6 Spring Break Destinations You’ve Never Considered (But Should)
If you don’t want to spend your spring break surrounded by groups of drunk frat boys and fanny pack clad tourists, we don’t blame you. We also don’t find it relaxing to lay on the beach dodging stray volleyballs and overpaying for juice heavy mixed drinks. Which is why this year we’re thinking outside of the usual beach destination box to find a getaway that gets us away from the overplayed, overpriced and overhyped spring break hot spots.
After a little unscientific polling (read: we asked our jet-setting friends) and some serious perusing on Pinterest, we dug up the best off-the-beaten-path vacation destinations for your next trip.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Iceland may seem counterintuitive when looking for a spring getaway, but between the dirt cheap airfare and the unbelievable landscape, it’s becoming the hippest vacation destination on both side of the pond. From lava fields to waterfalls, the Northern Lights to wild ponies, there's more to this glacial island than just ice. In fact, if it’s relaxing in your bikini that you want, they’ve got that too. One of the Iceland’s biggest attractions is The Blue Lagoon a geothermal spa where you can soak in warm waters and receive an array of massage treatments and therapies.
Cuba
A mere 90 miles off the coast of Florida, the once off-limits island is now ripe to be the next big vacation destination thanks to President Obama lifting the 50 plus year Cuban embargo. Home to nine UNESCO World Heritage sites, 300 beaches and countless classic American cars, there is something for everyone. So whether you want to wander down the charming cobblestone streets lined with vibrantly colored buildings or relax ocean side, we’re sure you’ll fall in love with this quaint country.
Cornwall, England
England may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of a beach vacation, but between Cornwall’s white sand, turquoise waters and surfing scene you might not even realize you’re in the British Isle and not the Carribean Islands. Why go this spring? The British Pound has plummeted in the face of the June vote that could sever the United Kingdom’s ties to the European Union, so if you ever wanted to visit the old country then now’s the time to do it.
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is more than just Bourbon Street. Tens years after Hurricane Katrina and several of the cities new neighborhoods are booming. Alongside their bustling nightlife in the French Quarter, Nola has a rich food culture and colorful European-meets-the-American-South architecture you need to see to believe. If you’re a first timer to the City of Jazz, you’ll want to stop by Cafe Du Monde for their famous Cafe Au Lait and Beignets. But if you’ve already been to New Orleans, then hop on the new streetcar line and head over to the Bywater, the city’s new hottest neighborhood.
Warsaw, Poland
Named the 2016 European Capital of Culture, Warsaw, Poland will be host to a number of festivals, concerts and conferences this year. So while it may not be at the top of your Euro trip bucket list, the city offers all the culture and history that attracts us Americans but is more affordable than the usual Paris, London or Rome.
Tulum, Mexico
If you can’t tear yourself away from the idea of laying in the sand with a tropical drink melting in your hand, then Tulum, Mexico is where you want to go. Just south of Cancun, Tulum’s white sand beaches are backed by cliffs and a lush jungle that’s laden with ancient temple ruins. And now that Mexico's best-kept secret is out, the small beach town is slowly starting to become a buzz with the tourist types. So if you want to see what all the fuss is about before it turns from a little piece of paradise to another tacky resort town, now’s the time to go.
