This 2006 hot spots list is last year's (or later!) news, though it's still got travel tidbits you can use -- do check out the top Spring Break 2009 destinations if you're looking for the latest!
1. Acapulco
Beaches range from quiet hideaways, like Playa Pie de la Cuesta, to elbow-to-elbow humans, like La Condesa. Stay in a hotel on the Costera (main drag) -- drop by the small Puerto Marques village for an afternoon.
2. Cancun
Cancun is pure craziness under the sun -- margarita madness and a massive influx of students doing the spring thing on drop-dead gorgeous beaches and in late-late-late night clubs. Hop the ferry to Cozumel or the bus to Playa del Carmen for slower-paced sandy paradises. Xel-Ha is fun for snorkeling, and Tulum is worth a visit (90 miles south; go early a.m.) -- great beach and unba ruins.
3. Negril, Jamaica
Spring time in Negril is sunny and party, party, party central. Remember that Jamaica is a developing nation; cheaper hotels may not have fully functioning amenities and parts of the island can be a walk on the wild side. Don't fear to adventure -- just be safe.
4. Panama City, Florida
Panama City, Florida: 27 miles of sugary sweet beach on the Gulf of Mexico (west coast of Florida). Temps in the 70's during the day and blessedly cool at night. Drinking age is 21; parasailing and the usual watersports abound. Shell Island is a must-see -- beautiful dunes and unspoiled grassland.5. Lake Havasu, Arizona
Lake Havasu is climbing the hot spot ladder! The giganto lake itself is on the Colorado River in NW Arizona; water skiing, jet skiing and parasailing are big. See the London Bridge (yep, the real thing). Camping is a good idea at Lake Havasu, but watch the open containers. March and April temps can be in the 90's in this awe-inspiring desert country.About 3-4 hours drive from Phoenix.
6. Daytona Beach, Florida
Daytona Beach is, without doubt, one of the lower 48's most popular perennial spring hot spots. Endless beaches, sunny days and warm water bring student travelers to Daytona Beach in droves to hit the sand and surf in March and April.Daytona Beach is on Florida's central East coast and enjoys balmy temperatures -- both air and water range from 75-80 degrees. Perfect for boogie boarding or lying on the beach.
7. South Padre Island, Texas
This sandy spit near Corpus Christi is windblown but sunny, and Padre Island proper has hundreds of miles of beach. The gang's all at South Padre itself, where you can find fresh shellfish and every conceivable kind of water sport. Surf's sometimes a little rough. Scooters are a great way to get around the whole island.8. Nassau, Bahamas
Nassau is a decent place for breakers: zillions of white beach, blue water miles. Drinks are luscious and expensive. People are less than friendly; some Bahamians don't care for tourists -- be a beautiful American and improve the image.Snorkel, snorkel and snorkel some more. Check out Smiley's for the real deal food and friendliest waitresses. Rent a scooter to spend a morning at the Straw Market. Nassau is on New Providence Island; gambling is on nearby Paradise Isalnd.
9. Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas really is the city that never sleeps. And whether what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas is up to your roomates, of course. Cheap drinks if you're gambling. Most of the fun is over 21: great concerts and clubs, but crazy curfews for minors exist, like no minors on the Vegas Strip 10:00 p.m.-5:00 a.m. Hoover Dam and Lake Mead are excellent side trips.
10. Steamboat Springs, Crested Butte and Winter Park - Colorado Ski Resorts
Look for a resort catering to *you*, like Steamboat Springs, Crested Butte or Winter Park. Some Colorado ski towns don't court students in March and April -- instead, choose a Colorado ski town with student-geared concerts and spring vacation specials.
