When someone says Spring Break, what comes to your mind? Beach, sun, parties, drinking perhaps? But Spring Break is this and more or an entirely different experience depending on where you want to go. You can take this time to explore different places, relax, have fun with friends and learn a little bit more about the different cultures and languages in our world.

Here are the top ten Spring Break Destinations:

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Carnival is not just a cruise line that takes you around the Caribbean. It's a festival season that marks the beginning of lent featuring parties, parades, masquerades, balls, and for lots of people, a refreshing beach vacation. This year, most countries celebrate Carnival during the first week of February. So pack your bags and head out to some of the best destinations to celebrate Carnival and enjoy life.

Brazil

Brazil is the number 1 Carnival destination in the world. The Carnival in Brazil dates back to the 1720's when Portuguese immigrants arrived from the islands of Azores and Cabo Verde. Today, the Brazilian carnival is celebrated with parades featuring samba schools composed of thousands of members who create unique themes for their floats. The main parade in Brazil takes place at the Sambodromo, a parade route in Rio de Janeiro complete with bleachers on both sides. Other places in Brazil such as Salvador, Bahia and Recife also feature big parades and musicians playing local genres like the samba-reggae. And if the Carnival of Rio is not enough...

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Despite the high cost of fuel and other travel expenses, an estimated 63.5 million Americans are planning to travel at least 50 miles or more from home this Christmas and New Year. Hotel rates are up nearly 15% at some popular destinations, yet bookings are full or nearly full.

So where do all of these people plan to go?

Domestic Destinations

According to AAA of the United States, here are the top destinations based on the number of bookings for each location.

Florida
Orlando is the top destination for fairly obvious reasons but Ft. Lauderdale is also in the top ten. Florida offers a wealth of activities and options for families, singles, and all types of traveler. Perennial favorite Disney World will attract hundreds of thousands of visitors between Christmas and New Year's Eve, while other Florida attractions like Gatorland, Kennedy Space Center, and the Everglades will also be popular. It is also common for the beaches of Ft. Lauderdale to be filled with vacationers during the holiday season, which is second only to spring break in terms of number of tourists.

It is not too late to check out some of the great last minute deals throughout Florida. With a little research and a willingness to be flexible, you can still enjoy Florida this holiday season.

California
California has three cities in the top ten travel destinations this holiday season -- Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego. All three offer a wide range of activities for tourists of all ages, and the generally pleasant December weather in California makes it a favorite place for vacationers from colder climates in need of sunshine.

The Los Angeles area is the gateway to Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm, two extremely popular amusement parks. Just a short drive to the south and east is San Diego, a relaxing area that is home to a laid-back lifestyle of beaches, surfing, and shopping.

International Destinations

International travel is always popular around the holidays, and Americans are flocking to destinations all over the globe this holiday season.

Australia
It is icy and cold across much of the northern United States, but summer in Australia! For cultural attractions and urban festivities, tourists stop in Melbourne and enjoy some Christmas Carols at the Myer Music Bowl, or visit the famed Opera House in Sydney.

Since Christmas falls at the beginning of summer in Australia, many holiday visitors spend their vacation at a spectacular beach location such as Shark Bay, where diving enthusiasts can swim with dolphins and sharks, or along the Queensland Gold Coast, an area with over 30 kilometers of beautiful sandy beaches plus great restaurants, shopping, and an ever-present nightlife.

If you want a truly amazing holiday experience, go to Australia's Christmas Island, a pristine island that is largely a National Park and home to amazing plants and animals. You can scuba dive with whale sharks, enjoy the peace and quiet of a bird watching excursion, or seek adventure with a sport fishing trip in search of sailfish, tuna and wahoo.

