If lounging on a beach and drinking piña coladas doesn’t sound like your idea of a rocking Spring Break, you aren’t alone. The beach bum lifestyle isn’t for everyone, and you deserve to have a vacation that speaks to your interests.
This Spring Break, bust all the college student clichés and make a different kind of memory. Here are our top five destination picks for an active mid-semester adventure:
White Water Rafting
You’ll still get the beautiful waterfront views, but served up alongside the satisfaction of forging the rapids. A white water rafting trip is easy to plan for a group and can quench the appetite of even the biggest adrenaline junkie.
Check it out: North Fork American River Rafting in California.
Hiking
There’s no better way to decompress from a busy first half of the semester than by getting back to nature. Whether taking a couple of day hikes or planning an overnight backpacking trip, hiking is a great way to get some exercise while still playing tourist.
Check it out: Great Smokey Mountains National Park in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
Skiing
If you’re really not a beach person, planning a Spring Break ski trip is about as opposite a route as you can go. But don’t be fooled — there’s still plenty of great skiing in March if you’re willing to go west. With warm weather just around the corner, you can get your fill of the snow before summer sets in.
Check it out: Alta Lodge in Utah.
Ziplining
For a thrill that isn’t quite as strenuous as a day on the slopes or the trails, ziplining provides the perfect happy medium. Plus, ziplining can be a great bonding experience if you’re traveling with a group of friends. Spend a day cruising through the air and seeing the sights from great heights.
Check it out: Adventure Park Hotel Vista Golfo in Costa Rica.
Theme Park
It might sound a little unconventional, but a theme park makes a great Spring Break destination for the kid at heart. You can keep it classic and make a week of it at Disney World or take a day trip to a local favorite.
Check it out: Carowinds in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Remember: it’s your Spring Break and it can be exactly what you want it to be. Don’t be afraid to break the mold.
Need socks for spring? Start shopping.