Interested in hitting the best ski resorts of Colorado or sunbathing in the Virgin Islands? How about surfing in Hawaii or wine tasting in South America? Spring break is almost upon us, and the time to start planning is upon us. Luckily, we’ve rounded up the top places to visit this spring for your annual end-of-winter retreat—and whether you’re looking for a restorative retreat or a hedonistic getaway, we’ve got you covered. From the Rocky Mountains to the Caribbean Sea, here are the five best places for spring break in 2023. Happy travels!
1. Breckenridge, Colorado
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If you’re searching for a Rocky Mountain high, look no further than Breckenridge, Colorado. While Aspen and Vail tend to get a majority of the attention this time of year, we recommend you consider adding Breckenridge to your slopeside itinerary. Boasting a charming town at the foot of the mountain, as well as a range of terrain suited for every capability, Breckenridge is the perfect spring break destination for friends, families, and thrill-seekers alike. Plus, a variety of events are held on the mountain for St. Patrick’s Day and Easter weekend, so there’s no wrong time to book your trip in the coming weeks.
2. Santiago, Chile
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If you’re looking for a spring break destination further afield, look no further than Santiago, the glittering capital of Chile. March and April are ideal times to visit this cosmopolitan destination in the Southern Hemisphere, as this is the fall season in Chile. Temperatures tend to spike and drop in winter and summer, but the breezy climes of the autumn months are ideal not only for sightseeing around Santiago but also for wine tasting in the surrounding countryside. (We recommend Pirque and Vik Vineyard). Chilean wine is growing ever more famous, and there’s no better time to visit than in the coming weeks — harvest runs from the last week of February to mid-March. And book a stay at Ritz Carlton Santiago or W Santiago for a taste of luxury. You deserve it.
3. St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands
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If you’re interested in leaving the country but disinterested in the hassle of crossing international borders, the U.S. Virgin Islands (also known as America’s Paradise) is the perfect solution. St. John is an oasis of white-sand beaches, lush green mountains, and tropical forests—the perfect tropical escape for weary travelers looking for some serenity on vacation. And April is an ideal time to visit, as the temperatures have yet to rise (though trade winds keep the islands cool year-round), and the crowds have begun to thin. Additionally, April marks the start of Carnival in nearby St. Thomas, so visitors have the option of partaking in the festivities during their visit. The Virgin Islands are best explored via sailboat, and we recommend taking to the high seas for some leisurely island-hopping (and plentiful rum imbibing—you’re in the Caribbean, after all).
4. Maui, Hawaii
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From one American paradise to another: Maui has long held the popular imagination captive with its promise of swaying palm trees and aquamarine waves. (Not to mention the surfers atop said waves—America’s 50th state is the birthplace of surfing and is a wonderful place for beginners learning the sport, as well.) If you’ve only got time to visit one of the Hawaiian islands, then Maui is the perfect place to experience the best of the Aloha state: The island is the perfect mix of the natural beauty that defines Kauai and the Big Island, the luxury and romance of Lanai, and the bustling nightlife of Oahu.
5. Los Cabos, Mexico
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This wouldn’t be an adequate guide to spring break without the inclusion of Cabo San Lucas, though we do recommend exploring beyond the strip to see the wondrous mountains and deserted beaches that define the windswept charm of Los Cabos. March and April are the tail-ends of the season for adventurous travelers to swim with whale sharks in La Paz. If you’re looking to raise your adrenaline on land rather than by sea, check into the ME Cabo. The waterfront resort recently unveiled a major renovation this past October and also happens to be a major hotspot for Cabo San Lucas nightlife. Expect live music (including unexpected violinists mid-meal) and all-day pool parties. It’s spring break, you may as well act like it and order mas margaritas. Happy travels!