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Have you ever thought about traveling to the middle of the world? What do you think it will be like - perhaps a tall mountain or a valley surrounded by green trees, perhaps a beautiful beach, a jungle, or a beautiful island? Well, it's all of these things and more. The actual point where the equinoctial line divides the northern and southern hemispheres is located in Ecuador, a beautiful and diverse country that is covered by beauty from the famous Galápagos Islands to the Amazonian jungle, from Pacific beaches to snow-covered volcanoes. Ecuador is a biodiversity heaven full of culture, history and fun. Ecuador has also been recently awarded the #2 spot in the list of best retirement places by the International Living magazine.

So, what's the weather like in Ecuador? The answer is a bit complicated. Although Ecuador is a small country almost the size of Arizona, it's got different regions. La Costa (Pacific Coast) is tropical and hot with average temperatures of 80°F while La Sierra (The Andes Highlands) is a bit colder depending on the altitude with average temperatures of 60°F and less. Ecuador is very diverse - you can drive four hours and go from a warm beach to a snow-covered mountain, drive for another 4 hours and you could probably reach an Amazon rain forest. Just like rest of South America, the seasons in Ecuador are the opposite from the seasons in the northern hemisphere, therefore beach season starts in December and ends in March.

Where to Go

Some of the most visited cities in Ecuador and South America is Quito, the capital of Ecuador. Quito is located about 2,800 m (9,200 ft) above sea level making it the second highest capital city in the world. Because of its location, Quito enjoys a nice temperate weather and a beautiful view with three snow-capped volcanoes surrounding the city. There is a "Teleférico" (cable-car) which allows passengers to see the whole city from the sky. The city hosts all kinds of art and music festivals, cultural and nightlife activities. Avenida Amazonas is usually the place to go if you are looking for some fun in the town.

The Andes offers skiing and hiking activities for those adventurous souls. The Cotopaxi and Chimborazo volcanoes are some of the tallest peaks in Ecuador at 5,897 m (19,654 ft) and 6,310 m (21,031 ft) each. Looking for hot springs, waterfalls, water and outdoor activities? Head to Baños, located near the Tungurahua volcano. This small town is very popular among tourists and sports enthusiasts - the town offers tons of activities such as rafting, mountain climbing and hiking excursions. Cuenca offers lots of historic, natural and cultural sites. Ibarra, which is located two hours north of Quito, is a town surrounded by beautiful lakes.

Guayaquil, the largest city in Ecuador, is the commercial artery of the country. Guayaquil offers shopping and tourism combined like no other city - just visit the Malecón 2000, a beautiful riverwalk lined with cafés, bars, monuments and shops. The riverwalk also offers magnificent gardens, boat rides, and the opportunity to ride in a romantic horse-ridden carriage. El Parque Historico (The Historic Park) is another popular attraction that hosts a tropical zoo and a replica of early 20th century Guayaquil that displays the architecture and traditions of that era. Guayaquil is a tropical town, and as such, nightlife abounds - from restaurants to bars and clubs, there are plenty of places to dance and have fun.

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France is well known for its wine, cusine, language and culture. In fact, many books and movies have been written to give us all a glimpse of Paris, known around the world as the city of lights. But France goes beyond Paris and its metropolitan way of life - France is nature and countryside, France is hospitality and landscape, France is relaxation and fun. There are many unexplored regions in France that offer a little bit more to those looking for cozy and quaint places.

Where to Go?

Known for its monuments and museums, Paris is the most visited city in the world. It's Eiffel Tower is recognized as one of the most beautiful structures around the globe. Paris is also a very accessible city. In fact, you can take the metro to all the touristic destinations such as Notre-Dame cathedral, the Arc de Triomphe, or the Grande Arche de la Défense. There are also plenty of museums to visit such as The Louvre, the Musée d'Orsay, the Musée Picasso, Musée Rodin, Musée Carnavalet, Musée Marmottan and the Arab Institute, just to name a few.
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You may know it as the land of Gardel and his Tango, Evita and Peron, or as the country that hosts the amazing and beautiful city of Buenos Aires, but Argentina offers tourists a land of diverse and amazing adventures.

