The Extremes of Spring Break Destinations

For college students during the month of March there emerges an important decision that must be made which has an large effect on the success or failure of the Spring Break experience: WHERE SHOULD WE GO? Although there are many factors to consider when one approaches the major task of planning a trip, it is Spring Break that many students ignore possible restrictions and stipulations in order to obtain the most "authentic" and fun seven days possible. In this quest for the best experience, there are three destinations that hold exceptional reputations: Cancun, Mexico ;Jamaica; Miami (South Beach), Florida

Thanks to the popular television station, MTV, Cancun’s entire economy can be argued to be solely dependant on partying. Every year, thousands of Spring Breakers flock to Cancun’s gorgeous beaches and crystal-clear waters. Originally built as a tourist destination, Cancun is to Mexico as Las Vegas is to the United States! Because of the pleasantly “sinful” nature of Cancun, many Spring break Trip Advisory websites have surprisingly cheap vacation packages. A smart Spring Breaker will have obtained his or her passport well in advance, considering the popularity of the destination. Soon, he or she will be sipping margaritas in the gorgeous Mexico sun!

Considering the fact that perhaps 80% of college students have some type of Bob Marley memorabilia adorning their dorm room walls, traveling to Jamaica is a perfect idea to pay homage to the musical genius. There are several areas a student can visit throughout Jamaica, but Negril and Montego Bay are the most luxurious and popular choices. Jamaica is the location where relaxing on the beach with an umbrella and your drink of choice (may I suggest anything with Jamaican Rum?) is the most favorite pastime...but that’s only during daylight hours. The nightlife in Jamaica is exceptional, with open-air bars and beach parties so intense that days of recuperation are necessary. Thus the cycle-relax to party to relax to party- begins again.

Last and certainly not least, South Beach, located just east of Miami, Florida, has certainly risen on the list of most popular Spring Break destinations. It provides the Spring Breaker with a tropical island experience without the need of a passport. Although many college students run the risk of bumping into fellow colleagues, South Beach’s party atmosphere loosens Spring Breakers up…with the help of a Triple Play daiquiri from Wet Willies or a 190 Octane daiquiri from Fat Tuesdays, the most popular bars on South Beach. Spring Breakers have more of a chance of running into celebrities who also recognize the freedom that South Beach offers. Because of this, the phrase “What Happens in Miami, Stays in Miami” has begun to circulate among campuses.

From March to April, television stations, such as BET and MTV, and magazines, such as Cosmopolitan and Seventeen, advertise these destinations and others to high school and college students. The pictures of white, sandy beaches, water so clear you can see straight to the bottom, and Spring Breakers smiling and holding drinks provides the student with an image that contrasts largely to white dorm room walls and blistering cold. This "fantasy" of total relaxation and outrageous fun is reproduced every year by the media thats"seizes" the audience's attention. Douglas Kellner, author of "Media Culture and the Triumph of the Spectacle", suggests that consumers of these images become dazzled by them and tend to desire to shape their own lives by the spectacle being displayed before them. For example, the amazing image of lounging on a gorgeous beach in Cancun, margartia in hand, and beneath a large umbrella can create frenzies for rest and relaxation in just the manner it is displayed.

However, the college-educated student should recognize that these images very rarely represent the location in its entirety. Yes, Jamaica, Cancun, and South Beach are beautiful places, but these locations also mask extensive poverty, sometimes within five miles. For example, Jamaica is a place of extremes. With the wealthy residing in Negril and the suburbs of Kingston, there are a significant number of poor Jamaicans that live in squalor and extreme poverty with lack of access to clean water and under constant violence. Of course, Mexico’s drug wars are plastered across news networks and in newspapers, showcasing a country in political and social turmoil. Just one exit away from South Beach, is Little Haiti, a community known through out South Florida as being riddled with violence, drug addiction and war, and poverty.

So before pressing the CLICK button to solidify airport and hotel reservations to these and other various locations, recognize that images and representations are rarely accurate. Be prepared for possible disappointments, but put energy into optimism. Have fun but remember those who are not as fortunate as you. And remember to tip the bellhop….

"Media Culture and the Triumph of the Spectacle" -Douglas Kellner