Top 3 Spring Break Destinations for the College Student

Spring break is the ultimate vacation for any college undergrad. A time to relax after midterms and get refreshed for the final weeks of the semester, spring break package deals become plentiful even before winter break begins. The most important factor in determining where to go for spring break is always the price. With that in mind, here are my recommendations for fun and affordable spring break vacation ideas.

1. Vegas, baby

My junior year spring break vacation was spent in Las Vegas, Nevada, when I scored round-trip airfare and hotel accommodations (five days, four nights) for under $400. My only splurge during the week was limousine transportation to and from the airport. Otherwise, I kept my gambling budget to just $20 per day, which freed up more funds for clubs and food. Trust me, there are tons more to do in Vegas than gamble. Take in some unique entertainment during spring break with some of Las Vegas's best-selling shows, including Cirque du Soleil and Phantom: The Las Vegas Spectacular. Nightlife in Vegas in absolutely amazing, and most of the time, get in free if you're female. If you're a man, expect to pay cover charges up to $20, if not more. Some of the best clubs on the Strip are Studio 54 at MGM Grand, Coyote Ugly at New York-New York and VooDoo Lounge at Rio. If funds aren't an issue, score VIP passes when you book your trip and never wait in line to get into one of these hotspots. You may just have a celebrity sighting to add to your spring break fun.

Finally, don't forget the freebies Vegas has to offer: the Fountains at Bellagio water and light show choreographed to music and live circus acts above the main casino floor at Circus Circus keep you entertained without breaking your bank. Spring break doesn't have to mean cashing in your trust fund or spending your college tuition, but if you do have extra dough, visit Aureole at Mandalay Bay for the best Cosmopolitans in the world. Afterwards, enjoy live music and dancing, again for free, in the lobby of the hotel. I would definitely recommend Las Vegas for any spring break trip, but book early to get the best price. Rooms at MGM Grand in the middle of the Strip are going for under $70 right now.

2. Daytona Beach

Another great spring break vacation option, Daytona Beach offers hundreds of "student-friendly" hotel options that can fit any size budget, including Americana Beach Resort with its oceanfront condos, complete with kitchens. Rates here are per night, not per person, so spring breakers on a budget can fit as many people into a room as possible. Hey, who needs a good night's sleep when you're on spring break?

Nightlife in Daytona Beach offers great party prospects for your spring break vacation, including the Ocean Deck Beach Club, the only restaurant and beach club directly on Daytona Beach. Nightly reggae beach parties and drink specials are a rite of passage for any spring breaker in the area. Be sure to also check out Razzle's Night Club and the famous bikini and wet t-shirt contests at 600 North. What's spring break without showing a little skin?

3. Mexico

Cancun, Mexico is another highly popular spring break destination each year. Cancun has been MTV's Spring Break Headquarters since 1999, so spring breakers have the opportunity to get on television while taking in the sun and average 80 degree temperatures. A spring break package deal to Cancun, Mexico includes round-trip airfare and hotel accommodations for one week and start at $849 per person. These spring break package deals also include taxes, a free welcome party, discounted and free admission to nightclubs, restaurant discounts and a party package with discounted drink specials and 50+ hours of free drinks. Upgrade to a VIP spring break package and receive even deeper discounts for parties, including a waiver of the normally $65 cover to an open bar, all-you-can-eat Caribbean Carnival Booze Cruise.

Wherever you choose to travel during spring break, keep in mind budgetary and safety concerns. Spring break may be notorious for being the best party of your life, but not a year goes by that college students don't turn up missing or become victims of crime during spring break week. Spring break should be the best vacation of your life, not the last.