What's the best "Spring Break" city?

[JohnnyBravo]

Hey everyone, just wondering what you think is the best "spring break" city? My guess is between: Vegas, Daytona Beach, New Orleans, Panama Beach or Cancun.

I'm trying to plan a guys trip/bachelor party for early (march) 2014, and could really use some advise. We'll be a bunch of Canadian kids, so we want to see what all the hoopla is surrounding "american spring break".

Some background: We've been to Vegas as a group about 6 times now, so we're kinda leaning towards a different location. We're all mid-20's. Leaning towards a beach location as well.

Thanks for the advise

[ashroid]

Out of your list, I've been to Las Vegas, New Orleans and Panama (City) Beach. I have not been to Cancun or Daytona (though I have been to Orlando and Miami).

My impression:

New Orleans is incredible. Everyone I've talked to has enjoyed it. It's very casual compared to Las Vegas and you can drink and eat for relatively cheap. There's more than just Bourbon Street to party (Magazine, Frenchman, Tulane area, etc.) I'd go there more often, but it's a long day of travel for me.

Panama City Beach is pretty cool. I wouldn't compare it to Mexican destinations for wildness factor. I found the major clubs there (i.e. Spinnaker's, Sandpiper Beacon, Club La Vela, etc.) will allow under 21 though they will be marked on their hands. It took a while for me to get used to that.

Daytona Beach, from what I've been told and what I've read, is not the spring break destination it used to be (same goes for Fort Lauderdale, previously nicknamed Fort Liquordale), so I'd skip those.

Everyone I've spoken to raves about Cancun. I've been to Acapulco and Mazatlan. I don't know what it is, but I think it's the mentality that Mexico is an exotic destination where people can buy whatever they want and pay off the police that makes people go overboard there (I photographed for a spring break company). The downsides to Cancun is the price, the strict attitude of the hotel (in Acapulco and Mazatlan, they were checking ID constantly) and some of the weird processes (outsiders pay 5.00 to enter Oasis Cancun. At my hotel in Acapulco they tried to charge me for bottled water that I DID NOT drink and for a cracked bathroom mirror (NOT).

Since you mentioned during March, I would also recommend trying to go to Miami and taking a cruise around St. Patrick's Day. I went on a 3 day NCL cruise to the Bahamas that took place around St. Patrick's Day. I think because it was a short weekend cruise, there were quite a lot of young adults. 99% of the food was included and the drinks were relatively affordable (about 6.04 after the tax for a high ball). I would take care around Miami though since the drinks at the clubs can be really expensive.

I definitely can say though that US spring break does live up to its name. Expect to encounter a lot of douche bag guys and dumb people.

[Jhaulotte]

We always did Vegas since being of age. Mainly because March Madness is an awesome time to be there. I have done New Orleans (Pre-Katrina)and it was insane, but I wouldnt spring break there. Another option should be South Padre Island TX.

[Chuck]

I did Panama City Beach once...nothing special really...I'd scratch that one off your list.

[JohnnyBravo]

Thanks for the quick replies. I think we're gonna go with Cancun. I've heard that it can be a bit of a sausage fest with a ratio of around 5 guys to 1 girl, but the beach and the all-inclusive put it over the top. Anyone here have any experience in Cancun for SB (or otherwise)? Any tips? Where to stay? I've heard Oasis is good? clubs? etc.

Thanks fellas

[ashroid]

Several friends stayed at Oasis Cancun. They really jack up the rates in March and from what they told me, the ratio was pretty bad. You had to separate the wheat (stunners) from the chaff (douche bags and ditch pigs). You'll need to have some sort of game or wait until the end of the night and let it roll. Unfortunately, my friends that went don't so I never heard any good stories.

But, I figure anywhere that gains a reputation for being a party place will attract that crowd, especially if it's claim to fame is for drinking (in my own experience, music festivals and tourist towns)

[WT661]

As cool of places the others are to be during spring break. I think Vegas still has a better overall choice of things to do. Only thing, is during March, its not pool party weather yet.

[not a vet but no rookie]

If you're not going to do Vegas then do Miami. The talent there is amazing

[JohnnyBravo]

Since we'll prob be in cancun in march anyways, i was thinking about scheduling it to go over St. Patty's. Anybody been to cancun during St. Patty's? Does anything special go on?

[Chuck]

If you're not going to do Vegas then do Miami. The talent there is amazing

Miami is awesome

[ashroid]

Since we'll prob be in cancun in march anyways, i was thinking about scheduling it to go over St. Patty's. Anybody been to cancun during St. Patty's? Does anything special go on?

Cancun during St. Patricks Day is around "peak week" of US universities. This means the majority of American universities will be on Spring Break (massive crowds)

If you're not going to do Vegas then do Miami. The talent there is amazing

Miami is awesome

I agree. The only negative for me was the club prices for liquor. You can also try Miami for a few days and then go on a 3 day cruise to the Bahamas during St. Patrick's Day weekend. There will be a good range of ages for young adults and the drinks are reasonably priced (6.00-7.00). It cost around 350.00 for a 3 day cruise (good value considering AYCE food and decent accommodation).

[Chuck]

Yeah Miami is expensive all around...but well worth it. There were some cool lounges and bars with reasonable drinks and great crowds...even in November. We did two nights in South Beach before a 5 day cruise. Damn good time.
We stayed at the Sagamore. Great hotel and location...highly recommend it.

[JohnnyBravo]

Alot of you guys have been mentioning Miami. So I did some research, for my group to go to miami it would cost around $2500/guy (moderate booze cost figured in), whereas, cancun would cost approximately $1500/guy. Is Miami worth it to spend an extra $1000/guy??

[Chuck]

You counting flights in those costs?

[JohnnyBravo]

That's for flight/hotel. Then i added an extra $500 to the Miami cost to cover basic day drinking. I haven't factored in bottle service or clubs or anything like that. Basically its either 1500 (for flight/hotel to from an all-inclusive) in cancun, or 2000 (for flight/hotel to Miami) + an extra 500 for general day drinking (ie drinking that would be covered in an all-inclusive). Not opposed to paying more just wondering if its really worth that much more. Plus I'm guessing we'd have to spend more for clubs and such in Miami