Post exams vacation

[hybridfx2]

Hello RFD Travel forum!

It's my first time posting here, as i usually just lurk the off topic.
Well, I'm in my second year of university right now taking a spring term until August 16.
From then until September 7th, I am off of school. I'd really like to take this opportunity to travel to get some much needed away time.

I've never traveled by plane without my parents so I am very inexperienced.

Ideally I'd like to go to a place with warm weather, resort like atmosphere, and a social scene directed towards students or the younger crowd.
I was thinking DR, Cuba etc. but more recently I've been intrigued by the opportunity to travel to Europe (Spain).
However, I am open to any suggestion. Considering backpacking across Europe as well.

Basically what I'm looking for is recommendations on where to go, when to book the flight to get the cheapest deals, and any other first time traveler tips.

[chemical_echo]

If you're considering Europe check out Contiki. It's geared towards youths and has a very good social atmosphere. Days are geared towards checking out the sites and a lot of the nights have theme parties or pub nights out in cities or the places you're staying (they have a private chateux in the French wine country and a chalet in Austria both with on site bars and theme parties).
They usually have some last minute deals on their site so you could pick one up at a discount. I also believe they (or one of the travel companies selling their tours) are offering a deal right now where you book a tour for this summer and the flight is $100.

[hagandazs]

Contiki is good.

I have had good experience with GAP Adventures, the group you travel with is usually in the 18-35 range. And can be somewhat off the beaten path if you want it to be.

[hybridfx2]

Contiki is good.

I have had good experience with GAP Adventures, the group you travel with is usually in the 18-35 range. And can be somewhat off the beaten path if you want it to be.

I took a look at GAP adventures and I really liked what I saw. Fair pricing with a lot of options.
I really like the volunteer tours as its just another thing to add to my resume; volunteering in a different country.

Any others know sites similar to GAP adventures?