Spring break is fast approaching and students are excited to soak in some sun.
We ranked nine of the most popular spring break locations in the U.S. and Caribbean.
First, we rated each of them on four different attributes:
- Access (1—5, 5 being easiest): Based on how easy it is to get to this location.
- Cost ($-$$$$$): Based on costs of hotels, activities, food, and drinks.
- Activities (1—5, 5 being best): Based on unique and different options, in addition to typical beach options)
- Safety (1—5, 5 being safest): Based on reports from the Department of State, and other sources.
Then we determined the order based on these ratings. Here are the best places to go on spring break.
#9 Acapulco, Mexico
Access: [1] Most trips have a layover in Mexico City. Depending on your city of origin, you may have two layovers.
Cost: [$] Recent violence has caused hotels to reduce prices even more.
Activities: [3] Parasailing is popular in addition to normal beach activities. There are also areas where you can dive into the ocean from cliffs. Many students rent villas and host their own day parties. There are a number of clubs, but companies organize a lot of the nightlife.
Safety: [1] Drug-related violence has been increasing in Acapulco. A recent high-profile gang rape of six Spanish tourists confirms Acapulco's rising safety problems.
#8 Nassau, Bahamas
Access: [3] There are direct flights from many parts of the U.S. into Nassau. The airport is also close to the resorts.
Cost: [$$] There are a large number of hotels and resorts, and they often have good deals. Some are all-inclusive, but the casinos are popular and could jack up the cost of the trip with an unlucky streak.
Activities: [2] Many resorts host parties, which can be convenient if you are staying there, but it can also dilute the fun if there are too many separate parties. Going with a company that organizes parties is a safer bet if you want to be surrounded by spring breakers.
Safety: [2] The criminal threat level on the island is rated as critical by the Department of State. There are increased reports of tourists being robbed at gunpoint, even during daylight hours. Assaults have also been reported in casinos, at hotels, and on cruise ships.
#7 Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Access: [2] There are few direct flights from airports other than Miami and Atlanta.
Cost: [$$] The dollar goes a long way in the Dominican Republic. Clubs are inexpensive and if you stay at an all-inclusive resort, you can reduce food and drink costs even more.
Activities: [3] There are normal beach activities such as volleyball and jet skiing. There are also a number of shops set up on the beach. Many resorts host day parties but the nightlife is mainly organized by companies like Student City. They bring spring breakers from different hotels to the same clubs. You may end up with locals if you venture out on your own.
Safety: [3] There are fewer reports of incidents than other international spring break destinations. But some Americans have been victims when returning to America. Smugglers place a baggage tag on a bag with drugs to be flown to the U.S., and if the bag is stopped, it has an American's name on it.
See the rest of the story at Business Insider
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