A struggling economy is forcing many students to forego the Caribbean excursions they would normally be booking around this time of year.
"We've hardly had anyone come into our office at all," said travel agent Erin Anello. "It's been slow for spring breakers."
For parents just scraping by, sending kids to the Bahamas is not an option, and students have had a harder time paying their own way thanks to fewer part-time jobs.
This year, large numbers of students will remain on their home turf, while some will enjoy more modest trips within the state or, in some cases, the country.
The big trips, for many, will have to wait at least until the summer.