The Six Best Spring Break Destinations That Aren’t Beach Side Resorts

When the excitement and sparkle of the holiday season has worn away and the white, fluffy snow has turned to dirty yellow slush, it’s time to start planning your springtime escape.

But perhaps the idea of getting sunburned and drunk on a crowded beach being jostled and annoyed by thousands of rowdy high school and college spring-breakers isn’t your idea of an enjoyable getaway.

Here are the top six best alternative spring break destinations to escape to besides beach side resorts:

Quebec, Canada

Heading north might not be the first thing you think of when you consider where to go in the spring, but if you are looking for a fun alternative to Europe, Quebec is a great option. Check out the beautiful, European style architecture downtown, or get out of the city on bike tour of nearby waterfalls.

If you are particularly adventurous, book a night in the Hotel de Glace, a hotel made completely out of ice. You will feel like you are much farther from the states than you realize because French is spoken instead of English. Since you’re heading into a foreign country as well, make the conversion rate work for you by using a good remittance service to get cash for your trip.

Bariloche, Argentina

When you arrive in Bariloche, Argentina, you’ll probably thing that you’re in the European Alps rather than South America. The area in Bariloche is noted for its snow capped mountains and blue lakes, complete with ski resorts and hundreds of miles of hiking trails.

Nashville, Tennessee

If you’re more of a music buff who prefers cowboy boots stomping to a good ole’ banjo, head on down to Nashville! Explore the stage of the Grand Ole Opry, where country legends have performed for decades.

When those cowboy boots start to give you blisters, make sure to get a great big Southern- size helping of local favorites like fried chicken and biscuits at Loveless, or fried green tomatoes and banana pudding at Arnold’s Country Kitchen. Most importantly, end your night at any one of Nashville’s scores of music venues for the best live music experience in the South any night of the week.

Denver, Colorado

If you’re one of those avid skiers ho’s had their skis ready since July, Denver is the place for you. You can swap sand for snow at one of the Rocky Mountain’s famous slopes at Vail or Breckenridge.

When you’re too tired, sore, and cold to ski another inch, head into town Denver to soak up some culture at the Denver Art Museum, or learn a thing or two at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.

San Francisco, California

This one has something for everyone. Take a far-out trip to the city of brotherly love’s Haight-Ashbury for a psychedelic experience.

If you’re feeling more sophisticated, hop in the car for a day trip up North to world famous wine region, Napa Valley, for a wine tasting. Interested in a more international experience? Head on down to China Town for a delightfully authentic tea ceremony. End your day by stretching your legs taking a stroll in the surrounding hills.

Austin, Texas

When you arrive in Austin, bring your flannel shirts and craft beers and head for SXSW. The South by Southwest (SXSW) music and movie conference and festival is quickly becoming the trendiest festival in the South. SXSW takes over Austin, Texas in the middle of March each year.

Listen to up-and-coming new bands ant venues across the city, watch thought provoking new indie movies and learn the stories behind them, and open your mind to cutting edge technology and digital creativity with SXSW Interactive. And while you’re broadening your horizons, broaden your waistband with Austin’s legendary BBQ spots, like Stubb’s BBQ, which was good enough for Muddy Waters.

Conclusion

So, what are you waiting for? Book your hotel, pack your suitcase, leave your dog with your parents for the week, and outrun your spring fever.

Whether you opt for the sunshine of the South, the snowy slopes of the Northwest, or cultural experience of Quebec, try something outside of your typical spring break spots to add some excitement and variety to your getaway.