The best unexpected 2019 spring break destinations

The rules of spring break have changed. No longer strictly a beach-going holiday (although there’s still plenty of that), a wide range of destinations around the globe are welcoming travelers to spend a week or two with them. Here are a few of the best unexpected spring break destinations you can hit this year to escape the crowd:

• Europe: Looking for enjoyable alternatives to the typical getaways on the continent? Head to Lyon, France – where the riverfronts and medieval streets are picturesque and filled with local restaurants and shops – or to Bologna, Italy – soaking in the piazza-style culture and making new friends with the next table over. Did you know that Valencia is Spain’s third-largest city, yet attracts 7 million less visitors annually than Barcelona? Visit both (and more!) by choosing a tour with Contiki, which highlights all that Spain has to offer.
• Asia: Asia offers such diverse experiences that narrowing your options can be a challenge. Opting for a group tour can help you maximize your time and the experience. For example, Tauck offers travelers to China the opportunity to take in the scenery and explore the country’s history via a river cruise on the Yangtze River. If it’s India you crave, visit the country’s Golden Triangle with a Trafalgar tour designed to connect you with India’s deeply spiritual heritage, complete with a stop at the Taj Mahal.
• The Caribbean: The culture and vibe can vary greatly from island to island. Barbados is ripe for rediscovery with its white sand beaches, delicious macaroni pies, famous Mount Gay Rum and calypso music. If you love Hawaii but not crowded beaches, try Viñales, Cuba, for sun and seclusion. Viñales offers the same mountain views and Cuba’s famous cuisine, plus horseback tours through coffee plantations. Or get up close and personal with a man-made marvel – the Panama Canal – via a Royal Caribbean cruise that enables you to experience the beauty of both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
• USA: Married to traveling south to Florida but want to avoid the college crowd? Adventure to Amelia Island, located on Florida’s Atlantic coast – popular for its luxury resorts, golf courses and horseback riding on the beach. If you’re definitely looking for some sand but would rather head west, take a trip to The Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado – home of the tallest dunes in the United States – and enjoy a dark sky tour. And if you’re really stumped on even deciding where to vacation next, explore USTOA’s dream vacation destination mapping tool for all the help you need.