With spring break on the horizon, students are anticipating trading their routines and homework assignments for powdery mountainsides and white-sand beaches.
The Gulf Coast offers a sunny escape nearby, while other popular destinations include Colorado and Montana ski resorts with snowy adventures suitable for travelers of all ages. Other top getaway spots just a short flight away include Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Cabo San Lucas in Mexico — the tropical destinations offering everything from clear-water snorkeling to ziplining through jungle canopies.
Preston Hollow mom Margaret Whitaker starts planning her family’s spring break travel in September. “Come March, our kids are ready for a breather,” she said. “We love to ski together as a family or join friends at the beach.”
Many high school seniors are spending spring break together as a class, with group travel incorporating adventure and shared memories. Structured travel packages provide students independence in a safe environment.
In recent years, parents have also joined the fun on their kids’ senior trips. “Last year, we went with our daughter’s class to Mexico,” said Becca Olson. “As long as we didn’t overstay our welcome at the resort’s after-hours club, they were willing to keep us around,” she joked.
Travel adviser Emory Monroe suggests booking spring break trips early, particularly if families plan to travel together or students want to reserve a group rate at popular resort destinations. She also recommends finding activities that appeal to all age groups traveling together, and to mix adventure with downtime.
“A resort’s concierge can be a great tool in planning a day of snowmobiling followed by fireside s’mores, or an afternoon on a catamaran followed by a beach barbecue,” said Monroe. “Balancing the interests of all travelers is key to a successful and memorable trip.”
While Spring Break 2026 promises to be a week of fun-filled adventure, it can also serve as an opportunity to reconnect with friends and family. “For us, it’s about enjoying some unstructured time together,” said Whitaker, adding that her family welcomes a local staycation.
“When the kids’ spring breaks fall on different weeks, we just stay put,” she said. “It’s actually a nice change. Believe me, parents need a break too.”
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