1. Cancun, Mexico
Talk about the definition of Spring Break. If there was ever a place to cross off your college party bucket list, a trip to this party mecca is a must. With the right planning you can have the time of your life for under $600, where you would be able to enjoy the warm Yucatan sands as you prepare your life vest for a day of jet-skiing and parasailing across the clear ocean water. Also, if you ever have too much fun on the beach, you can get away and explore more reserved points of the island, like the Chichen Itza, Isla Mujeres or Playa Tortugas. All of which have a more relaxed vibe, with great chances to go scuba diving, gawk at one of the seven wonders of the world or just drink a Pina Colada under a shade tree.
With a plethora of hotels which are only matched in number by the restaurants, there is no way you would not be able to find a fair price for a hotel room or a new favorite dish. With it being such a popular Spring Break destination, the attire is much more casual throughout the island than at other destinations, with people frequently found walking the streets in bathing suits. This rule for casual attire even applies to the main reason for writing this list; the parties.
The best party experience in Cancun is a party package that includes an open bar, free cover, express entry and access to some on the top headliners for that week. The experience completely outweighs the price. This is truly a one stop shop for everything that was promised to you when you would watch MTV’s Spring Break as a child.
2. Island of Pag, Croatia
In the words of Barney Stinson, this destination is “Legen … wait for it … Dary!” This intro can only be befitting the biggest island beach party in Europe. This place is more of an event rather than a destination. Better known as ZRCE Spring Break, this is a trip you have to RSVP for, literally. By going to zrcespringbreak.com, you will find packages ranging from 100-165 pounds ($150-$255). This includes accommodations in their private apartments for 4 days, with an additional $50 for each extra night you stay, but this promises to be 4 nights of pure EDM shenanigans. This package also grants access to all of the ZRCE hosted clubs and beaches, an official t-shirt for you and all your friends and discounts on food throughout the island, all bundled together with free transportation throughout your stay. This is truly an escape from reality, a literal lure for EDM lovers from around the world to come and party together. There is nothing like ZRCE.
3. Buenos Aires, Argentina
They say those who forgo sleep are the most successful. If that is true, then the people of Buenos Aires must be the hardest working people on earth, with night clubs opening at 2 a.m. and closing sometimes around seven in the morning. There can even be sightings of grandmothers walking into ice cream parlors at 12 a.m. But this is not to say that this is a non-stop party destination. Once you wake up from your early morning rave, Buenos Aires has a plethora of activities and culture for you to absorb. From cemetery strolling to tango-dancing to even simply sitting in one of the local cafés and enjoying a soccer match by one of the best futbol playing countries in the world. From opera to belly shots at 5 a.m., this is definitely a full packaged vacation.
4. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Are you tired of the "been there done that" spring break trips? Do you want a more exotic destination? Well, look no further than Rio de Janerio, Brazil, the number one party city in Brazil and possibly South America. It is home to the unique Ipanema Beach, unique because there is no other beach in the world so heavily populated by beautiful people in such small bathing suits. Water sports abound, your day is guaranteed to be filled with beauty from the cityscape, the people and the beaches themselves. The days in Rio are only over shadowed by the nightlife. If you are lucky, your spring break trip to Rio may fall during Carnaval, and you can take party in one of the largest mobile parties on the Western Hemisphere. There are ladies dressed in outrageous feathered costumes and intricately decorated floats blasting Samba throughout the streets. Your night only gets increasingly more rhythmic as you move into one of the many nightclubs that line the beach. This great city protected by the outstretched arms of Christ is truly a city for party-goers looking to mix up their spring break plans.
5. Tel Aviv, Israel
Better known as the white city, popularized for its unique collection of asymmetrical cream-colored buildings. A style brought to the city in the 1930’s by German-Jewish immigrants, this city hosts more cultural landmarks than most countries can claim, from religious monuments to its renowned Diaspora Museum, but do not let this calm outward appearance fool you. This hipster driven beach city has almost too much to offer when it comes to late night partying and do understand they take the term "nightlife" seriously, with clubs opening at 1 a.m. This city attracts people of all ages from around the world and whether you are 20 or 60, there is a club waiting for you. The trip may cost a pretty penny, but the nights partying with the locals and the liberal minded Israeli people will prove to help you forget the money you just spent on a round of shots for your friends. So like I’m sure you’ll be shouting every 30 minutes if you travel to this sacred land, I say to you, Le Heim!