Located in South America, Argentina has an area of almost 3.8 million square kilometers, which makes it the second largest country in South America. Because Argentina is located in the Southern Hemisphere, its winter occurs in June and its summer in December allowing tourists from northern nations to enjoy the beach during Christmas break or ski in the Andes during the summer. One of Argentina's main characteristics is the contrast between its fantastic Iguazu falls and rainforests in the north, vast eastern plains, impressive Andes mountains to the west and the magnificent glaciers in Patagonia in the southern part of the country.

Argentina boasts a magnificent flora and fauna. The coast of Patagonia is rich in animal life: elephant seals, fur seals, sea lions, and species of penguin. The Iguazu Falls, located on the northeast of Argentina, have a good infrastructure for travelers and plenty of activities offered in the area. The falls and the area surrounding are part of the Iguazú National Park that preserves the local subtropical rainforest ecosystem. The most impressive of the Iguazu falls is known as the Devil's Throat (Garganta del Diablo), shared with Brazil.

Looking for a cosmopolitan city? head to Buenos Aires. Once considered the "Paris of the Southern Hemisphere," Buenos Aires offers all kinds of cultural activities. You can choose a night visit at a tango place and dinner at one of the many restaurants that offer the traditional asado (Argentine steak). Due to the exchange rate (1 Argentine Peso = 0.33 USD), its shopping centers are frequently visited by tourists looking for the latest fashions.

Looking for a nice relaxing time at the beach? Pack your bags and head to Mar del Plata where the "Mar del Plata Film Festival" takes place. Just remember that the seasons in Argentina are the opposite from the seasons in the northern hemisphere, therefore beach season starts in December and ends in March.

A wide range of accommodation possibilities are available around the country. You can choose from student hostels to bed and breakfasts to luxurious palaces and modern five-star hotels.

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Beautiful beaches, unique wild life and amazing cosmopolitan cities are some of the things you will discover in Australia. Australia is the sixth largest country in the world offering miles and miles of wide open spaces and over 10,000 beaches. Spending Christmas at the beach or skiing in August may seem strange for some travelers, but Australia's seasons are the opposite of the northern hemisphere - summer officially starts in December and winter in June.

Australia is a great destination for young travelers and students wanting to explore a rich and diverse territory. Some of the most interesting animals can only be found in Australia - kangaroos, koalas and wombats. Its aquatic life is rich and represents one of the most fantastic exploring opportunities for divers. Whatever it is you seek, you will find it in Australia. If you are looking for an exotic adventure, then head out to the Blue mountains or the Central Eastern Rainforest Reserve. Looking to spend some time relaxing on a sandy beach or diving in the ocean? Then travel east to Whitehaven Beach or the Great Barrier Reef. If a cosmopolitan scene is what you are looking for? Then multicultural Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra are top choices.

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The Carnival of Rio is one of the most popular annual parties in the whole world. The exuberant floats, the beautiful samba dancers, and the contagious joy of its people make Brazil the ideal spot for those searching for excitement and unique experiences. In fact, once you hear the rhythmic beating of the drums, your feet will start moving turning you into another participant of this great celebration that takes place in Samba schools, on Avenida Marques de Sapucai, or in the street blocks. But Brazil offers much more - It offers natural beauty and green areas like no other place. It's a place injected with life. From the Amazon rainforest to the Iguazu Falls, there is definitely plenty to see and do in Brazil.

What to do?

Looking for exuberant nature? Head north to the Amazon rain forest where you will find thousands of unique species of plants and animals, and also indigenous tribes. Make sure to book a tour, so you can get the most out of this experience while staying safe. Manaus is the capital of the Amazonas State and the best place to go to visit the Amazon Forest. Belem is the second largest city in the Amazon region with religious festivals and traditional markets.

Looking for beautiful beaches? Head northeast to Salvador (Bahia), Olinda, Recife or Natal. It is considered the country's sunniest region with colonial architecture and street parties all year round.

