With winter break just around the corner and spring break on the horizon, visions of vacation grandeur may be dancing through your head. However, in light of the current economic slump the possibility of travel may seem slim. But don’t let your dreams of sunny beaches and urban adventures grow dim. There are still plenty of deals out there to make your ultimate vacation a reality without breaking the bank.

Typically, the most expensive part of travel is the cost of transportation, but there are myriad resources out there to find a cheap lift to your destination. For low-priced airline tickets, Orbitz.com, Travelocity.com and Expedia.com seem to be the go-to sites, but I prefer Kayak.com and Cheapoair.com. If you stalk these sites like you stalk Banner during registration you are sure to find a good deal. Anne Jensen ’11 uses Expedia and Orbitz because they offer cheap, easy-to-find tickets at comparable prices. Nonetheless, as a student your first stop should always be Studentuniverse.com. Student Universe offers deeply discounted tickets to students on major Airlines, both domestic and international. And if a European adventure is in your near future you should check out Ryanair.com, Easyjet.com and Vueling.com, which run specials on flights for 10 Euros or less.

If your travel plans are domestic there are still plenty of ways to save on transportation. Amtrak is often a convenient option, and it offers routes all over the country, although tickets can become pricey. With the purchase of a $20 Student Advantage card, however, you can save 15 percent on all Amtrak and Greyhound tickets; and yet, I find the Chinatown bus to be the ultimate deal in regional transit. Companies such as Megabus, Apexbus and New Century Travel — known as the Chinatown bus lines — typically leave from urban areas and offer inexpensive transport to major destinations up and down the east coast, including Atlanta, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York City and Boston. While these bus lines sometimes get a bad rap for their cramped quarters and sketchy pick-up points, they offer tickets as low as $1. From personal experience, they also provide adequate service. When you arrive at your destination, don’t shy away from public transportation. Always choose the metro over a cab; it will be more affordable and give you a better feel for the local culture.

Finding affordable lodging can be the next major obstacle to a successful trip. When it comes to a locating a place at which to crash you must keep an open mind. When searching for an inexpensive place to stay, Hostelworld.com is a great site to use. Although typically associated with European travel, there are hostels in almost every major city across the United States. The great thing about Hostelworld is that it allows you to select between hostels — which typically offer communal lodging — and budget hotels, which are a bit safer if you are traveling solo. Airbnb.com allows you to book rooms with locals at a relatively low price.

After you have arrived at your destination and found a place to rest your head, food is the next item on your list of necessities. A great way to save money is to eat at a restaurant for one meal a day, then turn to neighborhood farmers markets, street vendors or local grocery stores to satisfy your hunger. Not only will this help you stay on budget, it will also allow you to experience more local culture and cuisine.

The most important thing to remember when planning a vacation with limited resources is to keep an open mind. While you may not be able to stay at a luxury suite in Grand Cayman, you can explore an exciting new place and experience an unfamiliar culture on any budget.

In recent years, college students have increasingly spent the week of spring break not indulging in personal pleasures, but volunteering for a variety of causes all over the world. The College of William and Mary’s Office of Community Engagement and Scholarship has been a part of this new tradition, with its Branch Out programs transporting students to projects regionally, nationally and internationally.

However, other service opportunities are available for those students who wish to volunteer outside of the College’s programs, especially since deadlines for international trips have already passed. Whether one is interested in working with children, saving endangered animals or building a house from scratch, there are plenty of programs to suit any interest. Spring break can be an opportunity to serve a community, locally or globally.

*Habitat for Humanity Collegiate Challenge*

Part of the nationally-recognized, non-profit organization, the Collegiate Challenge has taken students all over the United States into an alternative break program for the last 20 years. During the College’s spring break, week-long programs are offered all over the country with local Habitat for Humanity groups. Cost: $125. Online registration at Habitat.org.

