Being that I was in a 6-year college program (minus one in-person year due to COVID :/), I was fortunate enough to get to go on 5 very different spring breaks. If you’re looking for a spring break vacay to fit your vibe, no matter what you’re looking for, I’m sure you will find some inspiration below!
ft lauderdale, florida (2022)
My first spring break truly lived up to the “college spring breakers” experience. Me and 9 other friends rented a small house in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida for the week. The house backed up to a pond and had a paddle boat and hammock. We got our best use out of this space and the proximity to the nightlife!
I will always remember the experience of our shared hungover breakfasts, girls getting ready together in one small bathroom, and the insane nights clubbing that we all endured. If you’re looking to party all day and night- this is the city for you.
miami, florida (2023)
The next year, I met up with one friend in Miami that I had met working in FL the previous summer. Compared to Ft Lauderdale, this was a very different experience (primarily because we were not looking for the same clubbing environment). While you can definitely find this here, we were not interested in that.
Instead, we spent many days lounging on the beach sipping seltzers and trying delicious food (Versace Mansion is a must-hit). The state of Florida has really cracked down on the spring break craze, so we were glad to avoid the police surrounding all of the drunk crowds and prioritize R&R.
sydney, australia (2024)
I was extremely lucky this year to have a friend studying abroad in Sydney to visit over break. Was it necessarily logical to fly all the way from the US to Australia for only a week… perhaps not. However, we made the most of this trip and the Sydney beaches are some of the most beautiful to lay on.
Honorable mention of this trip was Bondi Beach and the Taronga Zoo. I also learned that I was allergic to kangaroo meat on this trip! Highly recommend choosing an option where you can visit an abroad friend to save the money you would’ve spent on a hotel for something fun while you’re there.
maui, hawaii (2025)
I once again was visiting a friend on this spring break. Did you know, the resorts on Maui don’t have any way of stopping you from entering if you walk in from the beach? Totally not saying I did that or anything though. I just had plenty of free time to walk all over this island.
All that to say, there is PLENTY to do on Maui even if you are not staying at a glamorous resort. Some of my favorites included ziplining in the jungle, surf lessons, GREAT food, and just laying in the sunshine with a good book.
lima/cusco/ollantaytambo, peru (2026)
For my last ever spring break trip, I took a totally different approach and did a backpacking trip around Peru, rounding out seeing Machu Picchu, one of the 7 wonders of the world. This was TOTALLY different from any of my other trips and so wonderful.
The highlight of this trip for both me and my travel partner was a 2 night Amazon Rainforest expedition. However, Peru is filled with amazing food and beautiful sights so truly the entire trip was like a dream.
In summary, you really can’t go wrong with a spring break trip. As long as you’re going somewhere warm, have at least one friend with you, and have something fun planned- you will be golden!!