Year after year, thousands of college students flock to the same hotspots in search of the “ultimate spring break,” a concept that seems restricted to boozing in the sun until a mild form of amnesia manifests. Las Vegas, south Florida and Cancun all conjure up images of endless parties and even lengthier bills. If you’re not into stifling crowds, the harsh spotlight of “Girls Gone Wild” cameras, and huge price markups on everything from hotels to flip-flops though, the options may seem limited at first. For some people, the secret to a great spring break lies in going against the grain and avoiding the top destinations. Here are some alternatives so you can party it up and actually relax come March.
On the Road
The best part about traveling by car is freedom. You do not even need a definite destination. Some of the best spring break trips start with a car, a map (GPS is nice, but not always the most reliable), and the notion that driving south will lead you to warmer climes. Although to be fair, planning usually goes hand in hand with saving money. A good way to save on lodging is to work connections. Look through your friends list on Facebook or ask your dad’s friend’s aunt if you and your friends can crash for free while on the road. The best road trips are ones that take into account the trippers’ interests, not necessarily what’s hot for Spring Break 2009. Are you into music? Why not stop to pay respects to the King in Memphis, or travel along the Mississippi delta to discover the roots of blues? Or maybe you want to mix things up and visit the Grand Canyon after you’re all partied out in Las Vegas. The possibilities are endless. There is a lot to see outside the big cities and the trip itself can be the best adventure of your spring break.
Fun In The Sun
What do South Padre Island, Texas, Panama City, Fla. and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico have in common? The answer is relatively low prices, sunny beaches and insane nightlife. Another thing they have in common is a complete lack of character or individuality. These touristy spots exist almost exclusively for the parties, and sightseeing is limited to bright club signs and scantly clad tourists at jam-packed beaches. If you are looking for a beachy spot where you can do more than drink and tan, Miami, Fla. and San Juan, Puerto Rico are both great options. For astonishing diversity in culture, shopping, architecture and gastronomy, it doesn’t get much better than Miami, and San Juan’s mix of Latin dance clubs with a historic city backdrop is truly unique. South Beach has by far the best nightlife in Miami and can get pricey. You can save money by staying a few minutes away in Miami Beach or further inland into Miami proper. Hostels are only a good deal for small groups. The parties at both spots are beyond comparison and have the added bonus that the locals-to-spring-breakers ratio will maintain a healthy balance.
Alternative Travel
Sure, volunteering in sunny Costa Rica sounds appealing, but how do you get there? Most alternative break organizers will provide you with food and lodging at your destination, but they will not cover your travel expenses. Fortunately, there are plenty of volunteering opportunities close to home. Nonprofit organizations like United Way and Habitat for Humanity offer opportunities to work in the U.S. Gulf Coast and be a part of the rebuilding effort there. For nature fans, the American Hiking Society plans trips on which volunteers can spend time in some of the most beautiful parks and forests in the country while helping revitalize hiking trails and campgrounds. Alternative spring breaks have seen an enormous rise in popularity in the past several years, especially among college students. These trips offer a chance to travel and get to know a place in a much deeper way than regular tourism allows, as well as the opportunity to do something valuable and kind for others.