*United Planet*

With its “Short Term Quests,” United Planet offers programs around the world with a variety of initiatives such as social work, tutoring English, working in an orphanage, and helping the elderly. Programs are offered in countries such as Cambodia, Ghana, Guatemala, Jordan and Nepal, allowing students to enjoy foreign cultures by staying with host families while helping the local communities. Cost: $725. Online registration at Unitedplanet.org.

*i-to-i*

With a large diversity of programs in countries around the world, i-to-i has promoted life-changing travel by providing service trips to students for the last 15 years. Service opportunities range from environmental protection, to building communities. Costs vary depending on the location and the duration of the trip. See I-to-i.com for more information.

*United Way Alternative Spring Break Sponsored by Deloitte*
United Way is sponsoring an alternative spring break program for students interested in rebuilding Biloxi, Miss attacked by Hurricane Katrina. Other programs involving Student United Way groups will travel to locations in New Orleans, the Pacific Northwest and urban cities. Online application at Liveunited.org.

*Global Citizens Network*

Global Citizens Network seeks to unite volunteers with indigenous communities in foreign countries and the United States. Planned programs during the College’s spring break include two-week trips to Mexico, Thailand and Guatemala. Interested volunteers are encouraged to create their own service trips with the aid of GCN. Costs vary. Online application at Globalcitizens.org.

As we head into winter and finals, it’s only natural to start thinking about spring break and the opportunities it presents for untapped entertainment. For those of you not in the mood for Florida, here’s a list of some unconventional destinations.

Savannah, Ga.: Pack your flip-flops for this rather unusual spring break destination. It may not be at the top of your list, but Savannah is definitely worth considering. Well known for its Spanish moss and temperate climate, it is a good place for the explorer in you. For those interested in history, look no further: Savannah is full of historical sites including cemeteries and Civil War-era houses, many of which are open for tours. If that doesn’t interest you, check out the infamous Club One, a drag club home to Lady Chablis, best known for her appearance in the book “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,” and Pinkie Masters Bar, the site of numerous presidential visits from Jimmy Carter.

Chicago, Ill.: For those who don’t mind the cold and the wind Chicago is the destination. An architectural gem, Chicago boasts buildings designed by some of the world’s most famous architects; half of the fun is just looking up while walking down the street. Explore the famous Magnificent Mile, which boasts some fantastic shopping and the John Hancock building. There is also Millennium Park, the site of unusual art installations like the spaceship-like metal sculpture known as “The Bean,” the Pritzker Pavilion, a massive concert venue designed by Frank Gehry and the Crown fountain an interactive display complete with massive images of the faces of over 1,000 Chicagoans. For those who want to stay indoors, there are always the museums: The Art Institute (free on Tuesdays) contains work from masters all over the world, the Shedd aquarium offers a beluga show and the Field Museum houses everything from rocks and fossils to the DNA Discovery Center. Bring your warm clothes and a positive attitude, and you’re sure to have a great time.

Seattle, Wash.: For anyone who doesn’t mind rain, Seattle is the place to go. Among other things, thiscity offers the world-famous Space Needle and the world-famous Starbucks. There is hardly a shortage of coffee in this city and while you’re buying your latte, check out the unique lengths that some of the coffee houses will go to in order to sell their stuff, such as bikini-clad baristas. Don’t forget the music scene: Artists ranging from Sir-Mix-a-Lot to Nirvana got their start here. Seattle also has numerous art museums and parks. The Woodland Park Zoo boasts over 300 different species and the Seattle Art Museum has over 25,000 pieces in its collection. Pack an umbrella, however; Seattle averages six cloudy or partly cloudy days per week.

New Orleans, La.: New Orleans practically speaks for itself. World-famous food and entertainment meet in this unique American city. Check out the French Quarter, wander down Bourbon Street, grab some beignets at the 24-hour Cajun French Cafe du Monde, and don’t forget to check out the famous zydeco music. If you are so inclined, head to City Park, with its distinctive ancient oak trees and botanical gardens. If this doesn’t get you, New Orleans boasts an exciting night life and, perhaps best of all, cheap food such as gumbo and muffaletta sandwiches. Who could ask for more?

