Spring break is right around the corner, and you’re determined to make this year one to remember. Instead of heading to the same overdone locations everyone has been to for years, hit the road and go on an adventure. Drop these boring spring break trips, and check out their fresh alternatives instead.
1. Over It: Miami, FL
There’s no reason to be anywhere that Girls Gone Wild frequents, and Miami is way beyond crowded with everyone else who picked this cliché for spring break.
Into It: Disney World
Other than the obvious attraction of being able to fulfill your lifelong dream of being a Disney Princess, Disney World offers several nighttime attractions for collegiettes and adults. Downtown Disney, a boardwalk filled with shows, activities and dining and the Atlantic Dance Hall, a nightclub for people over 21, are both great nightlife options. For some at-night entertainment that gives you the opportunity to veg, see if a parade is scheduled, as it’ll definitely involve intricate and exciting floats and performers put on a show.
During the day, you can explore all of the theme parks, rides, shows and other amusements that make Disney World so famous. Try the classic Big Thunder Mountain Railroad or see real live elephants!
If you are looking for an affordable place to stay, try the All-Star Music Resort, which can be as low as $30.00 per person per night for a group of four. Plus, it has a guitar-shaped pool!
2. Over It: South Padre Island, TX
Another typical spring break haunt, South Padre Island is crowded and there is a good chance that you’ll step in someone’s vomit. Why go to a manufactured party scene when you can explore a real city instead?
Into It: Dallas, TX
Seen as one of the most liberal cities in Texas, Dallas has a great nightlife with nightclubs such as Plush or Beamer’s Dallas which has 18+ nights. The University of Dallas is right nearby, so there are plenty of opportunities to make friends with local collegiettes.
There’s also a ton of shopping at The Shops at Park Lane. This shopping district has classic department stores, small shops and the largest Whole Foods Market in North Texas.
If you are looking for something offbeat and full of women-power, go see a roller derby bout!
3. Over It: Cancun, Mexico
Spring break is a time to get away, but Cancun is such an overly popular trip that everyone you don’t like from your math class will be sharing the bar with you. Time for somewhere fresh!
Into It: Yellowstone National Park
For those collegiettes who love the outdoors, Yellowstone National Park is the place for you! Yellowstone, one of the nation’s most visited parks, is wonderful for camping, exploring and getting in touch with nature. You can see wild bison, stay up late to see the beautiful star-filled sky or just enjoy camping.
Yellowstone has several different campsites with different levels of accommodations. Before you go, check to see when the opening date for the campsite is and what equipment you need to bring. One of the most important items to pack? A water bottle!
While it is always best to pack your own food when camping, there are several locations you can eat at, such as the Old Faithful Snow Lodge Geyser Grill. Don’t forget Yellowstone’s must-see geysers!
4. Over It: Staycation
You don’t need a fancy, blowout vacation to take advantage of spring break! But staying home isn’t enough of an adventure. You can always watch Jimmy Fallon another time.
Into It: Volunteering Trip
Today there are many options to make spring break memorable. Instead of just going on a trip, try using your week to help others.
Some organizations that run spring break trips are Habitat For Humanity and United Planet. Ask your school’s community service department or any service clubs you belong to on campus to find more alternatives!
Lauren Velez, a junior at the University of Texas, spent her spring break helping orphans in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, with Mission Youth Missions. “Since there are about 90 babies (ages zero to three) in the orphanage, the caretakers really need help with feeding, changing and getting the babies out of their cribs,” she says. “Many of them are very malnourished, and there are three-year-olds who still don’t know how to walk because they have to sit in their crib for the majority of every day. Our goal is to change that for the time that we’re there!”
Lauren says that she had such a great time making a difference that she is going back next spring break.
5. Over It: Myrtle Beach
Another beach town where it feels just like your childhood family vacations. Time for something different and unique!
Into It: Skiing in Vermont
If you aren’t interested in the typical idea of a sweaty spring break, try visiting Vermont to hit the slopes! Skiing can be a great way to enjoy some exercise, see the beauty of nature and rock some cute snow gear.
There are tons of ski resorts to choose from, and depending on what you are looking for, you can use Ski Vermont’s Resort Finder to pick your perfect spring break location. By answering a few questions such as what part of the state you want to visit, what type of skiing you are looking for and what amenities you want, the Resort Finder will pick the best place for you.
Depending on where you go, you can get discounts as a student or if you are going in a group. Check the deals page early and often, because they change and add new coupons all the time!
Spring break only comes once a year, so make the best of it! With one of these trips you can have a unique experience to tell everyone about when you get back to class. Good luck (and have fun) traveling!