We may have just finished ringing in the New Year, but the fact is now is the best time to start thinking about spring break travel (if you haven't done so already).

Soon the rush will be on and your chances of scoring cheap flights will diminish by the hour.

The Spring break spree usually occurs during the later part of February and into March depending on what school students attend. That means certain parts of the country will soon be overrun with college kids.

If you want to track down the best college hanghouts (or if you're lookin to avoid them altogether), continue reading: 

Florida is a notorious destination for spring breakers, especially since most of them will be looking for any place warm to escape that lingering winter chill.  While many of the cities in this sun-kissed state will suffice, including the more historically popular Fort Lauderdale, the real draw is occurring in the following destinations:

Miami: Miami is hot, not just in temperature, but in sexy salsa goodness.  You better learn to dance before stopping in Miami or South Beach as the club culture dominates the nightlife.  If you're lucky, then you'll make it to Miami Beach during the Winter Music Festival 2012 taking place from March 8th to 12th.

Key West: Key West is a Caribbean island in the Florida Keys.  It's not exactly a typical spring break destination, but it is definitely an option growing in popularity.  Perhaps its the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico that make this tropical getaway so enticing.  You can actually swim here and not worry about the March chill present in other locations of Florida.

Panama City Beach: Panama City Beach claims it is the "Spring Break Capital of the World."  Located in the Florida Panhandle, this city full of white sand beaches lends itself to spring break fun in addition to its normal repertoire of tourist activities (snorkeling and diving, for example).

For Those Planning Spring Break Travel to Florida:

Spring break is an extremely busy time of year as students from the thousands of colleges and universities across the country migrate to beach areas to blow off some school-related steam.  If you are thinking of spring break travel, do try to book in advance or else the best hotels and resorts might already be taken -- and you don't really want to be far from the party, right?  Also be on the lookout for cheap package deals and airfares to Florida starting now!

For Those Planning to Avoid Spring Break Travel:

If you want to avoid the spring break excitement (or chaos), then your best bet is to either avoid Florida altogether (along with other popular beach destinations across the country) during February and March.  If you can't help but visit Florida during these times, perhaps look into a nice resort that owns a private beach -- and don't be afraid to call an establishment in advance to see if they support the spring break festivities as many hotels might offer rates and packages during this time to draw the students in.

CC Flickr photo credit: Bob Therina