Top 5 Spring Break Destinations for 2010

As schools and colleges let out for Spring Break during the last week of March and beginning of April families and college students are preparing to embark on Spring Break vacations. It is a given that every year people will look for the best places to take their families on vacation, or find the hottest spots to party all week long while on vacation, while also being budget-minded and looking for discounts.

With Panama City Beach, Florida and Cancun, Mexico being the most popular places to go, and MTV, SPIKE TV and other entertainment groups promoting activities and contests, Orbitz has released their list of the Top 10 Spring Break destinations where travelers are heading for Spring Break 2010. I am highlighting 5 of the places I enjoy on this list as places to visit in the United States this Spring Break.

Orlando, Florida -

With it's beautiful weather starting around early April, and wonderful hotel discounts targeted at Spring Break travelers, Orlando, Florida is the perfect destination for families or students to visit this year. With attractions like Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld Orlando has plenty to offer the budget-minded traveler. Most hotels near the attractions are willing to negotiate lower rates for longer stays and know where to point you to discounted park tickets. Orlando took a big hit in 2009 due to the economy, but you can still get the left over discounts offered last year to draw more tourists to Central Florida.

The nightlife is very appealing to college students with many places in Downtown Orlando and Downtown Disney Westside letting you in if you are 18 and letting you drink if you are 21 with proof. Universal City Walk also offers party's for Spring Breakers and plenty of 2-4-1 specials.

Honolulu, Hawaii -

The island of Hawai'i is one of the most beautiful, romantic and popular destinations for Spring Break travelers and Honeymooners alike. From the crystal blue Pacific waters surrounding Hawaii to the tourist shopping districts Honolulu is one of the great places for tourists to visit while on vacation.

Traveling to Hawaii use to be expensive and a trip reserved for the wealthy, but more and more hotels and airlines are trying to entice families to the island. If you shop around to different airline sites you can find huge discounts on air fair and cheap hotels right on the ocean. The nightlife is always in full swing in Honolulu and nightclubs in downtown love to cater to the college crowd over 21. Also check out Pearl Harbor on the island of Oahu while you're in Hawaii.

San Francisco, California -

The City By the Bay is a great place to visit while on Spring Break. The weather in March and early April is still cool and the views of the Golden Gate Bridge are breathtaking in the early morning. Hotels and airlines are also offering deep discounts for extended stays in the city and you can find plenty of things to do here with your family or a group of college friends.

Visit Fisherman's Wharf and Alcatraz while in the city or book a guided bus trip for the day around the city and to Napa Valley where you can sample wine and see where the most delicious wine in the world is produced. Also, visit the downtown shopping district for discounted merchandise from retailers like Victoria's Secret and The Gap. Chinatown offers the most delicious Chinese food and you can find many Indian Restaurants that offer a wonderful assortment of food.

Las Vegas, Nevada -

Las Vegas isn't just your parents playground anymore. Sin City has worked hard over the past 10 years to clean up its gritty image and attract more families for Spring Break Summer break. You can always find cheap flight to Las Vegas, but what about hotels? Since the economy made a down turn in 2009 the hotels in the city have started offering deep discounts and free nights for staying a certain amount of night. Most of these discounts haven't been seen since after 9/11.

While in Las Vegas take the kids to the many attractions offered at various hotels along the Vegas Strip like New York, New York and Circus, Circus. You can also take a guided bus trip for the day to the Hoover Dam or get out early and take a trip to The Grand Canyon in Arizona. I also recommend Red Rocks on the outskirts of town, especially at night if you can get in. Seeing the stars from the desert at night is an experience not to be missed.

Miami Beach, Florida -

South Florida is another popular Spring Break location for college students, but it is starting to see renewed interest from family's looking for warm temperatures and family friendly fun. Hotels along South Beach are famous for offering discounts to tourists around holidays and Spring Break and flight to Miami and Ft. Lauderdale are cheap.

While in Miami visit the Miami Zoo and Miami Aquarium. You can also take a walk along South Beach, swim in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico or visit the many Cuban restaurants in the city. Get up early and take a day trip to Key West and see if you can see Cuba from the southern most point in the United States.