Where to go:
Know where to go for spring break 2009? If you haven't yet decided or need some basics about your place in the sun, check out the top spring break 2009 hot spots (our predictions, which are usually spot on, were hot off the press on January 20, '09).
- Spring break hot spots 2000
- Alternative spring break 2009 (volunteering!)
- Gay spring break 2009
- Hot spring break ski resorts for 2009
- Spring break without a passport in 2009
- All the spring break ideas for 2009
Student airfare tips:
Look before you buy your ticket by checking student airfares against an aggregator. A flight-hotel package from a student travel agency may net the cheapest overall deal -- check hotels and flights separately before buying, though.
- Student airfare finders
- Current student airfare deals
- What's an aggregator?
- Compare actual spring break deals - student travel packages or an aggregator?
- Understand how to get ready for air travel
How to get the best hotel deal:
Student travel agencies have the best beachy group deals at the hot hotels in sunny spots like Mexico or Jamaica; get a package for a good hotel deal. Expect $35-75 per night -- an Acapulco hostel is $15/ night, but way slower than a hotel room in the downtown action. For a European trip, just pick your hostel (Amsterdam, London and Paris will be popular this year) -- if you know you want American student company in March or April abroad, grab a student travel agency (like STA) travel package.
About tour operators:
Companies specializing in spring break travel are largely capitalizing on airfare buys -- though a spring break tour operator may seem like an escorted tour service, it probably isn't; it's doubtful that you'll get any help at hotel check-in, for instance. You *will* get group hotel rates, a printed itinerary, free drink chits and /or club entry, and transportation to and from the airport, all of which are huge money and time savers. And spring break packages are not neccesarily group tours. Learn more:
What to budget:
A whole lot of how much money to bring depends on destination. Europe is cheaper than Mexico, which is cheaper than Florida, but any resort anywhere is spendy. An example, using Acapulco:- Hotel -- $35 per night for the Costera (main drag) if sharing a triple
- Food -- $10 per meal
- Clubs -- assume a $40 cover, which covers drinks
- Transport -- assume 50 cents per local bus ride
- Sights -- cliff divers are $3; some museums are free on Sunday
Party cruises :
Breaking on a boat has soared in popularity -- if you choose a cruise, expect to spend your time partying, partying and partying some more. Basically, you'll board a boat, cruise to a sunny port and rock out in a beach hotel for a few days. Airfare is not usually included; meals are. $400-800 for 4-7 days. Popular spring break cruises:
Travel safety tips:
Be aware when you travel and you'll doubtless be fine. Stay with friends if you're over-imbibing. Keep an eye on your possessions. Stay safe, but don't stay home!
- Student travel safety overview
- Women's travel safety tips
- Is spring break in Mexico safe?
- Choose a safe tour group
- All about roofies and date rape drugs
- Top 10 taxi safety tips
- About travel warnings and public announcements
Volunteer for alternative break:
If you're thinking you'd like to make a difference with your time, try volunteering. Want sun splashed sand? Spend time on a Costa Rican beach, working with sea turtles, through i-to-i's volunteer forays, made just for students. Hit the US's Gulf Coast with United Way ASB, or learn about ASB programs for which you can sign up on your own campus:- All about all the alternative spring break ideas
- Volunteer with i-to-i
- Volunteer in US national parks and forests
- Vounteer to build homes with Habitat for Humanity
- Worldwide volunteering master list
What to bring and how to pack:
You won't need much more than a swimming suit and flaps on sunny shores, but do bring good duds if you're hitting clubs; in Mexico, for instance, you may not get in if you're grunged.Documents:
- ID -- you'll need a passport in 2009 for Mexico unless you're driving - read about Mexico-specific travel documents)
- Backup ID, like an ISIC card
- Copies of itinerary and credit cards (more on copies and money below)
Travel for first-timers:
A few basic student travel tips and some tropical-specific stuff will make the trip easy and the week memorable (provided the shots aren't flowing too freely, that is!):
About travel documents
- Learn which travel documents you need and learn how to email them to yourself for safety and convenience
- Learn how to get a passport
- Learn about visas
- Learn about Mexico-specific travel documents including what's up with passports and Mexico travel
- What are exchange rates?
- Online currency converter
- Learn about stashing travel cash
- Learn about debit cards
- Photos of foreign currency
- Insect repellent if you want an organic or non-toxic variety, like Crocodile -- can be hard to find in Mexico
Last Tips
-
Remember to take a cover-up when you head away from your hotel -- you may want to duck into a restaurant or museum. Button your shirt indoors in Latin America.
- If you drink a bit too much, remember to drink as much water as you can get down and stay out of the sun afterward -- you'll be way dehydrated, which is, basically, what makes a hangover feel sooo bad, and the heat can make that feel even worse. Good excuse to hit a hammock in the shade.
-
Know how to get in touch with the local US embassy if you're abroad -- you can ensure your friends know, too, in case they need to help you get help.
