Outrageous fun. Booze-filled excursions. And sometimes, risky behavior. Every college student in the US goes through a kind of vacation that is perhaps known across the globe. That vacation is called spring break, a period that allows young people to take a much-needed break from the stress of college life — and get them to get out of the campus or the state.
But when is spring break? What are the most popular destinations? And what goes on during spring break?
What’s Spring Break Like in America?
Spring breakers are known for their rowdy and sometimes risky behavior. On TV or in photos, they’ll typically be in large groups, raising their beer bottles, dancing or jumping into pools and making goofy faces to cameras.
When college kids wanting to let loose and relax descend on cities or resort towns, those places become overrun. Spring break turns any location into one big party central. Motels, condo rentals, cabins and some hotels may be filled.
Most college students head to Miami Beach in Florida and Cancun in Mexico for spring break. Florida as a spring break destination comes from history since the first one can be traced back to Ft. Lauderdale n 1938. And Cancun just makes sense because the drinking age in Mexico is 18 whereas in the US, it’s 21. Most college students are in the 18 to 24 age range.
Universities in the US typically close in early spring, so college students can go on vacation for a week. Spring break coincides with Easter holidays and Easter dates are not set in stone, like Halloween and Christmas.
What Date is Spring Break 2022 in the US?
When spring break starts will not just depend on the Easter holidays but also the state. Naturally, spring break in the East Coast will not be the same as the break in the West Coast.
There is no fixed answer to “when is spring break.”
For example, students from different universities would get different answers to “what date is spring break 2022 in the US?”
Arizona State University’s spring break in 2022 is March 6 to March 16 whereas California State University, it’s March 14 to March 18. In 2023, spring break dates in the same universities are March 4 to March 11 and March 18 to March 25, respectively.
The national peak, or most popular week, for spring break is usually the final two weeks of March. This is the period when celebrations intensify. Although in some locations and universities, spring break is scheduled in late February.
But where do most spring breakers go?
Where Do Most College Students Go for Spring Break?
The most popular spring break destinations are in Florida, with Miami Beach topping the list, along with Daytona Beach and Panama City Beach. Florida is a definite hot spot for spring breakers. But college students are not attracted to just Florida; they also head to other parts of America.
Spring Break Destinations in the US
- South Padre Island, Texas
- Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
- Washington, D.C.
- Las Vegas, Nevada
Spring Break Destinations in the World
- Ibiza, Spain
- Nassau, Bahamas
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Montega Bay, Jamaica
Not all spring breakers are college students, young people looking to have fun and destress to the maximum. Some of the people who travel during this vacation period are families, and they’re relaxation needs may not be met with crowded cities and resort towns, and rowdy college students. The young revelers may be staying mostly where affordable accommodations are available, but not all families have the budget for posh hotels.
So what are the best spring break destinations for families?
According to the US Travel News, California is one of the top spots for families to spend their vacation on spring break. Travelers can check out Yosemite and San Diego. The Grand Canyon is also a good destination for its range of adventurous activities and breathtaking sites. Traditional families may also take a trip to Anaheim or Orlando for Disneyland and Disney World.
Families with more money to spend could book a vacation to Hawaii, Oahu in particular.
It may also help to avoid destinations that have been in the news. For example, spring break in Miami on March 2022 forced the city to declare a state of emergency. Two separate shooting incidents occurred and wherein five people were wounded.
Plan Your Spring Break Well
Every person needs to take a breather; this is especially true of young people going through the stress of college life. And spring break’s excessive partying definitely helps let off some steam.
With families also traveling during this period, it’s essential to plan the vacation well. So choose the right destination, book suitable accommodations and organize a fun but safe list of activities.
