Spring Break Isn’t Just for Students

Whoever decided spring break was just for students? I say we all incorporate a spring trip into our lives even if we’re not friends with a teacher or have kids in school! Consider it an adult spring break. Think trips that take advantage of those shoulder season price drops, have a little less partying than the trips of our youth, and take advantage of our better-than-minimum-wage paychecks.

Here are just some places I’d plan an adult-friendly spring break trip!

9 Spring Break Ideas for Adults

Texas Hill Country for a Rural Escape

There are a ton of reasons I loved planning a trip to Texas Hill Country for “Places to Love,” but my number one reason was to see its famous bluebonnets. Every spring, Texas fills up with these beautiful flowers that, despite the name, come in more than just blue. It’s truly a sight to behold. Time your spring break with a road trip around Hill Country, and you’ll be able to see them in full bloom. Just be careful – you can’t just hop off and trespass on private property! Instead plan a stop somewhere like Wildseed Farms to safely enjoy. You can also visit the town of Ennis for their Bluebonnet Festival. Their trail is also open all of April.

And as a bonus for any American history buffs – you can visit the LBJ Ranch for all things Lyndon B. and Lady Bird Johnson as well as the National Museum of the Pacific War.

Costa Rica for a Tropical Break

Get tropical in beautiful Costa Rica! It’s still dry season, which means you won’t have to worry too much about rain dampening your trip. If you’re worried about the beaches and resorts filling up with students and families, head inland and north for a quieter, greener adventure. Stay at the eco-friendly, gorgeous Hideaway Rio Celeste to really feel like you’re tucked away in the jungle. Their rooms are individual bungalows! Then check out Onca Tours for an adrenaline rush. I highly recommend their night time wildlife trek and tubing tours.

Tampa, Florida for a Fun Escape

If you do want to dip your toe back into the nightlife scene without committing to it wholly for your trip, might I suggest Tampa? I know, I know, compared to other places in Florida, Tampa falls much lower on the list of fun, party destinations. But that’s where you’re mistaken. This city knows how to have fun! Historic Ybor City (a neighborhood despite the name), feels like a less chaotic version of Bourbon Street and is full of cigar bars and dance clubs. Don’t be surprised if you come across some free roamin’ chickens when you visit either. Stay at Hotel Haya to be right around the corner from all the fun. If you time it right, you’ll also be able to stay during one of their chicken yoga classes. Yes, you read that correctly. Chicken yoga!

When you need a breather from the party, hop on their free trolleys and head downtown to Tampa’s gorgeous Riverwalk. Or drive over to Mobbly Bayou Nature Preserve for some peaceful kayak fishing with the Tampa Bay Kayak Anglers. And if you’re here on a Sunday, do NOT miss the Thai Market!

Lisbon, Portugal for a European Break

Want to cross the pond for spring break? Check out Lisbon! It’s a fairly short flight from the East Coast (comparable to flying to the West Coast) and is perfect for anyone itching to get themselves to Europe. The city itself is beautiful with pastel facades, a huge coastal area, and incredibly walkable – albeit uphill – streets. Board one of its famous yellow trams to enjoy the views and eat as many patel de natas as your heart desires. When you want to get out of the city, head out to beautiful Sintra with its even more beautiful castle!

Oh, and did I mention, the weather tends to be sunny and in the sixties? A practical dream after surviving this persistent sub-freezing winter!

Big Sky, Montana for a Wintry Getaway

On the flipside, if you can’t get enough of winter and want even more snow, plan a spring break to Big Sky, Montana. Fun fact: we filmed our “Places to Love” episode in March, so all that snowy footage you see is from the start of spring. Ski season here lasts until mid-April, and you’ll have 6,000 acres to choose from!

Spend your days on the slopes or get into the water for some fly fishing. When you do need a break to warm-up, check out The Rocks Tasting Room for a cozy bowl of authentic pho and a Montana mule. You can also explore Museum of the Rockies for the largest dinosaur collection in North America.

Williamsburg & the Historic Triangle, Virginia for a Historic Adventure

Are you and your friends certified history buffs? This is THE year to head to Virginia’s Historic Triangle! Base yourself at the Williamsburg Inn, which sits in the heart of Colonial Williamsburg. Once you check in, you can walk right into town and see just how dedicated this place is to showcasing everything you would’ve seen during the 1700s.

During your stay, visit the other two spots that make up this triangle – Jamestown and Yorktown. Jamestown was home to the first permanent English settlement in America and before that, the land belonged to the Powhatan tribe. Check out Historic Jamestowne to learn more about its history and recent archeological finds. Over in Yorktown, hop aboard a Stanley steamer ride and learn firsthand about the battle that ended the Revolution. Bonus points if you play the “Battle of Yorktown” while you do!

And in between all your history hopping? Take full advantage of Williamsburg’s status as “The Pancake Capital of the World.”

Anywhere on Route 66 for a Road Trip

This is the year of the Great American Road Trip, and there are so many fantastic road trips you can choose from. The one that’s close to my heart right now has to be all 2,448 gorgeous miles of Route 66! Now, don’t try to do the whole thing over your spring break. Not only would you be driving insane numbers every day, you’d spend so much time on the road, you’d miss out on what makes Route 66 so fun – the towns and side stops along the way.

I say pick 1-2 states to drive through and then map out where you want to go from there. Just keep in mind the weather, major festivals, and the changes in elevation and time zones.

Jeju, South Korea for Cherry Blossom Season

Willing to hop on a long flight half way across the world? Go somewhere to see the cherry blossoms in full bloom! While most travelers will start flooding Japan for hanami and even Seoul, South Korea will see its fair share of crowding at major cherry blossom spots, you’ll find relative peace on Jeju Island. Just an hour’s plane ride from Seoul, the island is not only full of fluffy cherry blossoms, it’s absolutely flooded with bright yellow canola fields everywhere you turn. Rent a car to drive around and don’t miss gorgeous Noksan-ro to get both cherry blossom and canola fields in one. If you’re up for some adventure, set aside a day to hike Hallasan, South Korea’s tallest mountain. And, of course, take advantage of island culture and sample all the seafood you come across!

Crystal Coast & Outer Banks, North Carolina for a Cool Beach Trip

And by cool, I mean the weather! The Outer Banks of North Carolina is full of visitors come summer but in March and April when temperatures hover in the 50s, you’ll find places that feel completely calm and quiet. The Crystal Coast in particular offers so much to do for spring breakers. Book a stay in charming Beaufort and then spend your day at Shackleford Banks witnessing the sheer beauty of horses in the wild. At night join the Crystal Coast Stargazers and take advantage of Cape Lookout’s International Dark Sky status. I particularly love a long stroll on a beach, and nowhere is quite as lovely as the one near Oceanana Pier House. When you’ve worked up an appetite, get their seafood boil!

See what I mean? Spring Break is definitely not just for students. Let me know your ideas below as well!