Ashlee Stone

Just like birthdays, Spring Break only comes once a year. Yet the informal, student-centered holiday seems to garner a greater share of celebration and all-out partying than the average birthday party. Why? It may be because the eventual death of the doldrums of winter is the perfect excuse for getting out and doing something fun. Wherever it’s especially sunny, that is. But it’s not just the thermal heat that makes a Spring Break hot spot worthy of the name. A true party paradise calls for local venues and events that cater to party-goers, communities that support visitors, and the right mix of options for fun of every flavor. There are a few old stand-bys for Spring Break locations, and others are on an up-and-coming trend. Get a sense of this year’s best, whether the goal is traditional fun or partying with the Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual/Transgender community in mind, with this quick overview.

Mexico is a key country for Spring Break revelry, and Acapulco is one of its hottest and most accommodating towns. Seemingly built with party-goers in mind, Acapulco is home to an incredible variety of hotels, from four star resorts to effortlessly affordable hostels, most of which can be found either right on, or right next to, the pristine beach. Inspiring views and a seasonal temperature that makes strutting your stuff in even the most revealing attire quite comfortable help bolster the appeal of this party town tucked into the Yucatan Peninsula. With a globally-recognized penchant for non-stop nightlife, the destination is a must for anyone who’s never witnessed Acapulco’s late-night greatness.

Lake Havasu has been gaining steam as a hot Spring Break destination for a few years now; its easy accessibility in Arizona coupled with plenty of opportunities for watersports and catching some rays have been attracting larger and more diversified crowds. The hot spot features London Bridge, a popular tourist venue, backed up by a shopping and attractions district with a British theme that’s as fun and whimsical as any reveler could want.

Key West, on the very tip of Florida’s peninsula, is a mecca for GLBT Spring Break fun. Beautiful, tropical surroundings are matched by a fun and spirited local community that is as welcoming as it is wild. Nightclubs and special events abound, and accommodations range from the quaint to the truly impressive. Puerto Vallarta, famous for its pristine beaches and intoxicating jungles, features Zona Romantica, a special visitors’ district with lots of options for GLBT-oriented fun. From special shops and events to delectable eats and sweet places to stay, this city is spot-on for spring.

Whether Spring Break is spent on the shores of a distant beach or enjoyed without the need for a passport, its universal connotations of relaxation and exploration remain undeterred. From coast to coast and country to country, the goal of Spring Break partiers remains the same everywhere: to get out there and get a little loose. Choose a destination that calls to you and welcome warmer weather with a wonderful adventure.