Spring break

Spring Break is an important event in the academic calendars of universities, colleges, and public school systems in many countries of the world. It is typically a week-long vacation that occurs between Carnival and Easter. In many countries, particularly in Europe and North America, Spring Break most commonly occurs during the second or third week in March. In traditionally Catholic countries, such as all of Latin America, Holy Week (the week before Easter Sunday) is taken off by all schools in the country and a separate Spring Break is not observed.

While anybody, including families, may take the opportunity to travel during vacations coinciding with the academic Spring Break, this article focuses on travel for taking part in the Spring Break party scene, dominated by groups of collage students, with some remarks about avoiding such destinations.

Understand

History

Politics

Popular Spring Break party destinations often experience problems with public drunkeness, drug overdoses, nightly noise, overcrowding, and trash being left on streets and beaches. As a result, popular destinations change over time as local governments take steps to restore order and discourage young partiers from returning to the area.

In the late 20th century, some of the most popular Spring Break destinations were in Florida, but raising the drinking age in the United States to 21 caused many of the partiers to prefer destinations in the Caribbean or Mexico where bigger resorts with more dependably good weather had drinking ages of 18 (which were often not enforced). Florida continues to be a popular state of Spring Break because of its access by car and no need for passports, but the more well-heeled students go to Mexico and the Caribbean.

In Europe, popular Spring Break destinations have also taken steps to curb rowdy Spring Break party crowds. In 2024, Amsterdam has put in place restrictions on bars, smoking marijuana in the streets, and hours for popular party venues. Amsterdam citizens are particularly frustrated with rowdy partiers from the UK. Ibiza has long been the top Spring Break party beach area in Europe but has experienced problems with rowdy behavior, particularly with young guests at all-inclusive hotels drinking themselves into a stupor. In 2024, Spain implemented new rules that prohibit all-inclusive resorts from serving a guest more than 6 drinks per day, however, guests are able to buy additional drinks, so the rules will have little effect on die-hard partiers.

Media

So-called "reality" videos sometimes portray Spring Break partiers. Notable examples are:

The Real Cancun, 2003 video capturing Spring Break events like wild parties, wet T-shirt contests, and excessive drinking
Girls Gone Wild, 1997 video series often featuring spring break (especially Cancun, among other locations), with lots of wet T-shirt contests, nudity, and young women in sexual situations

Destinations

Any place can be a destination for Spring Break, but college students often travel in groups to beach resorts that are known for their Spring Break party scene. A handful of top-tier parties are well-known by students at all major universities. The resorts often receive groups from many colleges and universities in many countries. Popular beach resort areas can see an influx of a half million partying young people.

Beach parties

Europe

Ibiza, Spain - large island with many beach areas, the beaches of Sant Antoni de Portmany are particularly famous as a huge party destination
Amsterdam, Netherlands - famous for its tolerant culture where drugs and prostitution are widely available

North America

Cancun, Mexico - the world's most popular Spring Break party beach with ideal weather during the month of March and many big parties sponsored by beer companies and tour companies specializing in Spring Break
Los Cabos, Mexico - popular Pacific coast beach resort with a growing number of Spring Break parties
Panama City, Florida - largest Spring Break beach party in the United States, but local government is trying to drive the partiers away due to crime incidents and public disorder
Daytona Beach, Florida - many Spring Breakers moved their parties from Panama City to Daytona, which has also had problems with rowdiness and trash
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina - popular with students on a budget, but weather is too cold some years for serious beach partying
South Padre Island, Texas - most popular U.S. party beach outside Florida

Caribbean

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Montego Bay, Jamaica

Family destinations

Families often take Spring Break vacations but avoid the famous party beaches during the month of March. Instead, they visit family, travel locally, or prefer family-oriented destinations, particularly:

Orlando, Florida — home of Disney World and Universal Studios
Washington, D.C. — myriad historical and cultural attractions (with free museums)
Wisconsin Dells — natural attractions and water parks in America's heartland
Ski resorts — skiing and snowboarding are popular Spring break activities, where resorts with suitable climate are in reach.