Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is synonymous with spring break. It has been a popular destination for university students since the mid-1950s and it peaked in popularity in 1989 when more than 350,000 students descended upon the city for spring break festivities.
Fort Lauderdale is known just as much for its wild spring break parties as it is for its warm, sunny beaches. There are however, many other activities in Fort Lauderdale, such as scuba diving, snorkeling and boat tours.
Biloxi and Gulfport, Mississppi, have become a spring break destination for many African American university students in what has become known as "black spring break."
Spring break in Biloxi and Gulfport is similar to the event in Fort Lauderdale, but it attracts a greater number of students from traditionally African American schools. The spring break festivities also occur on a smaller scale, with 30,000 students attending in 2000. This can make Biloxi and Gulfport a good destination for anyone who prefers a smaller crowd.
Many students have opted to leave the United States altogether and to enjoy the sun in tropical destinations like Jamaica, Aruba and the Bahamas. Cheaper airfare combined with all-inclusive resort packages at a fraction of what they would cost in the United States has made these destinations popular with American students in recent years.
The Caribbean offers warm beaches much like Florida, but allows students to enjoy a higher quality experience with full meals and, often, unlimited bar access.
For students who prefer white powdered trails to white sandy beaches, ski towns like Vail and Aspen, Colorado, are the perfect getaway. These destinations provide students with the ability to ski every day from morning well into the evening.
While these towns are typically thought of as being very expensive, USA Today reports that many great deals can be found in time for spring break retreats. While this may not leave you with much of a tan, spending a week on the slopes is still a great way to pass the time.
