spring break trips

Experience the rich culture of Buson, South Korea. (Photo: Getty Images)

Tips + Trends

Start Planning: 7 Incredible Spring Break Getaways to Take This Year

With March just around the corner, we’re looking forward to leaving winter behind. From Busan to Buenos Aires, these are the seven spring break trips we’ll be watching this season.

Busan, South Korea

Seoul may be the first place that comes to mind when you think of South Korea, but Busan, a seaside city in the south, is one of the country’s most beautiful spots in the spring. In April, the cherry blossoms are blooming and cultural events like the Samgwangsa Temple Lantern Festival, which displays more than three million twinkling lights, are in full swing.

It’s also warm enough to stroll along Haeundae Beach and explore Gamcheon Culture Village—a coastal, clifftop artist community full of candy-colored houses, bright murals, and sculptures. Plus, now that the Olympics have fully wrapped up, you’ll have the place all to yourself.

Aruba

spring break
Aruba’s stunning blue water awaits. (Photo: Getty Images)

This dry desert island off the coast of Colombia is popular year-round, but come springtime—the edge of low season—hotel rates drop dramatically. Travelers hoping to score a deal should visit in April or May, when rooms can be booked for half-price.

Set along a quiet stretch on Palm Beach, The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba is one of island’s grandest resorts, featuring a 15,000-square-foot spa, two cabana-lined pools, and four upscale restaurants including an outpost of Manhattan’s Italian eatery, Casa Nonna.

We wouldn’t blame you if you chose to while away your days by the crystalline water, but for the more adventurous, there’s also jeep safari tours, catamaran snorkeling trips, and sunset booze cruises. Meanwhile, guests at the Renaissance Aruba Resort and Casino, which encompasses a 40-acre private island and marina, can take a free schooner to lounge on a beach flocked by flamingos and iguanas.

Essaouira, Morocco

spring break
Wander the markets of Essouira. (Photo: Getty Images)

This 18th-century port’s quaint whitewashed buildings, colorful markets and blue-shuttered homes exude the perfect blend of Moroccan-meets-Mediterranean vibes. Bordering the Atlantic coast, Essaouira is an easy escape from Marrakech’s bustling medinas.

When hunger strikes, head 10 minutes outside town to the hilltop La Fromagerie for a cheese-making tour and a taste of organic goat and camel cheeses. Meanwhile, in the heart of Essaouira, you can taste Moroccan specialties like lamb tagine and mint tea in a cozy, traditional setting at Restaurant Adwak.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

If you want to visit Buenos Aires on a budget, it’s best to go from March through June, when you can take advantage of low rates at high-end hotels.

Spend your Sunday afternoon strolling the historic La Boca neighborhood, or browsing retro wares and eclectic antiques at the San Telmo market before fueling up with veggie-centric dishes at the airy Artemisia Cocina Natural. In the evening, sip a nightcap at The Harrison, a speakeasy hidden beneath one of the city’s best sushi bars.

Tequila Valley, Mexico

Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Madres, the Tequila Valley is one of Mexico’s most underrated destinations. The region is just an hour west of Guadalajara, yet its blue agave fields and charming villages with pastel buildings and cobblestone streets make it feel worlds away.

In neighboring Amatitán, visit Hacienda El 20 stable for a horseback riding excursion through the agave fields followed by a meal at Ruinas Chimulco Restaurante, where you can dine in the ruins of a 17th-century hacienda. Just don’t leave without trying its signature spirit: the Tres Agaves distillery (coming this summer) will eventually offer tours, tequila tastings, and talks with jimadores (farmers who harvest an average of 150 agave plants a day).

Sun Valley, Idaho

spring break trips
A last-minute ski trip never hurt anyone. (Photo: Getty Images)

Looking to fit in a last-minute spring ski trip? Sun Valley, Idaho, has long been passed up for the glam ski resorts of Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming—but now, thanks to a crop of new hotels, it’s getting its due recognition.

When you’re not on the slopes, grab breakfast at the rustic log cabin brunch spot Kneadery, wood-fired pizza at Enoteca wine bar, or tapas and refined Mediterranean cuisine at Town Square Tavern.

Savannah, Georgia

Savannah is breaking away from its buttoned-up Southern roots with a crop of chic new hotels, upscale cocktail bars, and restaurants run by celeb chefs. Sean Brock has brought Husk to Savannah—it’s now the largest of the four famous outposts and the only one to have a raw bar.

Order the low-country shrimp and ham cracklin’ cornbread with Georgia cane butter. After you’ve had your fill, meander over to Artillery, a design-forward drinking den that raises the bar for the city’s craft cocktail scene.