It's as wild as spring break in Mexico... only safer, easier, and less commercial. It's Puerto Rico...
Puerto Rico is one of the best-kept secrets of the Spring Break scene. It has all the tropical craziness of visiting a foreign country, but it's actually a US territory (you'd know that if you actually went to class once in a while).
You don't even need a passport to travel to Puerto Rico if you are US citizen, just a valid state ID card. That makes it perfect for slackers who aren't figuring out spring break until a few weeks before they go. (You know who you are.)
Located in the Caribbean, it's got all the standard issue sand and surf activities, as well as the student-friendly drinking age of 18. Combine that with the fact that it's a short 3-4 hour plane flight from much of the country, it's a no-brainer why snow-covered party kids head south.
The capital city of San Juan, with one of the best natural harbors is the Caribbean, is where most of the action is. But Culebra Island also draws a decent crowd. There are more than enough standard issue bars and dance floors to get your groove on.
The secret to finding the action is to just grab a taxi and ask the driver to take you where everyone else has been going. The casinos are also a great scene, many of them offering cheap Texas Hold 'em poker tournaments.
If you are one of the select few who actually think about things besides dollar shots, exploring Puerto Rico will add something to your soul. You've got to visit the El Yunque Rainforest, since there may be none of these left by the time you have grandkids. Old San Juan is chocked full of amazing forts, churches, and culture that has contributed to the shape of North American culture.
For a real adventure, you can catch the boat to Culebrita Isle, which has some of the best snorkeling in the entire Caribbean. Even better, Culebrita is a short jaunt from the Arecibo Radio Telescope, which made it into the James Bond "Golden Eye" movie.
When it comes to lodging, you can find everything from bargain-hostels (although I can't believe anyone would stay in one after those the Hostel movies), to five-star resorts. Places to checkout include the ESJ Towers, which offers apartment type accommodations right on the beach, as well as the condos at the Villa del Mar. There are a ton of private homes and condos available, too. Find a place that you and 5-6 friends could go in on together, and you will save big-time. And don't worry about get ripped off in a different currency, Puerto Rico uses the US dollar.
In the end, Puerto Rico is the place to go if you want to get a little crazy under the sun, but avoid the hassle of a foreign country. As always, maximize your enjoyment and memories by being safe and courteous!
This tidbit of real travel advice was brought to you by Ken Clark.
For you serious Spring Break partiers (you know who you are), another BIG bonus about PR being a part of the US? Your parents won't have to pick you up from the Embassy so you don't get deported. They can come to your sweet vacation villa that you rented at Zonder.com and bail you out there.