Spring break

Spring break is a week-long recess from studying in early spring at universities in the United States, Canada, Japan, Korea, China and other countries. It is traditionally a time when students travel to a tropical location and party hard for a week. Recently, many students have begun traveling to other countries, such as Mexico and Jamaica. Spring break's notorieties include increased drinking and sexuality, including public nudity.

Related Topics:
United States - Canada - Japan - Korea - China - Mexico - Jamaica - Drinking - Sexuality - Nudity

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In the U.S., spring break ranges from the end of February to mid-April, but most schools are out the first two weeks of March. Starting in September, leading spring break companies such as Trip Invite go to college campuses to promote trips for the coming spring break.

Related Topics:
February - April - March - September

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In Japan, the spring break starts with the end of the academic year in March and ends on April 1 with the beginning of a new academic year.

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Spring break is also celebrated by K-12 institutions, and is also known as March break. March break is invariably one or both of the middle two weeks of March.

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In the early-to-mid 1980s, Fort Lauderdale, Florida was a notorious spring break destination in the United States. Residents of the area became so upset at the damage done by vacationers, that the local government passed laws restricting parties in the late 80s. Spring break partygoers responded by moving to the much more liberal Daytona Beach area (which eventually got sick of it too by the mid-90s). Fort Lauderdale suffered a recession as a result of the self-imposed boycott, but the local hotel industry survived by catering to the retirement population.

Related Topics:
Fort Lauderdale, Florida - United States - Liberal - Daytona Beach - Recession - Boycott

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The most popular spring break spots today include Cancun, Jamaica, Acapulco, South Padre Island, and Panama City Beach. About 1,000,000 students go on spring break to these locations (USA Today, 2003-01-05). Most students purchase specialized packaged tours. There are several logistics companies that charter airplanes and buy large blocks of hotel rooms to offer the deep discounts most college kids need. Prices range from about $600 to $1400 which includes airfare, hotel, and 50 hours of open bar.

Related Topics:
Cancun - Jamaica - Acapulco - South Padre Island - Panama City Beach - USA Today - 2003 - 01-05

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Alternative spring break trips are becoming more popular. For the more socially conscious student, package trips are available to help people in poor countries, experience nature, and other activities outside the typical party scene.

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