San Francisco, Calif.: Perhaps one of the most distinctive American cities, San Francisco is certainly a great destination for those looking for, well, anything. With a massive Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender scene, there is no shortage of street fairs, bars and entertainment. The Golden Gate Bridge and Fisherman’s Wharf are always worth exploring, and the city’s Chinatown is one of the oldest and largest in the country. San Francisco has been called a walkable city by many, as long as you don’t mind the hills.

__Kristen Pantazes gives off an air of confidence and enthusiasm, and before long, I can tell she has a great talent for bringing out the fun in life while not neglecting the important stuff. She’s double majoring in sociology and government to “find ways to help understand the social world and its influences on policy and governance.” For the time being, she’s been busy sharing her gifts with the College of William and Mary as a tour guide, an Orientation Aide, an Honor Council member, a member of a social sorority, a member of the Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity, a member of an a capella group and an important part of the College’s summer admissions staff.__

*What was the highlight of your weekend?*

Hands down, it was the giant leaf fight I had at 1 a.m. with this phenomenal group of people. We were walking across campus from Jamestown [Hall] and came across a huge leaf pile between McGlothlin-Street and Washington [Halls], and all of the sudden there were leaves and people flying everywhere. Literally, we played in the leaves for a solid 20 to 30 minutes, and it was just so much fun, even though we felt a little bit like five-year-olds.

*You’re wearing gold leggings and some sort of green cape in your Facebook profile picture. What’s the story on that?*

That was actually one of my two Halloween costumes from last weekend. I am currently taking an Age of Dinosaurs class in the geology department, and I was assigned to a group project on stegosauruses a few weeks ago. After going through that whole project, I thought it would be really funny to dress up as a stegosaurus for Halloween, so I actually went to the fabric store down Richmond Road and bought fabric and supplies, and then I created this green cape with back plates and a tail that included spikes. Throw in some gold leggings, gold fabric and some shades for good measure, and you totally have a fun costume.

*What’s an embarrassing moment at the College you’ve had?*

When I was at the football game this weekend I totally had this flashback of the homecoming game from sophomore year that I’m pretty sure I intentionally blocked from my memory. I usually dress up in crazy William and Mary gear for games, and I was a little late for this game, so I was trying to run up the steps of the student section to go cheer with my friends. However, I took one step into this puddle on the first step of one of the aisles and totally wiped out in front of hundreds of my peers while wearing green and gold tie dye and knee socks, face paint, feathers in my hair, necklaces and ribbons, green shorts and William and Mary Converse sneakers. I almost felt so cool. Almost.

*Tell me about being in Common Ground.*

Common Ground [the College’s Christian Women’s a cappella group] has really been a group that has anchored my time here at the College. I auditioned my first semester freshman year, and ever since getting it, the girls have really become my family — the ones I go to with problems and who I know understand me on every level.

*I hear you also have mad beat boxing skills as well?*

On a less serious note, it’s also gotten me into vocal percussion aka beatboxing, something that is downright awesome. Coming into the group, there was no way I would have thought I could percuss, but one of the older girls in the group took me under her wing and would literally sit with me for hours, teaching me all the different sounds and variations. I occasionally walk around campus percussing to myself — weird, I know, but it’s just so much fun. I was surprised that it is really not that hard to do.

*What myths would you like to dispel about the College if you were able?*

Somehow on my tours I always have students and parents asking, “Is William and Mary really the place where fun goes to die?” Being an out-of-state student, I never heard that rumor before coming here, and so the first time someone mentioned this to me freshman year, I could hardly believe it. Apparently that’s a rumor that floats around the state of Virginia, but I honestly think it’s kind of ridiculous. I mean, to be sure, Williamsburg isn’t your hotbed of crazy nightlife off campus, but one of the things I love most about our school is that there really is something going on all the time.

