Spring Break Destinations for 2010

Cancun
The first place I think of when anyone mentions Spring Break is Cancun. The Mexican resort city is attractive for many reasons to college students: the 18 year old legal drinking age, all inclusive hotels, warm weather, aqua colored water and pristine beaches, and one of the few places where the dollar is still king. Even better, between the swine flu outbreak that began in Mexico (although mostly in Mexico City) and the overall decline in travel, airfare to Cancun from the East Coast is incredibly affordable (think $250-$300 round trip). In fact, in October 2009 the U.S. dollar was more favorable to the peso then in the past 16 years. There are over 150 hotels in Cancun ranging from budget accommodations to large resorts with bars, restaurants, and pools onsite. During the day there are theme parks, the opportunity to swim with dolphins, snorkeling, water sports including jet ski and boat rentals, and relaxing by the pool. As for the nightlife there are tons of bars and clubs and many hotels offer "pub crawls" where for $20 USD you get a bus to bring you to 2 or 3 bars and free drinks or shots may be included at some or all of the bars.

Acapulco
Another popular Mexican destination, this year there is an added bonus: MTV will be filming their Spring Break here. The number two spring break destination in Mexico, Acapulco offers the same benefits as Cancun: an 18 year old drinking age, all inclusive resorts, water sports, swimming with the dolphins, and the infamous cliff driving. El Alebrije, a club in Acapulco, claims to be the largest club in Latin America holding up to 5,000 people. MTV will be filming at the Playa Suites Acapulco between March 14 to 18, 2010

Florida

Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach, Florida, in east central Florida, has long been a spring break staple for U.S. college students. Deemed the "World Center of Racing", Daytona is home to the Daytona 500 and the famous Daytona International Speedway (for NASCAR fans). During the first ten days of March 2010 will also be Bike week. The club Razzle's is popular with college students and spring breakers. The most unique thing about these beaches are that cars are allowed to drive on portions of the sand right along the coast.

Panama City Beach
Located on Florida's "Emerald Coast", Panama City Beach has been the home of MTV's spring break broadcast for the past several years. With miles of gorgeous beaches and various state parks nearby, the location is a great escape from exams and cold weather. Two major state colleges are nearby: Florida State and Florida A&M. Although MTV shot their Spring Break special here in 2009, they won't be returning for the 2010 season. The tourism development council denied the television station permits after two stabbings occurred last year during a Lil Wayne performance. The council also denied the Beach Scene Music Festival permits. Online deals for hotel packages are being offered through Facebook and at popular Spring Break websites like pcbeachspringbreak.com.

Texas

South Padre Island
A budget friendly and lesser known spring break destination is this island located off the coast of Texas, close to the Mexican border. A truck and car show called "Spring Break Jam" will simultaneously be held during March 6-7. The island has many bars and of course beaches for spring breakers as well as sky diving for adventurous types.

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