55 Vintage Photos Proving People Really Knew How To Have Fun During Spring Break

If you’re not from the United States, you might not know much about spring break aside from what you’ve seen in the movies. It’s often depicted as a wild time when teens and college students swarm beaches, party hard, and make regrettable decisions that will be excellent stories to tell someday (as long as that won’t lead to legal ramifications).

According to Tourism Teacher, the tradition of the American spring break originated in the 1930s. It typically comes right after midterms, so students can take a break and relax after a tough week of deadlines and exams. But the idea of traveling somewhere warm where you can swim during spring break is in part thanks to the Olympic-sized swimming pool in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. 

After the massive pool was built in Fort Lauderdale in 1928, it became a popular destination for students in Florida to enjoy during spring break. Over time, even students who weren’t studying nearby began traveling to the sunny destination for their week off. 

In 1959, Time published a piece titled “Beer & the Beach” that was all about enjoying spring break in Fort Lauderdale. The article noted that the vacationing scholars “require only beer and the beach” to enjoy their time. And suddenly, the entire nation was aware of the destination. Of course, not everyone could make their way to Florida to celebrate, but beaches across the nation (and even in Mexico) became by and large the most popular places to relax during spring break. 

So where are the most popular spring break destinations at the moment? Well, Travel and Leisure says Fort Lauderdale is still number one. It’s not the only place students flock to, though. San Juan, Puerto Rico, is another great option, as well as Miami, Fort Myers, and Pensacola, Florida. Students looking for more exotic destinations often go to Cancun, Mexico; Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; and Aruba.

According to FactRetriever, between 1.5 and 2 million students travel for spring break each year. And combined, these students spend over $1 billion on travel, accommodation, food, and entertainment during their week off. But as much as spring break is about having fun and letting loose, it’s important for students to understand their limits. Alcohol plays a huge part in many spring break trips. In fact, the average male student has about 18 alcoholic beverages a day during spring break, while their female counterparts typically have about 10 per day.    

Fueled by alcohol, many students make questionable decisions while partying during spring break. In fact, over 2,500 American students are arrested overseas each year during their week off. And Fort Lauderdale police say they’ve already given out over 1,000 citations to spring breakers this year. Meanwhile, Time reports that traffic fatalities increase during spring break, presumably due to students driving under the influence.

While spring break is supposed to be all about having fun, it’s crucial that students prioritize safety as well. To do so, the American Safety Council recommends booking the right accommodation. It’s best to find somewhere within walking distance of the destinations you’ll be visiting to minimize your time on the roads. Meanwhile, remember to stay hydrated and not to spend too much time in the sun. Have plenty of non-alcoholic beverages on hand, and don’t forget your sunscreen, sunhat, and umbrella.