School and work may feel like they just started back up, but spring break is right around the corner. While many families have already made their traveling and lodging plans for a much-needed vacation, some last-minute planners are still trying to decide where they want to go. If you’re one of those people and need some spontaneous ideas, here are a few hotspot destinations to consider.
Surfing in Kona
Surfing in Kona
You can never go wrong with the brisk oceans, sandy beaches and floral leis of Hawaii. While eight main islands make up the Paradise of the Pacific, Maui is packed with some of the most fun extracurricular activities that you and your family can enjoy over spring break. You can dive into the Seven Sacred Pools, swim and surf the waters of Kaanapali Beach, snorkel by the crescent-shaped Molokini islet and hike soaring heights toward the dormant Haleakala volcano. You can even watch the breathtaking humpback whales swim in their natural habitat on Maalaea Harbor. When you’re done, treat yourself to some delicious local Hawaiian cuisine, such as Sam Soto’s saimin noodles, Tin Roof’s poke bowls or Queen Ka'ahumanu’s manapua buns. Enjoyment is endless over in Hawaii — just be sure to remember your flip flops and aloha shirts.
Whether you prefer the quiet lakes or the mountainous regions, Colorado Springs has plenty of outdoor fun. The Arkansas River, for instance, has a variety of canoeing and kayaking opportunities. If you’re looking for higher elevation, Pike’s Peak features some gorgeous sights from the cliffs. For something more fast-paced, Adventures Out West has several zip lines to ride through trees and mountain ridges. If even that’s not high enough, reserve a hot air balloon tour with the same company and enjoy the scenery from thousands of feet in the air. No matter where you go, adventure is waiting for you.
There’s much more than sand and seagulls in Fort Lauderdale. While most spring breakers will rush to swim in the ocean and play on the beaches, there are plenty of ways to spend your vacation away from crowded shores. If you’re looking to venture into the Everglades, there are airboat tours that will take you up close to see the alligators and hippos that live in the marshes. If rafts and reptiles aren’t your thing, unique landmarks include the Antique Car Museum that displays automobiles dating back to 1909 and the Museum of Discovery and Science that’s home to several interactive exhibits and a children’s discovery center.
If you want to flip on a dime from a coastal riverbank to a lively urban environment, London is the place to get both of your fun-filled fixes in. While perhaps London’s best known sights are the Victorian-Gothic-style Tower Bridge and the clock tower commonly referred to as Big Ben, there are several more tourist attractions to check out to mark a memorable spring break. For instance, the 443-foot Coca-Cola London Eye observation wheel overlooks the entire city, and you can take part in its 30-minute ride for $35. River Thames provides further aquatic amusement as you can swim, sail and row across the 215-mile-long river. You can reserve a bus tour and check out London’s most significant sightings, including Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey. Most people might not think to spend their week off traveling across the pond — that’s why it’s the perfect spring break stop to make.