1. Nassau,Bahamas
Many students take off after midterms to let loose on the shores of Atlantis, as well as neighboring beaches for those who don’t have mo’ money. The Bahamas beaches provide the staples of most college students’ ideal Spring Break destination: sun, sand, and a lower legal drinking age.
Conch
Photo courtesy of @bahamabreezeislandgrille
However the Bahamas also offers a specialty menu item, Conch.
Eat it mixed up in a dip as the perfect topper on a cracker, have it fried up hushpuppy style for some great conch fritters, or eat it as a burger.
Goombay Punch
Photo courtesy of @bhdunited
And while you’re at it try the Bahamas specialty soda, Goombay Punch. Even though it is mostly sugar and has no nutritional benefits worry about being healthy later and try this tasty beverage.
2. Cancún, Mexico
Who’s ready for a fiesta? Cancún is another Spring Break hot spot for its beautiful beaches and lower legal drinking age. Cancún also gives Spring Breakers an opportunity to try some very good food. Cancún is a part of the Yucatan Peninsula, which delightfully offers amazing flavors blended from the Mayan and European diets with rich dishes such as:
Panuchos
Photo courtesy of @ _floricel
A refried tortilla stuffed with refried beans, cabbage, pulled chicken, tomatoes, pickled red onion, avocado, and pickled jalapeño peppers. Although the toppings may vary, they are all delicious.
Sopa de Lima
Photo courtesy of @hall_o_gram
This soup is basically the Yucatan’s version of your grandmother’s chicken soup. Made with many of the staples of the Mexican cuisine such as tomatoes, tortillas, chicken, chile peppers, vegetables, as well as the abundant regional limes to add its namesake nuanced flavor.
Cochinita Pibil
Photo courtesy of @lasmariacocinillas
A dish consisting of marinated pork wrapped in banana leaves and spices before being cooked and then served pulled with herbs, red onions, and a sour orange juice and habanero sauce.
3. Key West, Florida
This is a tropical location still within the United States for those less likely to go international for the perfect beach. Even though the legal drinking age is 21, Key West is still a city that knows how to party and offers plenty of places and events to do so. Even the tropical dishes are all about giving a party to your taste buds.
Stone Crab
Photo courtesy of @jessintheskyy
Key West makes up 40% of Florida’s Stone Crab harvest so after a long day of being in the sun, treat your self to some fresh stone crab.
Key Lime Pie
Photo courtesy of @cactus_macleod
And of course you have to finish it off with the signature Key Lime pie.
4. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is a sweet place to be as many dishes are prepared with bananas and coconuts.
La Bandera Dominicana
Photo courtesy of @stylishmomonthego
Amid the spring break festivities, fuel up with a delicious meal of the traditional La Bandera Dominicana, which is made with rice, beans, meat and fried bananas.
Jalao
Photo courtesy of @riskec
For dessert make sure to try some Jalao, or grated coconut dipped in molasses, fudge, or honey.
5. Negril, Jamaica
Jamaica’s cuisine is full of many influences, however like all other coastal destinations, Jamaica makes the most out of the abundant and fresh seafood.
Ackee and Saltfish
Photo courtesy of @jagrillhydepark
While visiting the tropical island make sure to try the Caribbean version of an omelet called Ackee and Saltfish. This dish is known for pairing cod with locally grown Ackee fruit along with whatever onions, peppers and other such ingredients an individual would want in their omelet.
Escoviche
Photo courtesy of @bianca_eats
Escoviche is another Jamaican seafood dish consisting of either kingfish, snapper, or grouper marinated in vinegar, onions, and other spices to really accentuate the best flavors of the fish.
Jerk Chicken
Photo courtesy of @seoulitenewyorker
However, the most popular and famous meal isn’t seafood at all. It’s Jamaica’s Jerk Chicken. So make sure you try this dish where its served best while you are there.