter destinations are plentiful in group-order, but a vacation spot that's always hot is New York.

Many greek members band together and plan a shopping and sightseeing vacation to the great New York City. With airfare skyrocketing, some airlines offer group rates for exciting destinations. Mark Hebert, LSU and fraternity alumnus, plans on traveling to New York this winter with ten of his fraternity brothers, complemented with discount airfare.

"We called the airline and signed up for a group rate since we have so many," said Hebert. "It's really convenient and surprisingly, cheap."

The winter holidays should never be taken lightly. Having six weeks off from school is an amazing reward for the two weeks of hell from finals. Whether you're vacationing in Copper Mountain with Lifestylez or Mexico with friends, greeks stick together over the holidays and always ring in the New Year right.

Originally Published: Issue 826 - December 8, 2009

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