Spring break is right around the corner—finally! It’s time to spend a week on a cozy beach, in a city, or at least somewhere interesting! And the best part is you don’t need to worry about your awful passport photo. All you need is you, your gear and a friend or two. Unless you’re the loner type, in which case, bring some extra pepper spray. Let’s get these vacaciones started!
1. South Padre Island
Don’t let its name fool you! This little bit of beach is on the southernmost tip of Texas. For those who don’t know geography well, that leaves you along the Gulf Coast. There’s tons of water activities to choose from, like parasailing or dolphin watching, horseback rides on the beach, and pools if sand isn’t your style. Fresh Gulf shrimp or some other local bites will be sure to wow your taste buds, and there are plenty of clubs and bars to keep the party going all night long.
2. Myrtle Beach
I’m sure many of you have heard of or been to this popular spot in South Carolina. With temperatures around 70, it’s the perfect not-too-tropical-but-still-toasty beach destination! Beach houses can easily be rented for large groups so you can share the cost and the memories with ease. There’s Family Kingdom Amusement Park and Water Park if you get bored with the normal beach town agenda, along with theaters, clubs, bars, you name it! Sounds like a good time for everyone.
3. Las Vegas
Be careful. It’s called Sin City for a reason. Plan the ultimate high-rollers get away with your friends. Even if gambling isn’t in your budget (and you should seriously make a strict budget for gambling if you plan to), there’s still action around every corner. A wide variety of shows, like Cirque du Soleil and the Blue Man Group, will surely keep you entertained during your week off. Remember, what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas—just don’t abuse it like The Hangover boys.
4. Crested Butte
It’s been a light winter almost everywhere, so make up for it this year with a wintery spring break ski trip in Colorado! Crested Butte is one of the best skiing destinations. If you need some serious R&R, this little town has several great spas to choose from. You’ll get back to school feeling like a whole new you. You can even give dog sledding or ice fishing a try! Talk about the best snow days ever.
5. Santa Barbara
Everyone goes to LA, San Fran, or San Diego. Try a different Cali vacation in just-as-sunny Santa Barbara. You can choose from plenty of beaches (duh), as well as parks and picnic areas to enjoy the outdoors without always being in your swim trunks. If you love art, you can visit one of the best art museums in the country: Santa Barbara Museum of Art. Though there’s many other galleries and museums to choose from. Exercise nut? There’s plenty of trails to take your bike on or hike around; you’ll be so busy pedaling your break away, your friends will be envious of your buffed bod when you return.
6. Jackson Hole
Haven’t heard of it? It’s a small-ish ski town in Wyoming. This is another need-to-go-to vacation spot for you snow bunnies. If you don’t know how to ski, it is said this spot is the best place to begin. By the end of your trip, you’ll be a pro (unless you’re really uncoordinated, just not meant to ski or hate the snow so much you don’t put an effort in). Like Crested Butte, Jackson Hole boasts many great spa options and shopping. And if you have a late spring break, you just might get to be part of its Mountain Festival on March 30th! So if you’re without snow and itching to ski, get your booty to Wyoming.
7. Oahu
This is the place to be if you love luaus, beachy time and relaxation. You can even go island hopping! Instead of getting your athlete on in the snow, do it in the water! At an average of 80º year round, the water is perfect for shark encounters, kite boarding, surfing and snorkeling—just don’t get eaten. Golf courses, beaches, cave exploring, or seeing the endangered parrots are just the tip of the iceberg (though you won’t find any here) for this island dream vacay. Don’t forget your sun screen!
8. Ocean City
No, not where Marissa tragically died along with the TV show. Travel to Ocean City, Maryland! Though it won’t be super warm like California, the weather will still likely fair around the 60s or 70s. But there’s plenty to do besides hit up beaches! Maryland crab cakes are a must (my mouth is watering at the thought), as well as seeing the famous Assateague ponies, just 9 miles from the main city and surrounded by great nature trails for a day trip. Their downtown area is known for its history, so take a few steps backwards by visiting the Life-Saving Station Museum.
9. Salt Lake City
Though they’re sadly won’t be any Olympics going on, there’s still plenty to do in this great Utah city! Plus, you can visit the Olympic venues to lessen your sorrows. Temple Square downtown is another popular spot, with guided tours, interactive exhibits, and more. Plus it features the largest genealogy library in the world. Salt Lake also has a nice art collection, for all the art lovers (like moi) in the crowd. Depending on the weather, you can add winter or spring athletics to the itinerary too! So, basically, come to Salt Lake to do some sight-seeing and wish for the Olympics.
10. New Orleans
A little too late for Mardi Gras, but that isn’t all this historical city has to offer! There are plenty of festivals to choose from in March, like Soul Fest at the Audubon Zoo celebrating African American culture or Saint Patrick’s Day Festivities from the 11th-18th, with big parades, street parties that rival Mardi Gras and some delicious Louisiana grub. You can also visit the many different areas of the city, including the French Quarter, full of beautiful architecture, plenty of museums, and—of course—tasty treats. There’s so much to do, I hardly even know what to write about next! Take it from me, there won’t be a single dull moment.
Feliz vacaciones mis amigos!
-ToonyToon
I’m reading Anthropology: Appreciating Human Diversity