Already sick of Shakespeare and Socrates? Have no fear; spring break is merely a month away! So while you’ve been studying, HC’s scoped out the best locales and deals for spring break 2010—because we’ve been counting down since the first day of classes too.
For the Hard-Core Partier:
Looking for the ultimate beach party? Cancun is still it. Be warned: it’s not for the faint of heart. But with sun, surf, and 6,000 person mega-clubs, it’s the most popular Mexico spring break location that gives spring break its rep as a never-ending party. To get the full Cancun experience, stay at the beachfront Oasis Hotel Cancun; it’s all-inclusive and complete with 600 rooms designated for spring breakers, two swimming pools, and multiple bars and restaurants. Of course, you can’t get all of that for cheap; it’s going to cost you at least $200/night. Cheaper options for spring breakers include the Cancun Clipper Club and NH Krystal Cancun.
Staying in the states? If you don’t have a passport or just don’t feel like going over the border, try South Beach in Miami, FL.
“For spring break, my go-to place is always South Beach in Miami, Florida,” says HC writer Gennifer Delman. “South Beach is home to some of the most beautiful hotels and beaches I have ever seen! It is always so lively and warm; you will never be bored!” It’s not as wild and crazy as Cancun, but from casual beachside bars to swanky nightclubs, it has some of the hottest nightlife in the U.S., though many clubs are 21+. Bonus: there’s wonderful shopping.
For the Do-Gooder:
Alternative Spring Breaks (ASBs) are an opportunity to give back during your vacation. Though you’ll be working, they are also a chance to mix and mingle with college students who you have something in common with. ASBs helping rebuilding the destruction of Hurricane Katrina are popular. Check out United Way’s program in Biloxi, MI. And some ASBs let you travel to some pretty cool places. The Student Conservation Association sponsors an ASB where you volunteer and camp in the Grand Canyon! For more ASB opportunities, check with your school’s volunteer or religious organizations. Many, like Break Away or Hillel, might sponsor ASBs of their own or with another college.
For the Broke:
`Strapped for cash? Try Las Vegas for a cheaper spring break. There’s no beach, but it’s Vegas, so there’s no shortage of things to do! During the day, you can relax poolside in the 80-degree weather, and at night there’s not only casinos and clubs but also a ton of shows and performances. Though you might have some money left after scoring Vegas’s cheap hotel rates, be careful not to gamble it all away! And if you’re really dead-broke, you don’t need a hotel to travel! HC writer Caitlin Hardgrove suggests taking a road trip and seeing your college friends’ hometowns.
“My two best friends at JMU [James Madison University] are first going to come with me to my house in Maryland and then we’re going to drive up to Long Island to stay at one of their places,” she says. “Seeing where each of us has grown up and what we call ‘home’ is something we’ve wanted to do since we met each other freshman year.” And since not every college has the same break, you can also try the opposite approach: seeing what your high school friends call college.
For the Overseas Traveler:
Didn’t get a chance to go abroad while you were at school? Loved your abroad experience so much, you want another taste? Spend your spring break in Europe! But I’m not going to lie; the currency difference between the dollar and pound or dollar and Euro, while not terrible, isn’t in our favor. Hostels make it affordable. In the ever-popular Paris and London, The New York Times recommends Oops! and London Central Youth Hostel, respectively. And don’t worry, no tattered couches here—these new and modern hostels are more like casual hotels, and private bathrooms are an option. Paris, London, and the rest of Europe won’t be warm, so pack and plan accordingly! But don’t worry, there’s plenty to do inside.
Culture and history is everywhere. In London, take a tour of the tower of London or visit the British Museum; both are free! In Paris, take a break from clubbing and check out the Louvre on a Friday night; they have free admission and special events for those under-26. If you want something a bit more “off the beaten path” than Paris or London, check out Prague. Though it’s a smaller city, there’s no shortage of clubs and bars in the birthplace of beer. With its medieval castles and cobblestone streets, you’ll feel like a princess. And because it’s not on the Euro yet, you’ll live like one too.
Sunset in Prague
For the Homebody:
Don’t feel pressured to go somewhere for break! Heading home is totally acceptable (full disclosure: I’ve gone home for break the past two years). You can catch up with your old friends, eat some real food and shower without shoes. The only downside: parents not understanding why you need to sleep till 1:00pm every day to recover from the first half of your semester. And if travel plans aren’t your thing, staying on campus can be a blast too. Just be sure to change up your routine from the school year. Explore your campus or city; check out that art museum you’ve been meaning to go to or find a new favorite café.
How To Plan Your Trip:
If you’re heading home, staying on campus, or staying with friends, you can figure this one out on your own. But if you’re headed to a hot destination, there’s a mess of options. There are a ton of spring break packages, from places like Student Travel Services, StudentCity and Spring Break Direct.
Though advertised as “deals,” it might actually be cheaper to book your hotel and airfare directly instead of buying a package. But you may want a package anyway; it all depends on what the package includes. Besides your flight and hotel, many packages include transportation between the airport and hotel, orientation at your hotel, meals or a meal plan you can buy separately, party admissions, and free drinks. So they add a level of convenience you won’t have if you planned your trip on your own. But whether one is right for you all depends on your travel style. Of course, check the specifics of the package you’re interested in before buying! No matter where you end up, HC hopes you have a blast!
Sources:
http://studenttravel.about.com/od/springbrea1/tp/to_spring_break.htm
http://studenttravel.about.com/od/springbreakvolunteers/qt/alternate_spr…
http://studenttravel.about.com/od/usspringbreakspots/a/south_beach_spr.htm
http://campuslife.suite101.com/article.cfm/spring_break_2010_cheap_trave…
http://www.paradiseparties.com/cancun.asp http://travel.nytimes.com/2009/04/19/travel/19hostels.html?pagewanted=3&…
http://www.gadling.com/2009/02/10/budget-travel-european-spring-break/ Gennifer Delman, Hofstra University ’12 Caitlin Hardgrove, James Madison University ’10