Looking for cosmopolitan cities? Head southeast to Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. In Rio you will find beautiful beaches such as Copacabana and Ipanema along with the famous open arms statue - Christ The Redeemer. The statue is a symbol that represents the culture of the people from Rio (Cariocas) and their welcoming hospitality. Cariocas are known for their easy-going, laid-back culture in contrast to the more reserved people from other cities. Sao Paulo is Brazil's largest, richest and most cosmopolitan city defined by a diverse cultural and business life. Sao Paulo is so diverse that is home to the largest Japanese population outside of Japan. It also has strong Italian and Arab influences. The people of Sao Paulo are known as hard-working and industrious people contrasting with the Cariocas and the people from other regions.

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Belgium chocolates and Belgium waffles have made this small European country famous around the world. But Belgium offers more than just sweets and breakfast items. In fact, Belgium is known for hosting more street and music festivals than any other country in Europe. After all, this is where the Saxophone was invented, by Adolph Sax, in 1846. Belgium's historical sites, small towns, and peaceful countryside make it an excellent destination for inquisitive travelers.

Belgium is both multicultural and multilingual. Flanders, in the north, is a land surrounded by canals that hosts medieval art cities such as Antwerp, Bruges and Ghent. Wallonia, in the south, leads you to the hills of the Ardennes, countless castles, and the cities of Liege, Namur, and Tournai. Brussels, the capital, is one of the world's great cosmopolitan cities, home to the European Union, NATO and the Atomium monument. All these cities and regions are connected through a train network that makes it easy and simple to hop on and hop off at your desired destination.

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Imagine walking on the streets of a cosmopolitan city and listening to a variety of people speaking English, French, Chinese, all blending together into one unified sound. Imagine a land so vast that goes from the Pacific to the Atlantic, from the mild coastal lands of British Columbia to the beautiful icy glaciers of Newfoundland. Imagine a land with a vast diversity of regions, climates, and people. This land is Canada - one of the largest countries in the world and the largest in North America. It boasts a healthy economy, extremely low unemployment rates, and a unique landscape. Nicknamed as a "mosaic of cultures," Canada has lots to offer no matter where you come from, where you want to go, or what you want to do...

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Chile - a land of poets and wine, a land of contrasting beauty, a land as romantic as some its famous citizens: Pablo Neruda, Gabriela Mistral, Isabel Allende. Considered the longest country in the world, this South American nation offers a diversity of landscapes and travel opportunities from the Andes mountains to the Pacific Ocean, from Easter Island to the Antarctic, from fine vineyards to world-class ski resorts.

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A magical land surrounded by mystical tales of majestic castles, little mermaids, vikings, delicious pastries, and beautiful beaches. Denmark has it all - from the Tivoli Gardens to popular beaches to Legoland - there is always something for people of all ages. The Kingdom of Denmark is the smallest and southernmost of the five Nordic countries (Norway, Sweden, Iceland, Finland and Denmark) if its offshore territories - Greenland and the Faroe Islands - are excluded. Its regions include Jutland, the mainland peninsula located north of Germany, as well as Zealand, Funen and Bornholm, three of the major islands located in the Baltic Ocean.

Where to Go in Denmark

Copenhagen, the capital, is located in the island of Zealand. This city has evolved into a well-developed cosmopolitan city beyond your wildest imagination. Considered as the hub for international traffic, business, development and education, Copenhagen is home to 1.7 million people - 7% of which come from other countries. The city offers plenty of activities for everyone. Those who like swimming will enjoy the clean waters of the Copenhagen Harbour and all the public beaches that offer diving, wind-surfing, kayaking, grilling and bonfires. Denmark is a culture that embraces biking and the environment, therefore you will find that bikes can be rented for free all throughout Copenhagen. You can bike to the site of the little mermaid - a beautiful sculpture based on a popular fairytale that has also become the symbol of Denmark. You can also bike to museums, castles, gardens, shopping, restaurants, and cafes. One of the most popular theme parks in Denmark is the Tivoli Gardens, which features all kinds of rides, activities, and pop/rock concerts.

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