Spring Break 2006: 10 hot spots

By John Frenaye

updated 2:35 p.m. ET March 6, 2006

Well, it’s that time of year again: the annual migration to the surf, sand and sunshine of some beachy locale. Last year, I discussed how an adult can survive Spring Break, and like a ring from Tiffany, that advice is timeless. But if you are looking to make that annual migration this year, sit back, relax and see where the hot destinations are for Spring Break 2006.

How do I know that they’re hot? I asked more than 2,000 members of our Tripso forums a simple question — “Where do you want to go for Spring Break?” — and I got these top 10 picks. While some of them are definitely for the young at heart (a euphemism for the Party Hearty Crowd, hereafter abbreviated as “PHC”), others are geared to somewhat less raucous vacationers.

The envelope, please …

Number 10: The U.S. Virgin Islands
For a snapshot of the entire Caribbean, look to the three U.S. Virgin Islands. For bustling beaches, nightlife and great shopping, St. Thomas can’t be beat — it’s not the most distinctive island, but it’s a lot of fun. For unspoiled scenery and quiet surroundings, head to federally protected St. John, where coral reefs, hiking trails and many small resorts are an eco-tourist’s dream for rest and relaxation. Between the hustle and bustle of St. Thomas and the serenity of St. John lies St. Croix, a lovely island that does a good job balancing tourism, culture, history and nature in a wonderfully Caribbean way

Number 9: Nassau, The Bahamas
Well known for its sand, surf and gambling, Nassau also has some fantastic sightseeing and historic buildings. The capital of the Bahamas, Nassau is very much a modern city, so you will have to look past the hubbub (and past the cruise passengers who cram the island when the ships are in port) to appreciate its deep roots to the past and its Old World flavor. Everything takes a little longer here than you’re used to, too, but it’s worth it just to savor those beautiful turquoise waters.

Number 8: Key West (PHC)
What do Ernest Hemingway, Harry Truman and Jimmy Buffett have in common? Besides all singing in the shower, they were all unable to resist the allure of America’s southernmost city. Sit back and enjoy the relaxed pace, the whimsical architecture, the colorful history and the “Whatever” attitude of the locals. You can head off the island for snorkeling, diving or fishing — have you ever dived for lobster? Or you can just walk around Old Town and see the blend of cultures — a mix of Cuba (which lies just 90 miles to the south) and the Florida of yesteryear. Whatever you do, be sure to celebrate the end of each day when the sun begins to set.

Slide show   Spring destinations See images of more fun, warm getaways for everyone. more photos

Number 7: Las Vegas (PHC)
Some have called Las Vegas the Party Capital of the World, the city where no vice is verboten. It is a place where fantastic things are real and some other things are just illusions (I will bite my tongue here). The Strip is fascinating: a miniature New York, Paris and Venice; a battle of pirate ships; and world-class shopping all up and down the glitzy street. The city has shows of every variety and food for every palate prepared by just about every famous chef you can name. Gambling goes without saying; indeed, the tables and slots are the backbone of the economy. For many, the thrill of winning and losing makes the casinos the most exciting show in town. But mind you, there is a reason very few casinos go broke. You have been warned!

Number 6: Aruba
Despite the recent “boycott” (which failed), Aruba is still a hot destination for Spring Break. Its brisk trade winds have a way of changing everything — from the mangled divi-divi trees on the beaches, to the strangely sculpted monoliths in the center of the island, to the sunburned sun worshipers on the beach. Aruba has many high-rise resorts, great restaurants, flashy casinos and white-sand beaches. By day, there is some of the best windsurfing and water-skiing in the Caribbean; by night, there is excellent dining and gambling. Warm, blustery, and relatively dry, Aruba is a unique Caribbean destination.

Number 5: South Padre Island (PHC)
While South Padre Island has been the set for “Girls Gone Wild” and a few E! Channel “Wild On” segments, the destination is still a fantastic place to visit. Imagine a tropical island with miles of unspoiled beaches lying in the sun beside the sparkling Gulf of Mexico — this perfect vacation place is South Padre Island. Located at the tropical tip of Texas, it is a place where warm beaches, relaxing activities, and good lodging facilities come together. It’s a great solution for those family trips or, yes, for raucous Spring Breakers.

MORE FROM SPRING TRAVEL

Spring Travel Section Front

See these travel spots — before it's too late 10 hidden national park gems Ten (and a half) tips for road tripping Rolling solo: You and the road Sensational villa vacations 50 ritzy weekend retreats 10 best wine vacations in the world Top 10 girl getaways Top 10 easy spring weekend getaways Ten classic coastal drives Spring Travel Section Front   Add Spring Travel headlines to your news reader: