As spring break is approaching, it is time to start thinking about where you’re going over break? Panama and Destin are great places to go, but with other universities being there at the same time, it can become crowded. So, here are some of my favorite places to go without all the crowds and party scenery.

EF Tours Ultimate Break–  Probably one of the best experiences I had was when I went to Spain with EF Tours. EF Tours offers various countries to travel to while school is not in session. If you want to take a trip to Paris, London or Costa Rica, you can do that. They offer group rates so you can go with your friends or you can go by yourself and experience traveling alone.

What’s nice about EF Tours is that they offer different payments plans. If this spring break is not your time, then next spring break is perfect! That gives you time to set up a payment plan and decide where you want to go. You can plan trips a year in advance, which worked out perfectly for me because I was able to figure out where exactly my money was going each month. Payment plans can be made each month, bi-weekly or paid in full and it’s all interest free. EF Tours also offers deals 24/7 so you never have to break the bank.

Check out their website for more information.

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee– If you’re looking for mountains and hiking for spring break, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee is the perfect place for you. There are so many activities to do with you and your friends, so you will never be bored.  The many mountain trails with a waterfall view can be found in the Gatlinburg area, which includes: Rainbow Mountain, Grotto Falls and Abram Falls. However, if you are planning to hike on these mountains, it’s important to bring proper hiking equipment and PLENTY OF WATER! The higher you go up the mountain, the denser the air becomes. If hiking doesn’t suit your fancy, there are other attractions in the town.

From go-karts, to alpine coasting, to white water rafting, Gatlinburg has it all. Along with these activities, you can even see live action dinner show. One of my favorites is the Dolly Parton Dixie Stampede Dinner Show, which includes a four-course meal and a rodeo horse show. Another popular Dolly Parton attraction is the Dollywood amusement park. It’s basically Disney World but Dolly Parton themed. Pigeon Forge is a great spring break option without the big college crowd and is the perfect spring break destination spot to make memories.

Below are some websites with the different attractions Pigeon Forge offers:

Hiking Trails

Dixie Stampede 

Go-Karts  

Alpine Coaster

Universal Studios– While everyone is spending their time at the beach, head over to Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida and experience everything from City Walk and Adventureland to Harry Potter World. Universal Studios has a lot more attractions for young adults than Disney World. While it may not be on the cheaper side, it is worth the few extra bucks.

If you don’t do anything at Universal Studios, you must go to Mr. Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and try the milkshakes that are possibly the size of a small baby. I recommend the red velvet milkshake, which includes a red velvet cupcake on top. It cost $12.50 but it’s worth it because you can keep the mason jar that it comes in.

Universal Studios offers multiple parks to go to within walking distance or a train ride away. While it is always busy, non-peak hours will be the best time to go. But don’t worry, there is so much to do without having to wait in lines for hours.

Here is Universal Studios website:

Universal Studios Orlando