Top 2022 Spring Break Destinations
The Grand Oasis Cancun, photo credit Oasis Hotels & Resorts
By Lauren Wong
Covid has been affecting our lives for the past two years. It made us scared of the world, confined, while we sat locked in our houses. We had put our lives on pause as travel plans got canceled, events pushed back, the future becoming a big “TBD.”
Yes, Covid is still out there, still spreading, but I think to move forward we need to accept it as our new normal. Be cautious, but resume living our lives. The sun is back, the weather warming, so I’d say it’s time for a much needed vacation.
The most important thing is to stay up to date with the CDC guidelines. Every country has its own regulations and laws have been constantly changing, so look into everything before booking your trip. As of now, regardless of your vaccination status, or citizenship, whenever you board a flight coming into the U.S., you need to have a negative Covid-19 viral test from no more than a day before traveling.
Along with that, the CDC has published five general rules to follow while planning your Spring Break travels. These are the bullets, but if you visit their website you can read more in-depth info into each of them.
- Stay up to date with your Covid-19 vaccines as well as all routine vaccines.
- Check the travel requirements and recommendations for your spring break destination.
- Visit your healthcare provider.
- Plan for unexpected issues.
- Protect yourself during travel.
So now the fun stuff. Where should you go? If South Padre Island, Panama City Beach, Daytona Beach, or the Bahamas is your pick, look into their Original Spring Break VIP Cards. Maniacvipcard.com offers these cards that are “worth their weight in Platinum.” It’s something to consider if you’re planning on hitting different bars/clubs. You’ll save on cover fees, drinks, food, get other great discounts, and gain access to exclusive events and parties!
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico:
Cabo’s beautiful white sandy beaches have always pulled young adults and famous people from around the world for its spring break parties. Cabo has the perfect mixture of adventure, party, and relaxation. For the ultimate party experience, you’ve got some of the hottest clubs from El Squid Roe, Cabo Wabo Cantina, Mandala, to La Vaquita and Pink Kitty. Not feeling the party scene? You can relax on the beach, sign up for a snorkeling tour, go whale watching, go on a camel outback adventure, ziplining, ATVing, sailing, and more.
Cancun, Mexico:
Hard Rock Hotel Cancun, photo credit All-Inclusive Collection.
Dubbed as the “International capital of spring break,” by TripAdvisor, Cancun has been a sought after destination for years. Mexico is currently among the few international vacation spots that’s open to Americans without any entry restrictions. There are so many travel packages you can book among their all-inclusive resorts or student packages, to take the pressure off of all the little details of planning. This is a perfect destination for the younger generation, or anyone who wants to spend their week partying! From beautiful white sand beaches to daily pool parties accompanied by world-famous DJs, there’s always something popping off in Cancun. You can look forward to Inception Music Festival events every night!
If you want to be in the middle of all the excitement, there’s plenty of hotels that will give that to you. Some to consider include the Grand Oasis Cancun, Hard Rock Hotel Cancun, Beach Palace, Crown Paradise Club Cancun, and Hotel Riu Cancun.
The Grand Oasis Cancun, photo credit Oasis Hotels & Resorts
The Bahamas:
Before making plans to visit the Bahamas, be sure to read up on their current travel requirements. At this time, in order to travel to the Bahamas you have to apply for a Bahamas Travel Health Visa at travel.gov.bs, and present a negative covid test from no more than three days before your flight. That being said, once you are in the Bahamas you’re free to island hop without any restrictions (all of this is subject to change).
A lot of resorts and travel companies offer all-inclusive vacation packages during spring break. STS Travel will be bringing headliners, party cruises, nightly events, and of course, non stop parties to the Breezes Resort and Spa. If you’re looking to do more exploring and sightseeing, here are some of my personal Bahamas bucket list items.
Visit Allen’s Cay, Exumas, to discover the indigenous Rock iguanas. Swim with nurse sharks at the Compass Cay Marina. Take an excursion out to Big Major Cay, famously known as Pig Beach. It’s an uninhabited island that is just full of feral, yet very playful, pigs. With it’s clear, turquoise waters, you can really go snorkeling or scuba diving anywhere to explore the underwater world.
Allen's Cay:
Compass Cay Marina:
Big Major Cay (Pig Beach):
Miami, Florida:
Looking to stay in the states? Miami is full of things to do for spring breakers. The ultimate party scene is in South Beach. Miami Beach is a good place to go if you still want to party, but want something slightly more relaxed. If you’re into art, Wynwood is a must! Wynwood showcases talent from some of the world’s best-known street artists, specifically at Wynwood Walls, an outdoor museum featuring large-scale murals. The shops, the walls, everything is bursting with color.
One of my favorite, non-traditional, things to do in Miami is visit their Monkey Jungle. Home to over 300 primates, you can go in and feed these little monkeys while they use you as a jumping board. They come right up to you, and eat directly from your hands. Due to Covid, their regular show schedule has been suspended, but you can look into booking a special Guided Rainforest Experience Package.
Panama City Beach, Florida:
PCB always tops the charts when it comes to favorite spring break destinations. It’s got your traditional tropical views, beach/pool parties, eccentric nightlife, and endless events. Their official PCB spring break website lists upcoming performers, hotels to stay at depending on your budget, available packages, and the most poppin clubs. Other than partying, Pier Park, full of different little shops, is a popular daytime spot. During the day you can also rent boats, jet skis, paddleboards, etc.
Before you hit the beach, remember that during the month of March it is against the law in Panama City Beach to have alcohol on the beach!
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic:
Punta Cana has always been a major spring break hotspot. With luscious, tropical island beaches, and world renowned parties, basically every major travel agency offers spring break packages. That being said, keep in mind that as of early March, there is still a Level 4 Travel Advisory due to Covid. It’s recommended that U.S. citizens do not travel to the Dominican Republic. So while there are still so many great deals, and all of us are sick of being stuck in this Covid bubble, take into consideration the travel warnings before choosing Punta Cana as your destination.
