For many, spring break is a reprieve from days spent cooped up indoors, out of the snow and rain. Starting in January, dreams of palm trees and beachy destinations start to become a part of our regular daydreaming loop. By March, it’s normal to go a little stir crazy in anticipation of warmer weather.
If you’re thinking about things to do for spring break and want to start planning for a week filled with sunshine, surf, and sand, there are plenty of fun ways to say goodbye to winter. Whether you like luxurious cruises, a laid-back road trip along the coast, or an all-inclusive vacation, all you need are the basics. Be sure to pack your favorite luxury designer swimwear and a pair of shades and you’ll be set for your spring break getaway.
#1: Sail Out to Sea
Spending spring break on a cruise is a multi-faceted adventure. Not only do you get to take advantage of all of the activities set up on the boat itself, but you can enjoy each docking city, as well. When it comes to a cruise, the allure is just as much the journey as it is the destination. While on board, you’ll have your pick of entertainment from live music and movies to spa pampering and pool time.
A cruise provides a blend of relaxation and recreation where you can balance how much you want of each based on your mood that day. Once you reach your destination, there are often planned offshore excursions available or you can create your own sightseeing itinerary to get the most of your vacation. Since the journey allows you to slightly choose your own adventure, pack according to the plan while still leaving room for spontaneity.
Deciding what to wear for a cruise calls for effortless style, especially in terms of trendy swimwear. You can’t go wrong with a classic triangle bikini top. Choose a slightly thicker strap like on the Burgundy Bia Tube Bikini or opt for a playful print like the Lola Twine Bikini. Pair with a cover up such as the Lola Amber Tunic and an oversized pair of sunglasses and you’ll have your go-to look both on and off the boat.
#2: Drive the Coast
Choose a ride of a different kind and stay on dry land with a cruise along the coast. Map out a few stops along the way and keep your schedule open for surprise roadside attractions and places to eat off the beaten path. After all, you never know what life on the road might bring.
Big Sur is a scenic drive along the northern California coastline with plenty of picturesque bird’s eye views along the way, perfect for a California road trip. However, despite where you are in the world, as long as you’re near an area with a beautiful body of water and plenty of places to explore along the way, you can schedule your own seaside journey.
The name of the game is laid-back and carefree, which means keep the packing to a minimum and only take the essentials. That includes a swimsuit that you can wear wading, snorkeling, paddle boarding, hiking, biking or wherever the various winding trails may take you. A stylish one piece swimsuit like the Spring Vanilla Rosie One Piece with its feminine, floral pattern is ideal for all activities. It can double as a bodysuit to wear under a pair of cutoff shorts or flowy skirt, depending on the occasion.
Take a pair of beach sandals and sneakers with socks to alternate between the two for nature adventures of all kinds. Keep in mind, in the springtime, the weather can still be on the cooler side, so take comfortable clothes to layer on in the late afternoon and at night. With an entire week of spring break to slowly make your way around winding roads, you can experience the best of Mother Nature, explore local towns, and soak up the exhilarating feeling of being on the open road. A road trip is surely one of the most fun things to do on spring break, so pack your bags and hit the road!
#3: Book an All-Inclusive Vacation
Nothing feels better than knowing the trip you’ve planned already includes food, drinks, lodging, and entertainment all bundled up into a nice little package. There are plenty of top spring break destinations that offer all-inclusive vacations. Rather than having to decide where to eat and what to do on a daily basis, an all-inclusive vacation is overflowing with options already set for you.
Spend a day at the spa, an afternoon parasailing, or a morning swimming with sea turtles - it’s all up to you! Plus, when it comes to nightlife, you won’t have far to go. Settling in at an all-inclusive resort is one of the most fun things to do during spring break because it takes away all of the stress that comes with planning a getaway.
Some resorts have dress codes to abide by, especially when dining on property. Pick options that are tastefully sexy yet comfortable at the same time like a bandeau bikini. The classy Lola Bandeau Bikini has a retro appeal with high rise bikini bottoms and a flirty back-tie on the top. Pair with a short cover up like the Black Dani Chemise when headed to the pool, beach, or an oceanside lunch.
Then, change into a lightweight jumpsuit come nighttime for added coverage that still offers an elegant appeal. Pair with dressy sandals or wedges and minimal beachwear accessories for special nights out. When it comes to resort wear, classic styles and colors are your best bet. Opt for swimwear and clothing that leans more toward the conservative side, but is still chic and stylish. Some vacations require you to head toward the action, but the all-inclusive route, is ready and waiting right where you are. Whether you want fun things to do in Cancun or all-you-can-drink piña coladas by the pool in Miami, an all-inclusive vacation will suit whatever your heart desires.
#4: Rent a Beach House
For some good ol' spring break fun, grab a group of your closest friends and pitch in for a beach house where you can walk out the door and right up to the waves. It’s one of the best ways to explore a new town with the convenience of the ocean nearby. Many beach rentals come equipped with chairs, umbrellas, and games to play on the sand. In some cases, you may get lucky and have access to a boat or water sports equipment as well. And if you have a bike you can transport, bring it along for a beautiful ride along the beach boardwalk in the mornings.
Fill your days with surfing, boating, and walking along the shore during the day and at night set up beach bonfires or BBQ from your beach house backyard. Then, when you’re ready for quality time spent in town, plan a guided tour, marvel at the area’s history and architecture, and get to know the locals who will you steer in the right direction when it comes to hidden gems.
At your temporary home away from home, keep things casual. A few of your favorite swimsuits, beach cover ups, and flip flops is all you need to make the loop between your rental house, the beach, and the places you visit in town. Packing a sun hat is a smart idea if you’re spending all day outside. If you want a low-key spring break filled with game nights, evening swims, and s’mores on the beach with your best friends, this is the perfect option for you.
#5: Plan a Staycation
Need ideas of what to do during spring break on a budget? Be a tourist in your own town. Enjoying spring break doesn’t always have to mean traveling somewhere new. It can be simply appreciating what you have outdoors in your own backyard. If you already live near water, bonus points for you.
Take a float trip down the river, go jet skiing at your local lake, or spend ample time at the beach depending on the body of water that’s closest to you. If there’s no water nearby, plan a retreat at a spa, head to an outdoor or indoor water park, or take advantage of the heated pool and hot tub at a fancy hotel in your city.
A staycation equals minimal packing since your everyday closet will be close by. Use it as a chance to break out your new bikini and sexy cover up that have been sitting on the shelf, waiting for warmer weather. Sometimes spring break is simply a chance to wind down and get away from the norm of your daily routine. Exotic destinations top the list when it comes to experiencing new adventures, but quiet rejuvenation isn’t half bad either.
How Will You Spend Your Spring Break?
Out of all the things to do for spring break, which one appeals to you most? Maybe it’s a combination of a few. Whether you’re packing for Cancun or for a low-key road trip, it’s important to have swimsuits and resort wear that you feel most confident in. Plan on enough options to adapt your spring break outfits to any last-minute changes to your itinerary.
Also, pack the right shoes: sneakers for hiking and biking, flip flops for the pool and beach. Add accessories with a less-is-more attitude. A sun hat, sunglasses, and a few pieces of jewelry are all you’ll need in your beach bag. These are the basics of what to have ready to go wherever your destination may be.
It’s time to break out your bikini, remember to wear sunscreen, and get excited for memorable spring break fun.
