The best things to do and places to go for spring break, whether you’re traveling on a budget, looking for the best beaches, or just fancy some warm weather
Kiwi.com offers customers the best deals on cheap flights all year round, so we did some research to find our top Spring Break destinations for students, adults, or adventure seekers. Let’s explore!
Europe
Iveagh Gardens Iconic Waterfall — Shutterstock
Our first suggestion for a Spring Break destination is Dublin. It has long been associated with everything people consider quintessentially Irish: pubs, buskers, nightlife, friendly locals and that mysterious, contagious energy known as ‘craic’. From the sprawling Phoenix Park to the north of the city to the beautiful original gardens at Iveagh, there’s plenty of green space (naturally!), while Temple Bar and south of Portobello offer all sorts of pubs and clubs for get to know the locals. and other visitors. It’s the kind of town people just want to come back to again and again.
For a more relaxing city break, Ljubljana is a loud cry. The friendly, green and compact Slovenian capital has everything you’d expect from a destination – history, riverside cafes and bars, interesting little nooks and crannies, an exhausting hilltop castle – but with an atmosphere who encourages you to take things as they come. There’s no reason to work out an itinerary, it’s just a matter of drifting from place to place, stopping once in a while to admire the view or refuel with a coffee, everything feeling a little jealous of the people who manage to exist permanently in this attractive, prosperous little corner of Europe.
Finally, we head to Cagliari, an Italian city that is not in Italy. Well, it does, but not on the mainland. It is the capital of Sardinia, and when Sardinia was a nation in its own right, Cagliari was its powerhouse. It is still clear today that it was an important place, its 13th century fortified town – the Castello – sitting on top of a hill, watching over its maritime domain. Eventually, however, after exploring the winding streets that tumble wildly down to the waterfront, you’ll discover that not all roads lead to Rome, but to Poetto Beach. It’s the perfect place to relax during the day and party at night. The perfect combo, huh?
North America
We begin our North American selection with Tulum, on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. Unlike more heralded and (some would say) clichéd Spring Break destinations such as Cancun and the like, Tulum is more for those who like a little R’n’R with their revelry. Sure, there are beach parties and live DJs, but rather than raving all night long, things tend to be more on the chill-out side of the music spectrum. Plus, if you fancy adding a cultural touch to your trip, the nearby ruins just along the coast were once one of the main trading posts of the Maya civilization.
To the Caribbean next, and no, not to Jamaica, the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic or any other place you might automatically think of: we check Guadeloupe. Technically a part of France, it’s made up of six inhabited islands and a bunch of smaller, empty islands, and it’s quickly establishing itself as an up-and-coming destination. The French-Creole fusion cuisine is amazing, the beaches range from black volcanic sand to typically Caribbean blazing white, and you can opt for all-inclusive luxury or look at the economy side of the bargain. It’s not necessarily cheap, but with more than 5,000 apartments or rooms to rent, you’ll find what you’re looking for.
Finally for this section, let’s look at Sedona, AZ, an option for outdoor enthusiasts. Set in 1.8 million acres of national park land, its famous red landscapes are popular with hikers and mountain bikers, and you’re relatively easy to drive from the Grand Canyon. If that’s not quite your thing, you can also head to one of the many spiritual retreats on offer: sleep under a wide bowl of stars amid ancient rocks and spend your meditative break before heading back, refreshed , in the real world.
Asia
For a Spring Break experience in Asia, there are thousands of cheap beaches and accommodations, but we decided to focus on just one, namely Canggu, Bali. This Indonesian city is a lush, green seaside destination with all types of accommodation on offer, from luxury villas to hostel rooms starting at just $6. Food and drink are just as cheap, and with beaches that host parties every night or are more simply for relaxing in the evening sun, you’ll be able to choose exactly the type of trip that’s right for you. During the day you can surf or swim, relax by one of the pools, explore the restaurants or visit some of the local temples to experience the local culture.
South America
Chiclayo, Peru is our first South American selection, and it’s a place you may not have heard of. It’s a shame, because its parks and gardens are among the most beautiful in the country, it is the ideal place to discover wonderful archaeological sites of the ancient Moche people, and it has all this while being only 13 km beautiful beaches on the Pacific coast. It’s not the most rock and roll city in the world, but that’s okay because you’ll feel more at home trying the unique regional cuisine, hanging out with the locals, and generally hanging out. time in warm and friendly company.
Are we heading almost straight across the continent now, and in Ilheus, Brazil we find one of the most modern cities in the country, but still a nice place to spend your Spring Break. It’s built over a bunch of waterways – rivers, lakes, lagoons – and the waterfront, giving it attractive beaches and a town center that sits on a small hill overlooking everything. As an added bonus, the surrounding state of Bahia is famous for cocoa production, so you can be sure your sweet tooth will be satisfied!
Africa
Finally, for a less forgiving spring break than a few of those mentioned above, there are dozens of volunteer programs that are always looking for people who want to give something back while having an adventure. A good example is the International Volunteer Headquarters Tanzania program. Projects such as teaching, medical aid, childcare, and women’s education are always looking for enthusiastic members, and the whole trip mixes authentic culture with unforgettable experiences. Combine your volunteer work with game drives, mountain treks, visiting Maasai tribes or reward yourself with a week at the beach when you’re done!
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