ATLANTA (CNN) -- Though much of the United States has been locked in a deep freeze this week, spring is just around the corner -- and the coming of the new season brings with it another annual ritual: spring break.

It's the month to celebrate St. Patrick, the Oscars, and to go for college glory in the NCAA tournaments. But the 'madness of March' extends well off the basketball court. For many students, March means getting out of town and partying down. And this year, the season will be busy through Easter Sunday on April 12.

"It's the time of year when planes are full, when hotels are full, when it's very difficult to get a rental car," says CNN business travel consultant Chris McGinnis.

Collegians will crowd ski areas and sun-drenched cities and resorts across the southern part of the United States. Younger spring breakers will visit such traditional family destinations as the San Diego Zoo in California and Disney World in Florida. If business or pleasure takes you near any of these spots over the next few weeks, making reservations as early as possible is essential. So is asking a lot of questions.

"You may want to ask when you make your reservation, 'Are you fully booked with a lot of college students at this time of year? Would it be a better idea for me to stay at the hotel on the edge of town or perhaps the airport hotel where you're much less likely to find a spring break crowd?'" suggests McGinnis.

Also find out if your hotel has set aside separate floors or buildings, away from partying guests. And even if some destinations seem to be sold out, don't give up.

"Always contact the convention and visitors bureau of the city that you're headed to," says Bob Diener, president of the Hotel Reservations Network. "They can give you some ideas. They can give you phone numbers of services that might be able to find you rooms."

If you still can't escape the crowds once you arrive, McGinnis has another strategy.

"One recourse is, that if you're in a city that has several hotels under the same brand name, you can ask to be moved to a different hotel that may be out of the epicenter of the spring break activity," he says.

It's one way to keep peace of mind while others enjoy the party.

Based on a report from CNN's Business and Travel and Beyond. The segment appears weekdays on Early Edition at 7 AM (ET) and on Morning News at 10 AM (ET).

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