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Abstract
Scholarly research on Spring Break has grown substantially and has often associated spring breakers' motivations with a number of risky behaviors. Recent research, however, has challenged these assumptions. The purpose of this study was to examine spring breakers' motivations for going on Spring Break. Unlike the media portrayal of Spring Break as a time of excess and risky behaviors, results showed that participants went on Spring Break primarily to "get away" from school and associated responsibilities. Other motivations included the search for rest and relaxation, spending time with friends and family, experiencing Spring Break for the first time, and simple necessity. Implications for existing leisure theory and future motivational research are discussed.
Parent Publication
Citation
Ribeiro, Nuno F.; E. Durrenberger, Paul; Yarnal, Careen M.; Chick, Garry E. 2010. "I just wanted to get away": An analysis of spring breakers' travel motivations. In: Watts, Clifton E., Jr.; Fisher, Cherie LeBlanc, eds. Proceedings of the 2009 Northeastern Recreation Research Symposium. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-P-66. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station: 272-276.
