Taking a Break from the Ordinary - Spring Break Ideas for Mature Adults

When people think of "spring break", visions of hard partying college students or parents with unruly children playing in the sand may swirl, but there are lots of options for mature adults. Yes, you can spend your vacation sailing on a cruise or playing golf at a resort, but if you have "been there and done that", try something adventurous or out of the ordinary.

For those that dream of wandering the English country-side, seeing the lights of Paris, or indulging in the culinary delights of Italy, there are many tour packages that include many European cities and activities. If you want to experience something very unique and truly European, try visiting a country during one of its national holidays. April 23 is the National Day of England, St. George's Day. There will be dancing, special lunches, plays, beer festivals and more.

It has been said that "everyone is a little bit Irish on St. Patrick's Day", so why not visit the country on March 17^th? St. Patrick's Day is celebrated in Ireland for five days and nights. The streets of Dublin will be filled with street performers, dancers, carnivals, plays, parades and more. The best part is that most of these events are free. Of course, there will be plenty of beer served with corned beef and cabbage!

Watching elephants, zebra, and giraffes in their natural habitats are what awaits you on an African safari. In addition to watching wildlife, you can also take part in mountain climbing, scuba diving, and more. Popular destinations include Kenya, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Uganda, and Namibia. Prices range from $1,500 to $5,000 and more. Search online or talk to a travel agent to narrow down what activities you want to take part in and find something that fits your budget.

Alaska may seem like an unusual place to visit during Spring, but there are many bonuses to visiting during that time of year. Since it is off-peak for the travel season, you will save a lot of money. The natural beauty of the mountains and glaciers is still there - and you can experience it amongst the locals versus crowds of tourists. Need more reasons to visit? The moose are having babies, the caribou herds are roaming, and the air is alive with excitement after a long, hard winter.

If you want to stay within the continental United States, springtime offers many scenic sites and festivals to choose from. If you like arts and crafts, the spring is a great time to visit festivals such as the 19^th annual Rio Grande Arts and Crafts Festival held in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Film buffs will want to schedule a visit to New York during April 25 - May 6 when the Tribeca Film Festival takes place. If natural beauty is your ticket, The National Cherry Blossom Festival will be taking place in our nation's capital from March 31 - April 15 and the Tulip Time Festival in Holland, MI will be blooming May 5 - 12.

Another option that you might not have thought of is a "volunteer vacation". Many organizations need volunteers, even if it is just for a week or two. If you are going somewhere abroad, do an Internet search to see which organizations need help in the area. You can also help out in the United States - contact your local Red Cross or Habitat For Humanity office and let them know which areas of the country you are interested in visiting and they can assist you in finding volunteer options there.

Whether you choose to celebrate a holiday in a foreign land, visit the 49^th state, take in the natural beauty of the continental United States or help out those in need, there are many ways to have a fun and relaxing spring break.