6. Perth, Australia
This vacation down under is not as naughty as it sounds. A trip to Perth will be one to remember though, mainly because there are few places like the country/continent of Australia. With a diverse array of wildlife, both land and sea, there is remarkable scenery that almost never seems to run out on this mega island. The adventures in the day can start with a helicopter ride over the barrier reef, surfing on the legendary waves or scuba diving with nurse sharks. This will definitely bring out your wild side, bringing you as close to nature as any place on earth could.
The true marvel of this place is the one hundred and eighty degree turn it takes when the sun goes down. The waves and the clubs seem to get louder simultaneously and the variety on the Aussie shoreline is one of true diversity. Unlike most of the spots on this list, the usual bikini and flip-flop combo may not get you VIP access. The clubs may have more enforced dress codes, but do not let that discourage you from one of the colorful night clubs in Perth. The activities behind these doors include pole dancing competitions, fire shows and drink specials every night. Also, it gives a sense of familiarity for those who cannot handle going to the club at 3 a.m., with clubs generally opening at 10 p.m. and having reasonable admission prices ranging from $5-$10. You are sure to have a wild time down under (still not as dirty as it sounds).
7. Barcelona, Spain
Disco balls, loud speakers and pulsating lights hung from 60 foot ceilings. Wow, is this New York? No, this is Barcelona. It is the city that sleeps in the afternoon, a non-stop thrill ride frequently visited by some of Europe's wealthiest residents, outlandish acts and hopefully, you. This sunset to sunrise party hub is a gem frequently over looked by Western crowds. Most clubs take advantage of the usually perfect weather and have open roof dance floors so you can go literally go crazy under the stars of Spain.
The best part is that while you are still recovering from a night of partying, you can take easy strolls through the open market spaces and pick up cheap treats and indigenous dishes as well as get a history lesson on one of the medieval powerhouses by touring the castles and churches that dot this historical city. And make sure to take Spain “un dia a la vez”.
8. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Do not believe everything you hear, this city has more to offer than just Vices and debauchery in the Red Light District. This is an often over looked city of romance, home to the Van Gogh Museum, the immense Vondel park and a huge shopping district called Nine Streets. It is a viable destination for family, couples and the elderly … but that is not what this list is about. For the purposes of this list, you should be informed that the Red Light District does not allow photography, museums are dedicated to hemp growth and the parties are seven days a week. Be sure to take a bike ride through one of the beautiful parks.
9. Tokyo, Japan
One word. Roppongi. This is your wildest Tokyo Drift dreams come true. This place is full of underground parties, sleazy business men, wild go-go girls and defining club music. This option has no beaches, and no swim suits to be worn, but this is a once in a life time experience type of spring break. The risk and benefits of this trip are in constant limbo with no clear winner until you make it back to the states.
Tokyo, as a city, has a plethora of tech savvy retailers and landmarks worth a selfie session and has dishes that are known all over the world. The insane nightlife is a well rival to the sightseeing that can be had during the day. There are a lot of dos and don’ts to be aware of before taking this party excursion, but one I can leave you with before you go is to stick to the local food. The American restaurants will have you broke before the sun goes down.
10. Berlin, Germany
“Welcome to the Dance Capitol of the World!” This should be the slogan for the coolest capitol in the world and this praise can only go to Berlin, home to some of the most controversial issues in history, from the construction and eventual fall of the Berlin wall to the connection with the Jewish persecutions of the early 1900’s. This is a variable utopia for history, museums and landmarks, but once again, this is not a discussion about landmarks, this is a list for party-goers and it does not get more perfect than Berlin. If you want parties that last for days, then this is the spot. If you want to go to clubs that have been rocking since the 90’s, this is the place. If you want parties that have people from all over the world, then this is it. From dance marathons to 3 floor clubs, this is not a place for amateurs. There are no beaches to be basked on, but you can wear bikinis during the day if you prefer.
These are 10 most exotic places to visit during Spring Break to break the mold for U.S trips to PCB or Puerto Rico. Use this list as a catalyst for your own adventure and inspirations. There are hundreds of countries in the world, with beaches, clubs, and Spring Breakers everywhere. So pick up a brochure, update your passport, buy your tickets early; and above all, make your own fun.
