My first college spring break was spent in Pensacola, FL doing some “market research” on Flora-Bama, a lovely establishment riding the line between Florida and Alabama. Ahhh, humble beginnings. Then we upgraded to somewhere in Mexico the following year. T’was most likely Puerto Vallarta. Then it was hostel life in Barcelona, Spain before heading back to Mexico during my senior year…I think. Can someone fact check that? It’s just a shame I don’t have any photos to show of those years (lies), but times, pricing and my alcohol tolerance during these peak travel weeks has changed since then.

Booking a last minute spring break trip is never fun on stress levels and much less fun on your bank account. The time to pick and choose is now! If you’re planning a family spring break, if you’re a student, a teacher, or even if don’t have a spring break at all but want to get out of the cold, here are a few ideas close to home floating around my head…

Miami, FL – Helloooo. Party in the city where the heat is on! If Miami didn’t immediately come to mind with its 250 days of sunshine per year, I can’t help ya (j/k that’s what I’m here for). Even if you don’t like to party, there’s something for everyone. Yummy restaurants, lavish spas, and free Spanish lessons for days. Let’s be honest, any chic hotel with a rooftop pool will do. On my list: 1 Hotel South Beach, Faena Hotel, The Betsy, Acqualina Resort and Spa.

Nashville, TN – While you may see 14 different bachelorette parties during your weekend here, Nashville and its warm weather and hospitality provide many southern comforts. They’ve got March Madness, Music City Irish Fest and even Fashion Week all in 1 month. Better yet, skip the city life and get to the Smokey Mountains (4 hour drive) and then tell me all about it. I’m dYiNg to go and glamp at Under Canvas.

Charleston, SC – The grits are in abundance, the weather is hot, and the people are down right friendly. I grew up in the south so I’m very accustomed to all of those things, and it’s no surprise that Charleston has recently been named the #1 city in the world by Travel + Leisure. It’s that good. See more of what to do in Charleston on my blog.

Scottsdale, AZ – Scottsdale makes party planning easy in many ways. First off, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is a hot 15 minutes away. Rent a car or don’t – your Toyota Camry rental or Nissan Sentra Uber will be at your hotel or Airbnb in no time. Secondly, there are amazing hikes and things called spa’rtys. See more of that + what to do in Scottsdale in my blog.

Aspen, CO – A place where the beer flows like wine where beautiful women instinctively flock like the salmon of Capistrano. (Sorry, had to.) If you’re not over winter just yet, the last of ski season awaits. All four mountains are on the same life ticket here. Score. Après ski in Aspen is more than just something to do after a day of skiing/snowboarding. Some may even tell you it’s a lifestyle. After partaking in many après ski activities in Aspen, I’d go ahead and agree. See my guide to Aspen here.

District of Colombia – Cherry blossoms will be out to play at some point this March! I can’t believe it’s been 7 years since I’ve been back…may have to make it happen in 2020!

Mexico (anywhere) – Some will get their instagramable moments in Tulum. Others will flock to Cancun. Cabo and I have a bit of history. Having visited for the first time as a high schooler at the ripe age of 17, I can confidently say that I experienced Cabo before Cabo experienced its boom…and well after. See more of what to do in Cabo here.

Puerto Rico – Even though this little island in the Caribbean can’t seem to catch a break (easyyyy, Mother Nature), Puerto Rico is open for business, y’all! The best way you can help is by spending your tourism dollars here. Affectionately known by locals as La Isla Del Encanto (the Island of Enchantment) or Borinquén (native indigenous name), I’ve come to know just how enchanting this tiny dot in the Caribbean can really be. See for yourself here and here.

If none of these are in your wheelhouse, think about a road trip down the Cali coast or booking flights and/or hotels with accumulated credit card points or airline miles. Waiting until the last minute to book a family, couples or any spring break trip isn’t a recommended strategy, but if you’re flexible, it can sometimes play to your advantage. Last-minute award availability is real 🙂

Where is everybody going this SB 2020?!