Top College Spring Break 2010 Destinations

Bahamas, Panama City, Mexico, South Padre Island are Top Hot Spots

Oct 29, 2009 Naomi Rockler-Gladen

The most popular Spring Break destinations for college students in 2010 include the Bahamas, Panama City, Florida, Mexico, and South Padre Island, Texas.

So where are college students going to celebrate Spring Break in 2010, and what are the hot travel trends? Here are some of the most popular Spring Break destinations, along with some of the advantages and disadvantages of these hot spots.

Spring Break Bahamas

Over the past years, and especially since the recession struck in 2009, the Bahamas have established themselves as a reasonably priced, tropical Spring Break alternative for college students. While some vacation hot spots have shunned Spring Break college students in lieu of older, wealthier, and less rowdy travellers, the Bahamas has established itself as a student-friendly place with a reputation for budget-friendly, all-inclusive trips and cruises. For students for a little more than just a typical Spring break party, capital city Nassau and the Bahamas offer great Caribbean food and culture.

A disadvantage to travel to the Bahamas is that although it is relatively cheap, it does require a plane or boat ride to get there, as opposed to more road trip friendly options. American travellers need to get a passport. Crime is also somewhat of a problem is Nassau, although not as significantly as in some destinations. It's important to work with a reputable travel agent or company to make sure accommodations are safe.

Spring Break Panama City

Another hot spot that's become especially student friendly in recent years is Panama City, Florida, which is located on the Southern panhandle of Florida. For the second year in a row, MTVu will be holding its annual Spring Break bash in Panama City.

Panama City has become synonymous in recent years with rowdy Spring Beach partying, which can be either an advantage of disadvantage, depending on what students are looking for. It's probably not the best place to go for a laid back vacation with a few friends, and of course, it's important for students to take Spring Break safety precautions and watch out each other's physical safety.

For American travellers, especially those who live in the South, Panama City is pretty easy to get to and doesn't require a passport. It's about 2 hours from Tallahassee, 5 hours from Atlanta, 5 1/2 hours from New Orleans, and 10 hours from Houston.

Spring Break Mexico

For many students, nothing says Spring Break like a trip to Mexico, especially to Cancun or Puerto Vallarta. Along with long established traditions of Spring Break partying, these locations have some of the most beautiful beaches int he world and offer a fabulous break from midterms and hectic college life. They also offer students a great opportunity to get in some authentic Mexican food and culture, as well as ocean fun like snorkeling.

Crime can be an issue in Mexico, which means that students really need to work with a reputable travel agent or company to assure safe accommodations and travel. Students also need to be especially careful to watch out for Spring Break travel scams on the Internet and elsewhere. Another consideration: as of June 2009, Americans can no longer travel to Mexico without a passport, so students need to be willing to put the time and expense into getting one.

Spring Break South Padre Island

One of the fastest growing Spring Break hot spots in the U.S. is South Padre Island, Texas, which is located in Southern Texas along the Gulf Coast, about 4 hours from San Antonio and 5 hours from Austin. As is the trend in 2010, U.S. students are looking for more inexpensive, domestic locations for Spring Break, and South Padre Island fits the bill. South Padre is a beach lover's paradise, with hundreds of miles of some of the most beautiful sandy beaches in the U.S. and lots of water activity.

Like Panama City, South Padre island has become quite a party spot, which has its advantages and disadvantages. It's also had some hurricane damage in recent years.

Spring Break Hot Spots for College Students

For students looking for a quiet vacation, Spring Break hot spots probably aren't the best bet. However, for students looking for the quintessential popular party vacation, check out the Bahamas, Panama City, Mexico, and South Padre Island.

The copyright of the article Top College Spring Break 2010 Destinations in Campus Life is owned by Naomi Rockler-Gladen. Permission to republish Top College Spring Break 2010 Destinations in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.