Written by Jessica Moore

 

Babes, it’s time to break Spring.

We’re counting down the days ‘til spring break like we’re counting up how many bikinis we’re bringing (way too many).

There’s nothing like the feeling of having a tough semester behind you, or a long break planned to heal you from the monotony at the office.

It’s all “salt in the air, sand in our hair” from here on out.

We’re talkin’ stunning beaches, scenic road trips, kitschy hotels, and ample people-watching. We can’t wait for those swanky resorts and getaways that are full-on adult playgrounds in paradise.

Whether you’re into raging it poolside or looking for a more mellow time out in the sun (or snow), this list of spring break trips has a lil something for everyone.

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CALIFORNIA

Palm Springs

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What to expect: desert temperatures, pool parties galore, craft cocktails, kitschy mid-century designs, bustling restaurants, and a vibrant LGBTQ community!

Perfect for: singles, couples, and groups looking to party, but thrive in laid-back vibes, too.

There’s a reason why people adore traveling to this desert oasis. Two words: spas and parties.

OK, so those aren’t the only reasons why so many guys and gals flock to Palm Springs every year. But they’re good enough reasons to make the short two-hour drive from LA for a stellar spring break.

With the hippest hotels that take you back to classic Hollywood, where legends like Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, and Elizabeth Taylor would frequent to escape the buzz of LA, it doesn’t get hotter than Palm Springs (literally).

And you know what? It hasn’t changed much. And let’s be honest: as much as we looove LA, we’ll take a cue from Marilyn and escape the city to relish in that warm desert air.

Live at the pool for a week, or bar /restaurant hop to take in all the Palm Spring vibes. Expect killer DJ sets and outdoor concerts and spa packages to relieve you of any stress you’re carrying into your vacation.

If you can think it up, Palm Springs probably has it. Start planning your getaway now before Coachella makes its exciting return.

Lake Tahoe

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What to expect: colder temperatures, outdoor adventuring & sports like skiing, snowboarding, and hiking; gondola riding, party boats, quaint cabins, and casinos for days.

Perfect for: outdoor lovers, snow fanatics, singles and groups lookin’ to adventure by day, and party at night.

Who said spring break had to be hot? Lake Tahoe is brimming with natural beauty in every corner. You got the glistening lake, fresh powder, scattered trees, and winter landscapes that stop you in your (snow) tracks. It’s an unconventional spring break vacation, but we love thinking outside of the box.

Sometimes spring break means an actual break: a break from city life, a break from work and routine, a break from being constantly connected to emails, texts, and phone calls. Sometimes we need to disconnect to reconnect with ourselves and the world around us.

But that doesn’t mean Lake Tahoe doesn’t know how to party. There are countless ski resorts, hiking trails, even party boats to take in that gorgeous lake the right way. If you want the best of solitude and soiree worlds, a destination like Lake Tahoe might be your winner. Grab your squad and rent out a cute house in the mountains, and drink the day away in a warm jacuzzi.

What’s spring break without a little dancing? If you’re feelin’ chilly, there are dozens of nightclubs and poppin’ bars to warm things up, like the Opal Ultra Lounge at the Mont Bleu Resort, which features go-go dancers and even body painting!

Or maybe you’re feelin’ lucky. Lake Tahoe is also known for their casinos! Play your hand at blackjack, roulette, slots, you name it.

OUT OF STATE

Daytona Beach, Florida

source: chris parypa on shutterstock.com

What to expect: perfect hot weather, boisterous crowds, oceanfront hotels, outdoor concerts, beachfront bars, beautiful beaches, watersports, and dance clubs as far as the eye can see.

Perfect for: singles & girl squads lookin’ to mingle and beach bums lookin’ to party!

So you wanna party? If you haven’t heard, Florida is pretty much the epicenter of the quintessential spring break experience.

It gets pretty wild in Daytona–it’s a spring break tradition. You can’t compare this daytime party spot to any other. Known for long stretches of beach filled with hoards young people lettin’ loose, it can get pretty rowdy, but it’s all in good fun! With countless drinking contests, outdoor performances, and sports tournaments, how can you say no to Daytona?

Panama City Beach, Florida

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What to expect: beach condos overlooking the sea, numerous water activities, crystal blue water, delicious seafood, pool parties, and outdoor concerts.

Perfect for: singles & girl squads lookin’ to mingle, beach bums lookin’ to party, and groups lookin’ to achieve that party & chill balance.

Another Florida spring break destination worth mentioning, as they tout it’s the “spring break capital of America” according to PC Beach Spring Break, is Panama City Beach, aka PCB. There are so many parties in PCB, you won’t know what to with yourself. There are plenty of spring break packages like STA Travel, that offer Florida’s best nightclubs, all-inclusive resorts for that pampered life, and free drinks at pool parties. Sounds like a dream right?

INTERNATIONAL

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

What to expect: warm weather, excellent nightclubs, out-of-this-world tacos, daytime pool and beach parties, friendly people, gorgeous all-inclusive resorts, and a lot of tequila.

Perfect for: travelers, adventure-seekers, and taco lovers. PV has something to offer everyone, regardless of speed. Did we mention tequila?

Viva la Mexico! Colorful buildings, lush flora, excellent food and tequila, gorgeous beaches with gigantic rocks…what more can you ask for?

It’s easy to heat things up in Puerto Vallarta: the weather is perfectly warm, and so are the people. The tequila is fire, but that goes without saying. Puerto Vallarta is a Mexican oasis. Grab a room in a hotel overlooking the clear ocean and bask in it all.

Check out the magnificent artistic structures lining the main boardwalk. In Puerto Vallarta, you can go as slow and fast as you want, so there is something for the ragers, the chillers, and everyone in between. Go take a trip to tour a tequila factory to see how it’s made, then grab a bottle (or two) and live it up at a nightclub. Rinse, then repeat.

Nassau, Bahamas

source: aj garcia on unsplash.com

What to expect: pristine beaches, international travelers, island parties, island hopping, watersports, and swimming to a bay full of friendly pigs.

Perfect for: couples, groups, and singles, and pig lovers!

Babe, we saved the best for last. Grab your passport (and this cute passport holder) because we’re taking off to celebrate spring break and cure our wanderlust. Two birds, one stone, right?

Sure, a flight to the Bahamas can be a tad expensive (unless you buy a package with deals that fit your vibe), but once you’re there, girl, you’ll be livin’ that island life.

Crystal clear water and streets filled with people dancing to crazy DJ sets are in your future. Party hard, then go island hopping and embrace the tourist within. Meet new friends from all over the world who, like you, travel to the island for some much-needed beach therapy.

And please, for the love of everything good, if you make it to the Bahamas, please visit Blowhole Beach and swim with the pigs for us, ok? BECAUSE THEY’RE ADORABLE:

source: robin schwartz for The New York Times

 

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Spring break, we see you, though you seem so far away.

Planning a more extensive trip? Our packing list has everything from what clothes to bring, to little gadgets you just can’t live without.