For many, spring break is the perfect time to get away from the stress and turmoil of school, work and daily life. There are many important factors to keep in mind when selecting the perfect spring break location, including price, food and available activities. Whether you are looking to relax at the beach, venture through mountains or a mix of the two, these three underrated spring break spots are sure to give you the vacation of your dreams!

Montego Bay

Montego Bay, Jamaica is the capital city of Saint James Parish on the northern coast of the country. It encompasses various resorts and beaches, and is a frequent cruise destination. Its most active center is known as the “Hip Strip,” which is a complex of shops, boutiques, restaurants and more along Gloucester Avenue, across from the coast.  

March is an excellent time to visit Jamaica because the weather is warm and dry, making it the perfect time to explore the island’s many attractions. Here are some things to do in Jamaica in March.https://t.co/Fix1KsZElE

— Visit Jamaica Now (@VisitJamaicaNow) March 7, 2023

The city’s most popular beaches are Doctor’s Cave and Walter Fletcher Beach. Doctor’s Cave Beach stretches approximately five miles, and is famous for its rumored healing powers. It is safe for swimming and water sports, and is especially popular for snorkeling due to its abundant marine life. Snorkeling equipment can be rented from vendors near the beach for as low as $6. It is within walking distance of various restaurants and shops. 

Walter Fletcher Beach is a private site open Wednesdays through Sundays, and it houses Aquasol Theme Park, a water park that offers various activities, such as water sports, go-kart racing and snorkeling. 

If the sand and sea aren’t your speed, the Appleton Estate is a colonial-age rum distillery two hours outside that city that offers tours Tuesdays to Saturdays from 9 AM to 3:30 PM. The tours last approximately an hour and a half, and guests are able to learn the history of the estate, travel through it and finish off with a rum tasting. Pricing is available upon request. 

Beyond the activities, Montego Bay also offers a rich cultural experience with traditional Jamaican food, art, music and ceremonies. The Montego Bay Cultural Centre showcases Jamaican culture and history through a museum gallery. 

 

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The Pelican Grill is a family-owned and operated restaurant located in the Hip Strip that offers authentic Jamaican food with vegetarian and vegan options, and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

Montego Bay is an incredibly versatile experience that caters to every individuals’ vacation desires, and is sure to leave travelers wanting more. 

Zermatt

Not a fan of the hot weather? Not a problem! Zermatt is a Swiss municipality and renowned ski resort in the Alps. Located at the foot of the famous Matterhorn, Zermatt is the perfect place for skiing and hiking, and makes for the best snowy getaway. 

Matterhorn Glacier Paradise is a site of expansive ski slopes and offers some of the best views possible. They offer one and multi-day ski passes for a range of abilities, and prices vary depending on age and pass type. They also provide storage space for ski equipment, and there is a restaurant and shop located at the peak, as well.  

If ski slopes aren’t your style, there are an abundance of walking trails and hikes available at Zermatt. One of the town’s most popular hikes is known as the Five Lakes Trail, and as the name states, it takes visitors through a course to view five alpine lakes, as well as vast mountains. The trail is approximately six miles long, and takes around three hours to complete. Local shops within the town sell hiking gear, as well. 

The astounding view is hard to miss, and can be enjoyed from several different locations. Some of the best sightseeing spots include the Gornergrat Railway, the Sunnegga Viewpoint and on the Matterhorn Glacier Trail. 

The town operates car-free, meaning that after arriving at the town by train, most transportation is in the form of walking or an e-Bus. 

Zermatt is the ideal way to spend time out of the sun, and with so many ski slopes, hiking paths, shops and other attractions, there is never a dull moment on the Matterhorn!

Mauritius

Mauritius is an East African island country located in the Indian Ocean. It is an incredibly versatile vacation destination, known for both its beaches and lagoons, as well as its mountainous areas and rainforests. 

Some of its most popular beach locations include Grand-Baie and Cape Malheureux. Those who visit Grand-Baie can embark on full-day cruises to visit the three northern isles, explore the coasts of Gabriel and Flat Islands and snorkel at Coin de Mire. The current fee for this eight-hour adventure is approximately $72 per adult. 

Those traveling north to Cape Malheureux can book private tours of the scenic area, as well as a food tour tasting the various street food available in the town, and simultaneously learning about the history and culture behind it. These tours are available in multiple languages. 

Trou d’Eau Douce is an active beach spot with many available water sports and coastal adventures. Parasailing is the spot’s most popular activity, and equipment and guides are available through third party service providers, such as Expedia. The Grand River South East is the town’s most prominent sightseeing spot, where it culminates in a breath-taking waterfall and greenery.

The Black River Gorges National Park is located in the island’s mountainous southwestern region, and comprises almost 17,000 acres of land. The park is home to the Alexandra Falls, as well as over 300 species of plants and various endangered birds, such as the pink pigeon, the Mauritian flying fox and the echo parakeet. It can be a challenging hike due to the geography, but well worth the view, in the same respect.

In terms of food, Mauritius is a melting pot, encompassing a mix of African, Indian, Chinese and French cuisines. One of the island’s most renowned hotels, Heritage le Telfair, is a hybrid of some of the best food spots in the island. It also offers classes for guests to learn the basics of traditional Mauritian cooking and all of its aspects. 

Mauritius brings the best of both worlds for indecisive travelers, and presents a multitude of physical and cultural learning experiences that are unforgettable!