Every year about this time, hundreds of thousands of high school and college students take breaks from their academic pursuits and participate in pilgrimages to beaches, ski resorts, and other places of entertainment in order to relax, have fun, and enjoy new and exciting kinds of experiences.
Some say this yearly spring rite is a throwback to the time when winter loosened its hold on the lives of the ancient Greeks thereby allowing their thoughts to turn to regeneration, rejuvenation, and new birth. Others believe the annual festivities trace their history to the period shortly after the Great Depression when Americans sought refuge in diversionary feel-good activities.
Regardless of its origin, Spring Break is now an enduring part of Americana. Its popularity has steadily increased since the 1960s along with the variety of destinations available in the US, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Students, as well as family groups, travel by airplane, bus, and automobile to take advantage of the opportunities being hawked by the various locations. And, while the visitors enjoy themselves, businesses reap financial rewards.
Florida beaches are the most popular hotspots, but during the past couple of decades, South Texas has become a major March draw, particularly in the area between Port Isabel and Port Aransas. Brownsville also benefits from the thousands of adventurers on their way to and from Mexico. Over a period of three to four weeks, the South Texas economy is boosted by some $200 million, almost all of which is provided by the young people who have journeyed from throughout Texas and across the country seeking thrills and relaxation. Many small businesses depend on spring breakers to keep their operations in the black.
The Spring Break holiday results in the creation of several thousand jobs in the Lone Star State. In addition to the immediate economic ripple effect caused by the influx of out-of-towners into the area, there are also long-term benefits as temporary jobs can sometimes lead to permanent employment.
Last year’s turnout of spring breakers was down slightly across South Texas due in part to uncertainty about the economy, the looming war, higher gasoline prices, increased competition from other sites, and stricter law enforcement. This year, although similar situations exist, upwards of 150,000-175,000 visitors are expected.
The most well-known site in Texas for March vacationers, of course, is South Padre Island, which the Travel Channel named as the third best beach in the US and the fourth top Spring Break holiday destination in the world. Students from more than 100 US colleges and universities located in some 25 states already have made accommodation reservations on the island, and double that number of schools will likely be represented by the end of the month. Most of the educational institutions are in the South, Southwest, and Midwest, though there is a sprinkling of Ivy League institutions mixed in.
Tour companies offer bus trips and other amenities to get the travelers’ business. While a large number of students use travel agencies to make their arrangements, because of students’ increasing Internet savvy, many of them rely on their own skills to plan their trips. The number of those who just show up and hope for the best is rapidly dwindling.
Approximately three-fourths of the overall economic boon to South Texas is centered on the island where shouts of “Let’s Padre” can be heard all along the 30-mile coastline. Most of the sounds and activities are focused on a crowded five-mile by one-half-mile stretch. Estimates suggest that the average visitor to South Padre spends over $800 during their Spring Break stay.
There are many people who consider Spring Break just a trivial occurrence and a time of non-stop partying for young people, some of whom wind up with fines or overnight lodging in accommodations not of their choosing and lacking the amenities of a beach front resort . However, many college-age students from other states are first introduced to Texas during their March holiday, and 75% of them say they are likely to return in the near future, either during another break in their schoolwork or for a family vacation. Thus, the annual invasion of South Texas for “fun in the sun” seekers can have significant economic benefits for the state—both short term and long term.