Vacations are a time to recharge and detox from the stresses of the world…
… so the last thing you want to deal with on vacation are drunk college kids pounding at your door (forgetting their own room number) or exorbitant price hikes only the foolish will pay.
So if you have time off work and want to bask in the sun without all the aggravation – make sure you avoid these popular spring break destinations.
Cancun, Mexico
Cancun may have white sandy beaches and gorgeous sunsets…
… but their beaches are typically full of drunk college kids – especially during spring break.
Spring break in Cancun is almost a right of passage for a lot of college kids as thoughts of booze cruises and drunken nights lure in young adults from all over the world.
But most of us aren’t in college – and have no desire to stay in a resort with loud music blaring all throughout the night as college kids try to belt out the lyrics.
So do you have to avoid Cancun all together during Spring Break?
Well – not exactly.
You can venture off the beaten path a bit and still have an incredible vacation.
Cancun Area Travel reported:
“One of the best cities outside of Cancún is Isla Mujeres, the Island of Women, an island 8 miles from Cancún and a popular area perfect for day trips. You can reach Isla Mujeres from Cancún in about 20 minutes via ferry boat and features some of the most gorgeous beaches Mexico has to offer.
Visiting the island itself makes for an adventure, since many people, especially spring breakers, don’t know about it. Many tourists get around Isla Mujeres via a golf cart, which drives you around all the corners of the island, spotting many local businesses, colorful murals, and beautiful beaches with crystal blue water.”
Panama City Beach, Florida
And for those who can’t afford Cancun – Panama City Beach is another popular option for spring breakers who are trying to save money.
Also nicknamed the “Spring Break Capital of the World” – college students flood to Panama City Beach during spring break hoping to party on the white sandy beaches or hang out in the resorts which are laced with Tiki Bars, hot tubs, and of course – lots of booze.
Preparing for the inevitable – local Panama City Beach officials have already warned the “Spring Break” laws have started and will be strictly enforced.
Things that are banned include drinking alcohol (or even possessing it) on the sandy beach during the month of March, climbing and jumping from balconies (or throwing things off it), and loud music which disturbs the peace – just to name a few.
Police warn violations will result in arrest and up to 60 days in County Jail and a hefty fine.
Save yourself the drama and avoid Panama City Beach during spring break.
Playa Del Carmen, Mexico
Mexico makes the list yet again as college students love they can legally drink in Mexico if they are at least 18-years old.
Cancun is usually crowded – so many spring breakers opt to head to Playa Del Carmen instead hoping for an equally wild adventure.
Playa Del Carmen has a walkable downtown area and all their main clubs are on one strip – and is typically much more affordable than Cancun.
So instead of being somewhat spread out all over the city – Playa Del Carmen brings all the drunks together in one area.
Lovely!
That sounds safe…
Not to mention – The U.S. State Department and the Texas Department of Public Safety have already issued warnings advising Americans to stay away from Mexico during spring break due to excessive crime.
CBS News reported:
“The State Department issued its travel alert for this year’s spring break on Monday. The advisory notes spring breakers who do visit Mexico should be wary of crime in the downtown areas of Cancun, Playa Del Carmen and Tulum, especially after dark.
Visitors should also be careful about any medication and alcohol purchased in Mexico. American citizens have passed out and become injured after drinking possibly tainted alcohol in Mexico, the advisory noted.
“Counterfeit medication is common and may prove to be ineffective, the wrong strength, or contain dangerous ingredients,” the State Department said.”
So if you want to have an enjoyable spring break without drunk college students and counterfeit meds – avoid these popular spring break destinations and stick to something exotic like a trip to Italy or Turks and Caicos.
Where do you like to travel during Spring Break?
Which places do you avoid?
You can post your response and stay current on the latest Proud American Traveler stories on Facebook!
And if you think your friends or family would be interested in receiving our newsletter directly to their inbox, please forward this email and encourage them to subscribe to our newsletter here.