Spring break 2005 is just around the corner, and SMU students have been looking forward to it since the start of second semester.
“Relaxing! No school work! Hanging out with no worries! Getting a tan!
Warm!” said sophomore Trece Bird, about what she looks forward to on spring break.
The tropical beaches pictured in the brochures look impossibly blue, and the promises of warm sun and relaxation sound like paradise after 2 1/2 months of intensive studying. All students have to do is round up some friends and some cash and they’re on their way to the spring break they’ve always dreamed of.
Deciding where to go for spring break can be an extremely difficult decision. Every spring break destination appears to have the wildest nightlife, the whitest beaches, and more spring breakers then the next. However, no matter what destination students choose, it will serve the ultimate purpose of spring break–a break from the books.
There are thousands of spring break destinations across the world but the most popular among SMU students include Acapulco, South Padre Island and Puerto Vallarta.
Acapulco is known for its world renowned nightlife, beautiful bays and gorgeous beaches that stretch for miles. Here students will find massive discos packed with beautiful people partying until sunrise.
El Alebrije and Disco Beach are by far the two most famous discos in Acapulco. El Alebrije’s stadium-style seating and gigantic dance floor entertains over 5,000 people a night. El Alebrije has thousands of lights and six massive video screens, which descend from the ceiling to display music videos. It is by far the largest club in Acapulco!
“El Albrije is always packed! All the girls get into it and even the guys get into it because they are playing an awesome mix between Latin and American hip-hop music. The music keeps you from wanting to leave and just dance the night away instead,” said sophomore Monica Mehra, who will return to Acapulco for her second time.
Disco Beach is a casual open-air disco located right on Condesa beach. Students can choose between dancing on the dance floor, or on the beach in the sand. Disco Beach is also extremely popular for its foam party held once a week. Located on Bahia de Banderas, Mexico’s largest natural bay, Puerto Vallarta has gone from small fishing village to spring break destination. In Puerto Vallarta students will find everything from world-class discos to open air patios.
Christine’s is one of the most popular and prestigious discos in Puerto Vallarta. It is an ideal place for the elite and sophisticated with its VIP rooms and spectacular laser light show. However, the disco has a strict dress code so don’t expect to show up in tennis shoes.
Restaurant by day and club by night, Carlos O’Brians provides a more casual, fraternity-like atmosphere. Students love Carlos O’Brians for its humorous sign decor and its famous souvenir yard drinks.
“I have heard Puerto Vallarta has beautiful beaches and a lively night life so I can’t wait to get a tan and get down,” sophomore Caroline Zivley said.
South Padre Island
Located at the southern tip of Texas, South Padre has become known as South Party Island. It offers the best of two countries by being only 25 miles away from Mexico.
Louie’s Backyard is the ultimate spring break hot spot in South Padre. Louie’s has been featured on MTV, 60 Minutes, the Travel Channel, and E! Previous entertainers include DJ Skribble, Sean Paul, DJ Sammy, Coolio, Run DMC, Vanilla Ice and 2 Live Crew. Louie’s is also home to the Miss Hawaiian Tropic Bikini Contest! Spring break 2005 will feature the Ying Yang Twins.
“I went to Louie’s everyday for the beer and the wet T-shirt contests. It was perfect,” said sophomore Dominic Pryor, who will return to South Padre for his third consecutive year.
South Padre is the 2005 host for National Lampoon’s Greek Games. Filming live on location from the Saida Towers, the show will feature skills that the typical athletic, beer-drinking, late-night partying, college student Olympian might posses.
Students wanting to avoid the SMU crowds who are still searching for an exotic paradise to spend spring break in should try destinations such as the Bahamas, Florida, and Hawaii.
“I don’t like the ‘hot spots’ where all the crazy stuff goes on and where everyone else is on spring break,” said sophomore Crissy McCauley, who will spend spring break 2005 in Park City, Utah.
Other destinations, including Colorado and Europe, will serve the ultimate spring break purpose but will provide a different atmosphere from the beach.
