Spring Break 2016: ways to get away from the crowd

Spring break is a much-needed getaway and for most students a chance to relax, grab some sunshine and escape the humdrum of the library. Unfortunately, everyone has the same idea, and while most of us want to get away with a few friends, there may be others from your tutorial group that you want to escape during your time off.

With only a couple of days off and limited financial means you may feel that your travel options are limited but so long as you choose your destination and activities carefully, you should be able to nab a unique spring break experience that’s not quite as hedonistic as others. Here’s our round-up of alternative activities to give you a new look at those well-known spring break destinations.

Explore the rainforest in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is always known as a spring break spot but for something a little different to the tried and tested holiday resorts, step off the beaten track and discover the rainforests and more tranquil scenery of this beautiful country. Like so many Central and South American nations, Costa Rica has some spectacular natural scenery that locals here are passionate about preserving. For travel, that means turning to a slower, more sustainable style of travel and Costa Rica has so many homestay hosts like Chema close to Perez Zeledon, that will introduce you to their country, whether you want a city break in San José or an adventure in their national parks. Hike the trail routes, swim in freshwater lakes and try your hand at ziplining across the gorges to take in the views of this stunning country.

Homestays in Costa Rica

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Hawaii’s lava tunnels

Everyone knows Hawaii is a beach haven on the bucket list of every surfer but the islands that make up this state have so much more to offer than colourful cocktails and killer waves. The volcanoes that dot these islands and shape their landscape are awe-inspiring even to those of us who aren’t geology students: by day many of the craters can be hiked to take in the views of the islands while the night time views over the craters are truly unique. The Volcanoes National Park on the island of Hawaii is open 24 hours a day throughout the year, but make sure to check their site in advance of your visit in case of any warnings or restrictions on their trails. The park permits camping but there are also 29 homestays dotted across this most tropical part of the United States that are almost certainly cheaper than the region’s hotel resorts.

Homestays in Hawaii

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Mexico, beyond Cancún

Mexico one of those destinations that lots of people visit but that very few truly explore. The regular resorts of Cabo, Cancún and Playa del Carmen are well-known stop-offs for American vacationers but there is certainly more to Mexico than this. Try heading to Mexico City and nearby Cuernavaca to learn about the country’s history, struggle for independence, and vibrant art movement or head further south to Oaxaca, the foodie capital of the country. And if you still yearn for the ocean during your spring break, why not try some conservation work to keep Mexico’s beaches and waters clean or volunteer with some of their wildlife protection groups that work along the coast.

Homestays in Mexico

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Of course, if you’ve been convinced to try out all three of these destinations but realised that there isn’t enough time during Spring break, you can always come back for more. Look up the local festivals in each country to find an alternative time to go, or if you are feeling really adventurous, start planning your summer getaway when you'll have time to fit in all three and you can work on your Spanish and your tan at the same time!