Spring Break Escapes That Go Beyond Sun and Sand
One of the great opportunities for families as children get older is to take a different kind of vacation. It might be time to move beyond the classic beach getaway and explore the world more deeply. Many families today are looking for experiences that feel a little more adventurous and immersive. Next spring, I suggest investing in family time with a journey that stretches horizons and sparks curiosity. Here are a few ideas to inspire your next trip.
Family travel to Morocco offers an eye-opening mix of color, flavor, and cultural depth. Your experience here could include guided visits through Marrakech’s souks, where local experts introduce you to spice merchants and master rug weavers. Learn to make tagine in a private cooking class, taste freshly fried sfenj doughnuts at a neighborhood café, and explore the centuries-old medinas that feel like living museums. Stay in a traditional riad for an authentic experience or enjoy dinner under the stars in the Agafay Desert after an afternoon of camel rides.
Just across the Strait of Gibraltar, southern Spain offers the perfect continuation of a Moroccan adventure. Take the ferry from Tangier to Tarifa, then journey north to Granada, where the Alhambra Palace, flamenco music, lively markets, and skilled artisans bring Andalusia’s rich spirit to life. End your journey along the Costa del Sol, where whitewashed villages and relaxed Mediterranean living make for a beautiful spring break finale.
For a wild, west-coast adventure, stay in Tofino, on Vancouver Island, Canada. Spring brings migrating orcas, gray, humpback, and minke whales close to shore. Budding surfers can learn to brave the waves in cold-water wetsuits for invigorating fun along the region’s rugged coastlines.
Or head to the Azores in Portugal, often called “the Hawaii of Europe.” These lush islands promise an unforgettable outdoor playground. Hike through volcanic craters, kayak across emerald-green lakes, and soak in natural hot springs surrounded by vivid hydrangeas. Visit local farms to taste fresh cheese and pineapple, and experience the islands’ authentic, unhurried rhythm that makes time feel delightfully suspended.