It’s easy to conjure the list of classic spring break destinations - the beaches, the ski slopes, your occasional southern European cities. And while trotting out the skis or tennis rackets is always a welcome diversion, sometimes we need a little shot of the unexpected to get us through the last dregs of winter. If 2026 is the year you’re going to go beyond the beach, we’ve rounded up five of our favorite destinations around the world to make your spring break trip the envy of the office (or lunch table) upon your return.

Sabi Sand Nature Reserve | South Africa

Sharing a 31-mile unfenced border with South Africa’s immense Kruger National Park, the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve is the sort of place that spoils you. The Big Five roam freely, with the elusive leopard in particular abundance, bounding across boulders and weaving noiselessly through the grasses. The Sabi River winds through the middle of the reserve, and the streams and tributaries snake out from this central waterway, drawing wildlife to the banks. There are several iconic terrain types within the reserve - open grassland savanna plains that allow room for big cats to roam and wily cheetahs to get up to speed; Leadwood and Jackalberry trees, where leopards like to laze the day away after a kill; thickets that may be hiding a tiny blue duiker or one of the 500 species of birds found here. The dense vegetation and dramatic rock outcroppings, called “koppies,” mean there’s a great chance you’ll turn a corner and come face to face with an elephant or rhino.

Where to Stay: Cheetah Plains

Many safari lodges have age minimums, meaning families think they need to wait to share the magic of the bush with their kids - not so at Cheetah Plains, which not only welcomes kids, but has family-focused offers that allow kids under 12 to stay for free provided base occupancy is fulfilled. The unique three-villa set up means this super-luxe property really functions like three individual mini-lodges, and whether you’re traveling as a group of two or a group of eight, you’ve got a villa all to yourself. Architecture is striking and contemporary, with clean lines, warm textures, and indoor/outdoor living. Each villa is built around a central pool and has its own boma and firepit, so you can share the magic of the African night sky with your whole group. But the true luxury is the flexibility that exclusivity offers, as you don’t just have your own space, but your own full staff - a driver and tracker, yes, but also your own culinary team, sommelier, butler, and masseuse. All of this, plus the lodge is carbon negative, so it’s helping ensure the beauty of the Sabi Sand will be around for generations to come.

The Troll Peninsula | Iceland

Okay, yes, Northern Iceland in March is a ski destination - as long as you have access to helicopter. Still firmly in winter during spring break, the region is a playground for heli-skiing, snowmobiling, horseback riding, and even offers the chance to catch the Northern Lights. Rugged, remote, and breathtakingly beautiful, it’s a spring break that feels like an Arctic fairy tale. Once you’re done exploring wild, otherworldly landscapes, Iceland’s long winters mean they’ve mastered the art of being an indoor cat as well - this is also a place for spa enthusiasts, adventurous eaters, and travelers hoping to spend the week unplugging from their every day (think of it as the opposite of the beach in Turks where every other family in New York also goes to Trinity.)

Where to Stay: Deplar Farm

This 3,000-acre former sheep ranch in Northern Iceland’s Troll Peninsula offers pure solitude. The lodge is one large building containing 13 rooms, several sitting areas, a beautiful dining room where guests gather at one long table, a huge bar with rec-room toys (pool, ping-pong, etc), a movie room, huge spa area with indoor/outdoor pool, and swim-up bar. The striking black and white building sits tucked between the remote valleys of the Troll Peninsula, offering guests unparalleled access to pristine Icelandic wilderness. But Deplar is more than just a cozy lodge with a pretty view - it’s a hospitality experience where guests are immersed in an ethos of spirited adventure and holistic wellness. Watching the northern lights from the hotel’s geothermic pool, fat biking across the snow-covered valley, snowmobiling across the tundra – this is an escape in the truest sense of the word.

Marrakech | Morocco

March is one of the best months to visit Morocco, with comfortably warm days, cool evenings, and blooms setting off the picturesque architecture. In Marrakech, adventurous families and pairs alike can wander spice-scented souks, marvel at intricate tilework, and explore gardens that feel plucked from a different time. The city is an oasis, bursting with color, light, and a vibrant crowd, but tucked away are equally peaceful enclaves and glimpses of deep tradition. In the center lies the quintessential Medina, which is still surrounded by 12th-century walls, where you'll find grand palaces and riads, meandering narrow streets, lively souks, and classic hammams.

Where to Stay: Amanjena

Sprawled across twelve and a half acres in Marrakech’s new city, the Palmeraie, Amanjena is a rose-hued oasis, pleasantly removed from the chaos of the city center. Its location makes the Aman a perfect home base from which to venture into the energy of the medina. Manicured gardens and bubbling fountains surround the property’s Moorish buildings, where rooms are tucked between candle-lit courtyards and crackling bonfires light up the sky at night. The spot-on execution of Moroccan décor means rooms offer a refined sense of place while still upholding the brand's signature minimalist aesthetic. Here, the serenity is almost spiritual – a sublime antidote to the sensory overload of Marrakech.

Lago Petén Itzá | Guatemala

Deep in Guatemala’s northern jungles lies Lago Petén Itzá, a shimmering lake surrounded by rainforest and ancient Mayan ruins. It’s the gateway to Tikal, one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in the world, where towering temples rise above the jungle canopy. March is part of the dry season, bringing clear skies and cooler evenings—perfect for both ruin exploration and lake adventures. You don’t have to twist yourself in knots to come up with an educational justification here - there are no tvs, but the history and culture is woven into the brightly colored fabrics in a way sure to capture the imaginations of all ages.

Where to Stay: La Lancha

La Lancha, one of Francis Ford Coppola’s boutique hideaways, sits above the lake with sweeping views and a design inspired by Guatemalan art and textiles. The thatched casitas are charming and rustic, with hammocks for lazy afternoons and easy access to private boat trips or guided tours of Tikal. If your family needs a place to run a little wild and is looking for a level of adventure that exceeds your average lazy river, La Lancha offers kayaking, tortilla making classes, and a cable car to your room.

The Mekong River | Vietnam

For a spring break that drifts between countries, the Mekong River offers a journey through Cambodia and Vietnam’s heartlands. Guests can explore floating markets, visit ancient temples, and cycle through rice paddies, all while experiencing the rhythms of river life. March is prime cruising season, with dry, sunny weather that makes for smooth sailing and comfortable exploration ashore. The Mekong is the longest river in Southeast Asia and the 12th longest in the world, and journeys along 2700 miles from the Tibetan Plateau - through Laos and Thailand, into the flood plains of Cambodia and Vietnam - before finally flowing into the South China Sea. In Vietnam and Cambodia in particular, the fertile lands of the Mekong River Delta are home to quiet slices of real life, including local farms, villages, and vibrant markets that feel worlds away from math classrooms and soccer fields.

Where to Stay: Aqua Expeditions Mekong

Erase whatever idea of a cruise you have from your mind. The Aqua Mekong was designed by Saigon-based architects to provide the chic sophistication of a luxury, five-star hotel while sailing Southeast Asia's most famous river. As you drift along the riverbanks, float past fishing villages, bike through paddy fields, and explore the simpler side of life in the rural reaches of Vietnam and Cambodia. The chic Aqua ship is a means to accessing these scenes, hundreds of miles from the nearest luxury hotel; the excellent guides, on-board menus, and spacious suites, which can connect to accommodate families, are bonuses.

Beyond the Basics: Spring Break