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Top 10 places to party on spring break
Ring in spring at these popular and unexpected 'hot' spots!
 Punchstock file Whether in a jacuzzi or the ocean, spring breakers love to get wet and rowdy. |
Spring break time is here, sounding the signal for some no-holds-barred vacationing — as such, we've concocted a list of the best places to party during this raucous time off. For many of us, this short break is an excuse to visit the world’s most salacious spots, where illicit activities, like underage drinking and access to red light districts, are more popular than sight-seeing. You'll find plenty of forbidden fruit on offer in a liberal European capital, a Thai island, and, closer to home, a Canadian city — a trio which, notwithstanding, is known to offer a good dose of culture, too. For those content with the spring break staples of beaches, bikinis, and beer, we’ve counted two homegrown beach cities that make the grade and, of course, a Caribbean and Mexican option. Rounding out our list are some unexpected spots, however, including something for do-gooders, a final ski getaway, and a desert-fringed lake in America’s Southwest. Party on!
Amsterdam
Some come for the tulips, some come for the weed, but whatever’s on the vegetative agenda, visitors to freewheeling Amsterdam often find themselves mesmerized by the city’s free-thinking, live-and-let-live mantra. With a Dutch policy structured on controlling what it can’t efficiently outlaw, such illegalized American no-nos as marijuana (widely available in Amsterdam’s ubiquitous coffeeshops) or even prostitution (witness the notorious Red Light District) are permitted and regulated here. Additionally, the legal drinking age is 16 (and even that is rarely enforced), giving the under-21 crowd full access to the stellar nightlife scene and all its libations, in trendy cafés, cozy “brown” bars (neighborhood watering holes), and clubs highlighting top international DJs. For those preferring to steer clear of such illicit temptations, spring’s warm days in this Venice of the North are also tailor-made for strolling the 1,000+ bridges that span the city’s 160 canals — whether they lead you to a Van Gogh painting or to fulfill your hankering for a hashish-filled hookah or cold Heineken (the Dutch beer’s brewery is open for tours in town) is entirely up to you.
Dominican Republic
A growing favorite amongst spring breakers, the Dominican has become a hugely popular package destination that vies with Cancun in affordability and atmosphere. The second-largest country in the Caribbean (after Cuba), the Dominican has something for everyone seeking a little fun under the sun, from Vegas-style casinos, nightclubs, and all-inclusive resorts, to horseback riding, golf, surfing, diving, and hundreds of miles of white-sand beaches. Punta Cana, on the island's eastern coast, is the island's top draw, with the Caribbean's longest stretch of sand, while Puerto Plata, in the northwest, is a solid secondary consideration. Both are prime party spots and are also great for late-planners with a broad range of reasonably priced hotels that make a beer-budget trip a snap. Those with champagne tastes won't be disappointed either — there are more than a few swanky resorts and hotels to satisfy all needs.
Gulf Coast
Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast in August 2005, and though thousands gave their money and time to the rebuilding efforts, the work is far from over. It will take years, and maybe decades, to rebuild and repair businesses, homes, and most importantly, lives in the Gulf. 38,000+ students spent last year’s spring break doing hands-on volunteer work in the region and beyond — whether you missed it last year or you just can’t stop doing for others, there are ample opportunities to spend spring break '08 making a difference. The United Way is a great place to start your research, as they are sending students between the ages of 18-24 from all over the country on ASB (Alternative spring break) this year to lend a hand. MTV is also in on the effort, ensuring that while you’re sure to make a difference on ASB ’08, there will be fun to be had as well.
Jackson Hole
While some of us are eagerly awaiting the return of spring flowers, others may be longing for one last hurrah on snow-powdered peaks — and we’re particularly keen on a last-minute spring break trip to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Wyoming. Visitors this year can partake of the Jackson Hole Mountain Festival March 21 through March 30 — a week of free-style skiing and snowboarding events, accompanied by live music acts. When you’re not on the slopes, you can saddle up and test your rodeo skills on the mechanical bull located just outside the ever popular Mangy Moose Saloon. Don’t forget to allow yourself a couple days of pampering at one of several Jackson Hole spas — it’s the perfect remedy for tired ski legs.
Koh Phangan
Originally developed as an alternative to popular Koh Samui and Phuket, the lush, beach-trimmed island of Koh Phangan, in the Gulf of Thailand, has since gained its own notoriety thanks to its monthly all-night beach parties, held on the Haad Rin peninsula in honor of the full moon. Indeed, the Full Moon Parties have become legendary, attracting as many as 10,000 moon-worshippers and party-goers to the two sandy stretches that frame the cape, to dance to trance and techno barefoot on the sand, glow-sticks in hand. Even if your travel dates don't coincide with the party, you can still create your own bit of hippie nirvana on this bit of sand by spending your days at New Age cafés, drinking cheap beer, having inexpensive massages, and tripping out. Come nightfall, crash on the beach or in a $5 bungalow — that is, if you come down at all.
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