Spring Break 2010 - Five Great Beach Destinations

I have just two requirements for a perfect spring vacation. First, there has to be a beach and second the weather must be warm and sunny. Here are five island destinations that fit my criteria. These spots are perfect for college students looking for a fun spring vacation destination, or for families looking for a warm place to go with plenty of child friendly activities.

Spring Break Destination #1 - Atlantis Resort - Paradise Island, The Bahamas
Yes... The Atlantis resort is gaudy and expensive, but it is also an experience that everyone should have at least once in their life. The Bahamas are easy to get to, with direct flights from many US airports. I spent four days at this resort in 2006 with my two sons, who were twelve and fourteen at the time and we had an excellent time. From the water slides, lazy rivers and pools to the numerous restaurants including our favorite, Nobu, Atlantis is in my opinion the ultimate self contained vacation. You never need to leave this resort. A vacation here is expensive. I priced airfare and 7 nights for a family of four, traveling from Newark Airport at approximately $6,000 total or around $1,500 per person, that price does not include food or drinks. Eating at Atlantis is expensive, though they do offer meal packages, which I would strongly advise. We chose not to purchase a meal plan and ended up spending much more than anticipated.

If you do choose to leave the resort and I would advise doing so at least once, there are some wonderful snorkeling excursions. We chose to do an all day snorkeling adventure that included the opportunity to even snorkel with reef sharks. I will admit that I only stayed in the water for a few minutes, but my two sons loved it and were among the last ones out of the water. If you are looking for a Spring break destination with a great night life the Atlantis resort with its many bars and restaurants and huge casino will not disappoint.

Spring Break Destination #2 - Negril, Jamaica
One of the few bright spots to come from this awful recession has been the lowering of prices at some of the Carri bean's finest mega resorts. It has been many years since I have visited Negril, Jamaica, but I will never forget the gorgeous stretch of beach. In my opinion Negril has one of the most beautiful beaches on this side of the world. Apple vacations offers Spring Break packages to Breezes resort including airfare from New York for as little as $1,900 per person. Breezes, like many of the all inclusive resorts in Negril is only for adults, so if you are spending your spring break with children this resort is not an option for you. Instead try one of the many Riu resorts, where it is possible to put together a vacation package including airfare and 7 nights at the hotel for as little as $800 per person for a family of four staying in one room.

There are many worthwhile excursions to take advantage of in Jamaica. One I recommend, though it will take up most of one day is a trip to Dunn's River Falls which is located near Ocho Rios. If you are spending your Spring break in the Caribbean, you need to spend at least one day snorkeling, or if you are braver than me, you could try one of the mini scuba lessons.

Spring Break Destination #3 - Punta Cana, The Dominican Republic
The water surrounding The Dominican Republic is a breathtaking deep turquoise color, much different than the water surrounding The Bahamas or Jamaica. It was also my experience that the water was a little rougher and less tranquil. I traveled to Punta Cana a few years ago in late February, on a girls only vacation, and found the beaches pristine and the weather absolutely beautiful. There is much to do on this little island. We stayed at the Iberostar Bavaro all inclusive resort, which we enjoyed. The Iberostar offers many activities and has several different restaurants and bars. Apple vacations offers packages including airfare and a seven night stay for as little as $1,400 per person (flying out of Newark, NJ).

Some of the activities we tried in Punta Cana include horseback riding on the beach (strongly recommend), swimming with dolphins (not worth the price) and a snorkeling trip to a small island (strongly recommend). Resorts in Punta Cana have also been affected by the recession so it is possible to get an excellent deal if you are traveling for Spring break 2010.

Spring Break Destination #4 - Limassol, Cyprus
My fourth recommendation for your spring break holiday takes you away from the Caribbean and its famed mega resorts, to the Mediterranean island of Aphrodite. Cyprus is located south of Turkey a short one hour flight from Cairo or Tel Aviv. For the most part Cyprus looks similar to many of the Greek Islands, but it is much larger and southern location provides a warmer climate. I wouldn't recommend a trip to Cyprus if you are traveling in March as the weather will still be too cool for swimming, but in April the weather is beginning to warm up and there is plenty of sunshine. Traveling to Cyprus from the US can be a bit difficult as there are few if any direct flights (I lived in Europe when I visited). I did find some packages on www.travelocity.com for ten day trips, staying at a five star resort priced from $3,000 per person. These trips include airfare from JFK airport flying through Munich to Larnaca Cyprus. It is then an hour taxi ride from Larnaca airport to Limassol. There are several things that I like about Cyprus. First, the exotic location and rich history of the island. Second, the fact that English is spoken everywhere and finally the wonderful food and wine. The national food is mesas, which are small appetizers similar to tapas. There are plenty of restaurants throughout the old town section of Limassol area where you can dine outdoors. The island of Cyprus also produces its own wine, which is actually quite good. Cyprus also has a rich nightlife, which makes it an excellent destination for young singles.

In Cyprus you can combine a beach vacation with excursions to historical sites like Kolussi Castle and the Kourion. The Kourion is an ancient Greek ruins located near the village of Episkopi. I highly recommend seeing this site. Cyprus is also the home of the famed Mt. Olympus. The weather in Spring will be cool enough to enjoy a mountain trek. The weather can get extremely hot on the island during the summer months. Cyprus would be my choice if you are looking for an exotic destination for your spring break holiday.

Spring Break Destination #5 - Tenerife, The Canary Islands
The canary Islands, located off the coast of Northern Africa are a popular Spring break destination for European travelers. Tenerife is the largest of the seven islands that comprise The Canary Islands. The Spring weather is warmer than in Cyprus and it is also easier to travel to. Seven nights at a three star hotel will cost approximately $1,500 per person including airfare from New York. There is much to do on Tenerife from an excursion to the island's dormant volcano, Mt. Teide to a day spent at one of Europe's finest water parks, Siam Park. It is also possible to take a day long excursion to one of the other islands of the Canary Islands.

Spring break is the perfect time for a beach holiday. Make it a Spring break you will always remember at one of these five island destinations.

Sources:
www.travelocity.com
www.applevacations.com