Spring break: Acapulco tops; alternatives gaining popularity

The numbers are in at gigundo student travel agency STA, and Mexico ruled the spring break roost in 2006. Acapulco came in as STA's most popular spring break destination, followed by Jamaica and Cancun; Rosarito Beach, on Mexico's Pacific coast, rounded out the list at number four. (About's Student Travel called it in February with Acapulco to win, Cancun to place and Jamaica to show as the top three 2006 spring break hot spots.) STA spokeswoman Sarah-Jane Wilton said that "more cultural destinations throughout Europe, including London and Amsterdam" were also hot this year. "Even further-flung destinations such as Australia and Costa Rica are growing for spring break travel," Wilton said.

Spring break volunteerism growing

"This year we also saw an increased interest in alternative destinations for spring break," Wilton told Student Travel. "We are finding that each year, more students are looking beyond the wet t-shirt competitions and beach scene of Cancun, and instead seeking out a different type of experience (and) even volunteering." Students can seek spring break sun and sand while volunteering in conservation and home building projects in countries such as Honduras and Guatemala through outfits like STA and i-to-i; MTV joined forces with United Way's Storm Corps program for spring break options in the Big Easy, too.

Non-profit housebuilders Habitat for Humanity also saw a spring break volunteerism jump, with a swell of students turning up to pound nails in storm-slammed communities on the US Gulf Coast.

Related spring break info:

• All about spring break
• Spring break destinations 2007
• Spring break volunteering opportunities

Mexico student travel info:

• Acapulco student travel guide
• Mexico student travel guide
• Before you go to Mexico: Mexico pre-travel FAQ
• Mexico travel photos

Learn about all the travel documentation you need to visit Mexico
• Do I need a passport to visit Mexico?
• All about Mexico "tourist cards"

^{More: Spring break safety | Spring break: drive or fly? | About those kiosks | Spring break camping | How to find spring break deals}