*Favorite author?*

Definitely C. S. Lewis, although Jane Austen put up a good effort there, too. Lewis just has this remarkable ability to speak to me through his writings, to make things that are ethereal so easy to understand and relate to. His writings have taught me a lot about this world and people in general, and I hope someday I can be so well-spoken — or written, as it were — as well as have such a great sense of humor.

*Do you have any unfulfilled goals you’d like to see out before you graduate?*

I am actually working on compiling a bucket list for my senior year, making this list of things that I want to accomplish before I embark out into that proverbial real world. It’s getting pretty extensive, which I’m excited about, and it includes everything from having a CW day of visiting all the attractions to hosting a dinner party to befriending the students in my freshman dorm to completing the triathlon all in one night, just to name a few. I just really love this place and want to make sure that I’m treasuring my last few months here — incredibly sappy, I know, but still true.

__When I ask Kristen where she sees herself a few years after graduation, she tells me her primary goal is to be happy, whatever she’s doing. In whatever environment, you can be sure Kristen will stick by her motto: “Everything happens for a reason, so have faith and a smile.”__

Understanding your body is essential to a mature sexuality. But this isn’t always as easy as exploring your happy place. Some things require research. That’s where I come in; I’m here to help you discover the intricacies of your nether regions. It is my job, to troll the internet looking at porn rather than do my homework. Woe is me.

I thought I would focus on two questions I’ve received, one for each sex. First, how do I deal with an uncircumcised penis? Second, what is female ejaculation? Both of these questions may pop up unexpectedly, so it’s a good idea to know the basics about them beforehand.

Regarding the first question, a little more than half of American men are uncircumcised. This means that their foreskin did not receive a snipping when they were babies. The result? A warm little turtleneck. An uncircumcised penis, when erect, looks just the same as a circumcised penis, so you may not notice that your partner is au natural. But when he’s soft, there will be an extra flap of skin around the top that hides the head. Many people never get to touch one of these raw, uncut beauties. Gaze in wonder at the natural male sex organ.

Then proceed with tenderness.

This hood contains thousands and thousands of nerve endings that circumcised men don’t have. If you are used to a circumcised penis your touch is likely to be too rough for your uncircumcised partner. Blowjobs are the big issue. Retract the foreskin carefully, and treat your man lovingly. Do not suck too hard or throw in any little nibbles.

Other than that, let loose; a penis is a penis is a penis. No need to be scared away because this penis happens to have an accessory.

As to the second question, what’s the deal with female ejaculation? Squirting, as it is known colloquially, is a controversial topic. Scientists haven’t quite figured out the mechanism for this process. How odd — women aren’t lining up to participate in a science experiment that involves them orgasming on command.

Here’s what we know: Less than half of women report ejaculating during sex, or manual or oral stimulation. The fluid is expelled before or during orgasm from the paraurethral ducts. Some naysayers claim the fluid has the same composition as urine. Ergo, female ejaculation equals incontinence.

Although Redtube.com may make it seem easy, many women find it difficult to achieve this feat. Some worry they will urinate on their partners. Urine play is not a commonly accepted fetish, so this is undesirable — but some research suggests it can be as pleasurable as ejaculation.

If you want to attempt this, keep a few things in mind. To avoid the fear of urination, empty your bladder before attempting. Massage your clitoris as usual during manual stimulation. Then add pressure to your G-spot, which can be found by sticking your fingers 1 to 2 inches into the vagina and pressing against the wall facing your stomach.

Use your hands to reach orgasm, focusing on the G-spot. Then, go with the flow. At this point you have put pressure on your paraurethral glands, and the fluid should be built up and ready to burst. Viola, female ejaculation.

Do not freak out if you can’t do it. The majority of women have not experienced ejaculation, and my guess is that they still have fun during sex.

I hope I’ve supplied you with a few fun facts, and who knows? You might find some of this information useful in the future.

__Maya Horowitz is the Flat Hat sex columnist. She just wants to make sure you’re prepared if an uncircumcised penis or ejaculating femaile might jump you on campus late at night.__