Mexico Vacations: Planning your Spring Break in Mexico

A lot of people expect Spring Break to be spontaneous; however, in order to have a successful Spring Break takes planning. But that doesn’t mean you can’t experience that wonderful spontaneity to once you have landed in Mexico and checked into the hotel! You should start planning your trip around 4 months before you go. That way you make sure you have secured the best Spring Break deals and don't have to worry about anything last minute.

First, you need to get a group of people interested in traveling with you. It’s a lot more fun to celebrate Spring Break in Mexico with your friends. Usually, a lot of hotels or travel services offer discounts for group travel. Student City and STS Travel are all examples of companies that work with student groups. You should come up with a budget for your group. Knowing what everyone is willing to pay for your Spring Break of a life time helps you know where you want to go, where you will be staying, and how you will be getting there.

Then you need to come up with where you want to go. Mexico is one of the most diverse travel destinations. There is something for everyone! Make sure to research where you are going and look into all the activities of the location you decide on. Find a place that fits your personality. If you are a beach buddy, choose somewhere with a lot of beach. If you are a party person, make sure there is an abundant nightlife! Here are some of the premier Mexico Spring Break Destinations:

• Acapulco: Acapulco has topped the list of Spring Break destinations for years. And for a good reason. Acapulco offers some of the best beaches in Mexico, great options for activities like boating and fishing, as well as some of the best known parties. Acapulco offers the spectacle of the famous cliff drivers and it is the location for MTV's Spring Break 2010!
• Cabo San Lucas: This sunny western Mexican Spring Break destination offers miles of the best beaches for you to work on that tan as well as warm water for those who love to go swimming. Cabo is great for watersports and also offers a selection of great golf courses, including a few by Jack Nicklaus. It also has a healthy nightlife and spectacular accommodations. The average day for a Cabo Spring Breaker includes beach bathing in the 80 degree sun!
• Cancun: Cancun is a name synonymous with Spring Break Party. Thousands of college students flock each year to this sunny beach city for its famous nightlife and party atmosphere. Famous clubs like The City and Coco Bongo bring in world famous acts to perform. For those day-time adventurers, Cancun holds a whole world of possibilities. Popular attractions in scuba diving and snorkeling. Also, a few hours out of town can take to you famous Mayan ruins (It's two and a half hours to the famous Chichen Itza). And of course a chance to swim with the dolphins!
• Mazatlan: For those looking to spend their time relaxing on the beach, Mazatlan offers one of the longest stretches of uninterrupted sandy beach in all of Mexico. There are beaches of every kind (from populated hotel beaches to those that are almost secluded) and you can even take a day trip to the beaches on one of the nearby islands! Mazatlan offers a picturesque downtown, complete with vintage mansions and town plazas. If you need a break from the beach, watersports and other sports activities are found abundantly in Mazatlan. And it offers great deals.
• Puerto Vallarta: This "friendliest city" offers one of the best Spring Break Destinations. Here in Puerto Vallarta you will find a extensive list of both daytime and nighttime activities. The cobble-stone streets of the town provide the feeling of a small seaside village, but the town is all from quaint offering great restaurants, museums and shopping. Lush green mountains and 26 miles of beaches surround Puerto Vallarta.

Next, you should look into how you are going to get there! You can drive, fly, or take a bus! Or even better - you can take a Spring Break Cruise! A lot of US airlines fly into Mexico such as Continental, American Airlines, Delta, Frontier and Jet Blue as well as other international airlines including Air France, Air Canada and British Airways. Mexico's airlines, Mexicana and Aeromexico, also have an abundance of international flights.

Then you need to know where you are going to stay. There are a lot of options in Mexico for Accommodations. Hotels, Resorts, Villas and Timeshares all open their arms for Spring Breakers. Also a lot of companies geared towards Spring Break offer deals that include flight and hotels.

Spring Break Accommodation Terms to know:

• All Inclusive: A lot of Mexican resorts offer all-inclusive options. This means that all of your food and drinks are included with the price of the hotel room.If you plan to be partying a lot, this is definitely the way to go. Besides, you don't have to worry about carrying a lot of cash on you.
• Villas: A villa is usually a house that is available for rent. If you are traveling with a group, this can be a good way to spilt the cost. What's better than having your own house for the break?A lot of villa companies, such as this one, offer the full experience, including maids, massages, personal chefs and other luxury services!

Once it is time to go on your vacation, pack appropriately for the warm weather (don't forget your bathing-suit!) and bring all your documents (Passports are needed for US travelers into Mexico!). Make sure someone at home knows the details of where you are staying and how to reach you incase of an emergency. Also, don't forget to have the time of your life.

And the number one tip for Spring Break in Mexico: Don't forget to bring your sunscreen. There is nothing attractive (or more painful) about being the burned lobster of the group.

By: Cara Gourley