Fall Break Destinations

Me and eight of my friends (all guys, rising seniors in college) are looking to book a trip for our fall break in mid October. We have narrowed it down to New Orleans, Vegas, Miami, and Cabo. None of us have been to either place so we are having a tough time deciding. We will be there for ~4 days and are just looking to have as much fun as possible. Figured WSO would have some thoughts on these destinations. Any input is appreciated. Thank you.

24 Comments
 

Save the NoLa trip for Mardi Gras, and save Cabo for spring break. I'd probably do Vegas, just because I'm not the biggest Miami fan, but that's just personal opinion. Also I am making these suggestions assuming you have infinite capital and a job lined up, so school really won't matter.

Dayman?
 

Went there last fall, lots of college students actually head out there this upcoming semester. If you worked in some good jobs you should have some money to spend and it’s more budgetable than you’d think if you actually sit down and lay out the logistics. Great spot for some bachelors and it’s more that just clubs, it’s casinos, good hotels, day pool parties. Never been to NoLa but never heard of college students that are dying to get out there. I’d wait till Mardi Gras if anything. Miami and Cabo are cool but that’s more spring break esque spots I.e spend lots of money on booze and hit the beach / bars with all your college aged peers in March.

 

I vote Miami, late fall and early spring there are a good time because it's a little less packed and the weather is more temperate. Look into a place downtown near the water around Brickell. It'll be much more reasonably priced than staying on the beach but you'll still be only about a 10 minute drive away, and you'll be closer to Wynwood which has a bunch of good spots for day drinking and going out. The food is also fantastic.

 
Most Helpful

I'd recommend any of the three - NOLA, Cabo or Miami. You get partying, night life, girls, good food at all of them. If you value beach more, Cabo or Miami. If not, NOLA.

Vegas....... I keep going back and forth on this. My personal view of Vegas is that it's a great 36-48 hour escape from the real world once you are working rather than a place for college guys to roll deep and conquer. It's a fucking show, and can be a ton of fun but IMO takes more planning and deliberateness than the others.

A few other random thoughts if you go to Vegas -

  • Do not go if you plan to use fake ID's or someone is under 21. Just. Don't. Do. It.

  • I've no idea how much money you have, or all your buddies have, but in my experience any differences get magnified in Vegas REALLY quickly if you don't plan it. If you are going, plan it all out and have everyone 'pre-pay' into an account. Sounds nerdy - but you'll thank me later. This is smart for clubs, dinners, etc. so you don't have any issues later on. Gambling is a free for all, but any group stuff I would recommend it.

  • With 8 guys, clubs can be a nightmare - unless you have a buddy who wants to front all the tables, then by all means go for it. Just be prepared to spend to get everyone in. Obviously you can make this work - pair off with hot girls, get individual tickets, whatever... just prepare for it in advance.

  • Hit up old Vegas - Fremont street. It's more affordable, there's a lot of night life and is a scene in and of itself. Also can be refreshing to get off the strip which can be, well, challenging after awhile.

  • Choose where you stay wisely. If you stay on strip - there a better locations than others. If you stay off strip, just know the route and how you will get places.

 

Vegas. Stay at Cosmopolitan as it’s central and quite nice. Hit all the good pool parties (Wet republic, Marquis, EBC). Hit some clubs and bars at night. Gamble if you want.

Doing this stuff with bottle service will cost $2-3k+ per person

 

How much fun is Vegas on a student budget???

I think bang for your buck. New Orleans is your best bet followed by Cabo.

Also, to the commenters suggesting to wait for Mardi Gras.....yeah sure..if you're ok paying $350 -$400 a night for a hotel room, then wait for Mardi Gras. As a student, that was definitely not in my budget.

 

Don't go to Nola all you can do there is drink which the other options offer a lot more. Depending on the budget and being 21+ go to Vegas over Miami. If you want to go to the beach and probably the most bang for your buck is all inclusive stay in Cabo. It just kinda sucks to go to Cabo when it isn't SB and a bunch of people your age aren't around.

Verdict: Vegas if you can afford to have a good time

 

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