Spring Break 2006: 10 hot spots

Number 4: Fort Lauderdale (PHC)
While the city has done a good job cleaning up its booze-‘n-babes image, Lauderdale is still a hot spot. Often called Little Venice, the city is a maze of waterways with restaurants and bars overlooking the canals. One of the city’s main drags is a river (the New River), so you can hop on a water bus and take in the sights. Las Olas Boulevard, the main street, is lined with fabulous boutiques and wonderful restaurants. For the party, head a few blocks east to the ocean and drop in almost any bar along Route A1A.

Number 3: Jamaica
Jamaica is emerald rain forests, glorious beaches, and waterfalls tumbling into cool, clear streams. Its legendary culture is found in its reggae music and in the people, who really want to make you feel welcome. You won’t ever forget the mass of competing taxi drivers swarming outside the crafts market in Montego Bay. Who wouldn’t want to go? Party in Montego Bay (Mo-Bay), Ocho Rios (Ochi) or Negril. For a calmer visit, look to Runaway Bay.

Number 2: Cancun (PHC)
With their crystal-clear waters and brilliant sunshine, it’s no wonder the beaches get top billing in Cancun. Sadly, this top Mexican resort is still reeling from Hurricane Wilma, which hit in late October. There has been some beach loss, but many hotels and attractions are doing their best to be open for the Spring Break crowd and are offering good rates. Cancun is a great destination under any circumstances, but add the budget break and you’ve got a great Spring Break.

And the number one Spring Break destination is …

Number 1: Riviera Maya
Fifteen years ago, the Riviera Maya was a sparsely populated stretch of Caribbean coastline with a bunch of Mayan ruins that attracted a handful of tourists from Cancun. Today it is the number one Spring Break destination for Tripso readers — the proverbial goose that has laid the golden egg. Extensive white-sand beaches, limestone caverns, underground rivers and freshwater pools called cenotes form the Riviera Maya’s main geographical features. Parts of its coastline are covered in mangrove swamps; other areas lie under low, scrubby forest. Offshore, a barrier reef stretches all the way to southern Belize, attracting scuba divers in all seasons. Resorts abound and offer the full complement of spas, golf, eco-tourism and, yes, cerveza!

So, there you have it. Tripso readers have again voiced their opinions, and they are pretty much on target with other polls and trends. As for me, I am on a New Orleans kick right now, and my Spring Break is going to kick off on Bourbon Street on February 17. If you can make it down, too, stop by the Cat’s Meow on Saturday, February 18, at 5 p.m. The bar will have just reopened and to celebrate, they’re offering a 3-for-1 deal — and I’m buying! Be sure to check on our Tripso forums for updates and photos!

Whether you travel down the road or across the globe, shrug off those winter blues and enjoy your Spring Break destination!

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