The Top Resorts for Spring Break 2009

Spring Break used to be associated with Florida. When most people thought of Spring Break, plans were made to go somewhere like Daytona Beach, or even Miami, to relax on the beach and do some heavy partying. However, Spring Break usually refers to somewhere more exotic, like the Caribbean or even somewhere overseas. You might even hear people wanting to travel up north, to a location where it won't be warm and sunny. Here are the best five places to go for Spring Break.

1. Atlantis. Atlantis is located in the Bahamas, on Paradise Island. This is right across the bridge from Nassau. Atlantis is the best Spring Break location anywhere for many reasons. The best reason is the climate that you will encounter in March and April. You will find weather in the 70's and 80's fahrenheit, which makes for a spectacular vacation. There are white sand beaches that can be enjoyed, with clear blue waters.

Atlantis is a small community in itself. You won't need to leave this resort to achieve all of your Spring Break goals. Atlantis has a casino, where you can gamble. Atlantis also has a great nightclub called Aura. In addition to the beaches, there is also a man made lagoon. The lazy river, where you ride around in an innertube, is quite relaxing. There are waterslides and other water rides, as well as plenty of marine habitats to view. You can even swim with dolphins. There are plenty of restaurants, with fare such as seafood and steak. The pricing ranges from fast food type cost to high end, superb restaurants.

Atlantis has a spring break special where you can stay the fourth night free if you pay for the first three nights. Kids stay free with paid adults. It costs about $500 per person per night to stay in one of the less expensive rooms, called the Beach Tower. Currently, the requirement for a passport has been lifted for travelers from the United States visiting the Bahamas.

2. Yellowstone National Park. At Yellowstone National Park, your Spring Break can include seeing some hot steaming geysers, such as Old Faithful. Then, you can view the Grand Canyon area of Yellowstone, as well as see Yellowstone Falls and the connecting rivers. Wildlife spotting can be part of your plans, where you can search for a buffalo, moose or elk.

If you want to stay outside of Yellowstone and drive in each day, it will cost you $25 for a noncommercial vehicle for a seven day pass. To stay in Yellowstone, you have many different choices. Some of these include the Old Faithful Inn, Roosevelt Lodge Cabins, and Grant Village. Each is situated somewhere different in the large national park. If you would like to stay inside Yellowstone's borders, you'll want to make reservations early. Spring Break is actually popular at this resort, so the accommodations go fast.

The rooms do not have internet capability. There are no swimming pools, and you won't even get a television set in your room. Cell phone service is not great. This is the place to go if you just want to get away from the civilized world and be at one with nature!

3. Whistler Blackcomb Resort, in British Columbia, Canada. This is a ski resort, and the skiing will continue in March and April, during the time of spring break. Because Whistler is so far north, the weather is still cold enough to support skiing into April. College age students and even high school students on Spring Break enjoy skiing, so this is a great place to visit for a spring vacation. The ski resort offers skiing on an actual glacier.

Whistler has about 100 hotels, with varying price ranges. You can find a basic room, or five star accommodations, depending on your desired price level. There is a special on rooms that goes until April 26, 2009 where you can get a third night free. You can also find specials on airfare if you book through the Whistler Blackcomb website. Rooms are anywhere from $100 to $300 per night.

Aside from the skiing, Whistler has different places to enjoy nightlife, as well as a diverse group of restaurants for dining. Shopping is easy to find as well.

4. Marriott Grande Vista. If you want to go traditional Florida for Spring Break, try Marriott Grande Vista. This resort is located close to Orlando, Florida. You'll be within two hours of a beach by traveling either west or east to one of the Florida coasts. You can enjoy everything that Orlando has to offer, like the Disney Theme Parks and warm, sunny weather. What makes Marriott Grande Vista a great resort is that the resort itself has enough to keep you entertained for the week. There is a lake, where you can fish or rent paddle boats in the shape of ducks and swans. Or, you can swim in one of four pools, or relax in the sauna or hot tub. The rooms are about $150 per night for a one bedroom accommodation, which is quite affordable.

The Marriott has a restaurant, a lighthouse bar, and a grill serving sandwiches and lunch items all on site. Pizza Hut also has a small counter serving pizzas and Edy's Ice Cream. Internet access is available.

5. Calampiso Resort in San Vito lo Capo, Italy. If you're ready to grab your passport and head across the Atlantic, this is the resort for you. This area in Italy is known for its natural beauty. You can visit the Egadi Islands on a day trip, or visit the old Phoenician towns, Erice and Salunto. Close by, you will also find two Greek temples, called Segesta and Selinunte. Water sports are available, and sun bathing is the favorite sport here.

The best way to visit this resort is to rent a vacation property directly from the owner, or to go through a timeshare rental website. Vrint is one website that offers accommodations at the Campiso. The prices will vary, based on how much the owner is listing the week for, or based on how many bedrooms you want to have. Expect to pay around $1000 for the week.