Spring Break 2010 – Are you ready?

Photo from www.bluewaikiki.com via Flickr

It’s that time of the year again. The days are getting longer, the sun is shining and it’s time to get a well deserved break from school or work; it’s time for spring break! Living in America’s finest, people may choose to stay put and enjoy the multitude of activities and destinations the city has to offer but if you’re looking to get away, there are plenty of options available for every budget.

Whether you’re just getting started with Spring Break or you’re just finishing up, Mexico is just a short drive away. The State Department has issued warnings to travelers to avoid the country’s border towns like Tijuana, Nogales, Juarez and other cities. So if you were set on going to Mexico to party, you’re best bet is hopping on a plane and going to Cancun, Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta or Cabo San Lucas. MtvU is going to be in Acalpuco this year and the partying just got started this week. You can find various travel deals and packages at studentcity.com and also at ststravel.com.

If Mexico isn’t your ideal destination or you want to stay closer to home, California has a variety of destinations for every taste.

Photo from Matt Biddulph via Flickr

Although the sun is shining and the days are getting warmer, there is still plenty of snow at southern California’s top ski resorts. Bear Mountain is reporting excellent riding conditions. Temperatures will be around the mid to upper 50s for the rest of this week going into next week. There are affordable midweek packages that start at $69 per night, per person that include lift tickets and lodging. Weekend packages start at $89 per person. If you decide to go midweek you can also get a college student discount of $10 off your lift ticket, just show your school ID. Bear Mountain is just a short drive from San Diego so it’s a perfect destination for anyone on a budget.

Avid snowboarders will want to head up to Mammoth Mountain starting on Thursday March 25 for the Roxy Chicken Jam snowboarding championship. There will be a free concert featuring The Bravery and N.A.S.A. as well as DJs, autograph signings and shopping opportunities galore. Mammoth offers college students deals on passes and tips on the mountain’s hot spots. Getting to Mammoth Mountain is very simple, you can fly there from LAX for only $69. If you’d rather drive, you’ll be able to see many points of interest along the way, like Death Valley and Mount Whitney, simply follow the directions online.

Photo from Rennett Stowe from Flickr

If you’re over the snow and cold and want sun, tans and bikinis, look no further than Palm Springs. The desert city is only a short two hour drive away and is welcoming college students and families for spring break with open arms. Many of the city’s hotels are offering discounts and there is lodging available for every budget. Palm Springs is perfect for those that want to lay out by the pool or for hiking enthusiasts, there’s something for everyone. Famous Joshua Tree National Park is a short drive away and has nine campgrounds available for outdoor enthusiasts. The park is a favorite spot for rock climbing, mountain biking, horseback riding and stargazing. The city also has many casinos, hot air balloon rides, a vibrant nightlife, and is home to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.

Year after year Lake Havasu has been one of the most popular spring break destinations. Located right on the border of California and Arizona, Lake Havasu is another affordable and safe alternative to heading down to Mexico. It’s only a five and half hour drive from San Diego and the weather is currently perfect for enjoying water sports. The city is also offering irresistible deals to college students starting from $19 a night.

If the travel bug has bitten you and you’re looking to get further away from southern California, other popular spring break destinations include Lake Tahoe, Las Vegas, South Padre Island, Texas and South Beach, Florida. Lake Tahoe is still within road trip distance but offers a whole different landscape with skiing and gambling available in one place. South Padre Island borders Mexico and the Gulf, and boasts a multitude of activities such as horseback riding and skydiving as well as plenty of bars and clubs. South Beach is the classic spring break destination as well as one of the country’s hottest nightlife spots year round.

Where are you planning to spend spring break San Diego? Whether you decide to get away or plan a staycation just remember to be safe and pack plenty of sunscreen.