Top Spring Break Destinations for students

3.3.10 / Features / By Josie Shreckengost

Starting March 8, Clarion University will officially be on Spring Break. Most students at Clarion have been looking forward to this week since the beginning of the semester.
Students will be free of professors, lectures, homework and tests. It is a time of freedom and reward for working hard in the first half of the semester.
While some students decide to get away from Clarion during break, others plan to go home to rest and visit family, and some plan exciting getaways to faraway places.
There are many special places to visit on Spring Break according to TripAdvisor.com and HotelsbyCity.com. Adapted from these Web sites is a Top 10 Spring Break Destination list for college students.
1 Cancun, Mexico- Cancun has been the first-choice Spring Break destination for years. It is popular with college students around the country because of the white sand beaches and calming blue waters.
The hot sun also lures people to Cancun, especially people from colder climates in the U.S. Along with the environmental appeal to Cancun, the party like atmosphere also attracts fun-loving students every year. Each night on the beaches of Cancun, students can find concerts, parties and clubs.
2 Cruise to the Bahamas- Many cruise lines offer trips throughout the Caribbean. One of the most popular stops along the way is the Bahamas, namely, the capital city of Nassau. Over the past few years, the Bahamas have established themselves as a student-friendly Spring Break location. The Bahamas offer a cheaper beach vacation than other locations, with a culture all its own. Students can enjoy Caribbean food and lifestyle while they visit the islands.
Junior public relations major Philip Wass is planning to go on a cruise to the Bahamas over break.
He said, “We are going on the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line to the Bahamas. It is a five-day cruise; it’s going to be awesome!”
3 Panama City, Fla.- Millions of students flock to this beach-laden area for Spring Break each year. Panama City is rapidly becoming one of the most popular vacation destinations in the U.S. Panama City has become more popular because MTV has chosen to hold its annual Spring Break Bash there for the past two years.
With the hosting of this event, Panama City has gained the reputation of a rowdy party town during Spring Break season. Along with fantastic parties, Panama City also offers students miles of sandy beaches and sunny skies.
4 South Padre Island, Texas- South Padre Island is located in Southern Texas along the Gulf Coast. It’s located four hours from San Antonio and five hours from Austin. South Padre Island is becoming a more popular destination for Spring Break because it is relatively inexpensive and close to home (no passport required).
This location is so close to Mexico that it allows visitors to experience both Mexican and American culture at the same time. South Padre Island offers sandy beaches and lots of water activity.
5 Jamaica- Jamaica offers Spring break visitors a glimpse into island life. Most travelers to Jamaica stay in resort villages that offer all the amenities of home, but in a tropical setting.
Jamaica has beautiful beaches and numerous markets. The nightlife is exciting, and outdoor concerts can be found around every corner.
6 Myrtle Beach, S.C.- Within reasonable driving distance from Pennsylvania, Myrtle Beach is a great location for Spring Break. Myrtle Beach offers a domestic beach atmosphere with an exciting nightlife. Popular clubs are within walking distance from the beach.
Myrtle Beach is also known for its golf courses. If beach living isn’t for you, there are many golf courses to practice your swing.
7 Puerto Rico- Puerto Rico has beautiful weather year-round and numerous beaches to enjoy. Puerto Rico is also known as a great place to find a party. Even though it is a U.S. territory, the legal drinking age in Puerto Rico is 18. Also, students are not required to have passport to visit Puerto Rico.
This location is less expensive than a trip to Mexico, but provides similar atmosphere. Junior public relations major Linda Lavoie is planning a Spring Break vacation to Puerto Rico.
She said, “We are going to San Juan for a three-day trip.”
8 Miami Beach, Fla.- Miami Beach offers a sophisticated Spring Break vacation spot. Trendy clubs and hip restaurants can be found all over Miami Beach, especially in South Beach. This portion of Florida is well-known for beautiful beaches and beautiful people. Many celebrities frequent the beaches and clubs of Miami Beach, hoping to see and be seen.
9 Cabos San Lucas, Mexico- Cabos San Lucas has a variety of high-end luxury hotels from which to choose. As a classy location, and therefore more expensive, Cabos San Lucas is often out of reach for most college students.
If students do have the money to travel there, Cabos will reward them by offering tropical temperatures and pristine beaches. Snorkeling and surfing can also be enjoyed just off the coast of Mexico.
10 Europe- Students can take a trip of multiple countries in Europe for a low flat rate. There are many tours that can take students from England to France, then off to Spain.
You can visit Germany, Poland, and Austria in just a matter of days on these trips. Or more adventurous students may backpack throughout Europe on their Spring Break, taking advantage of the local hospitality and cheap hotel rates.
Clarion students may decide to travel 20 miles down the road or 2,000 miles across an ocean for Spring Break this year.
Either way, students will have to be back for class on March 15.

Josie Shreckengost is a staff features writer for The Call.

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