As temperatures warm, snow recedes, and the harsh grip of winter finally begins to loosen, WHS students are busy planning their 2026 spring break trips. With the last school intermission – winter break – having occurred nearly three months ago, many are eager to escape the stresses of everyday life for warm tropical beaches and lofty alpine lodges.
The beginning of spring break will coincide with the end of quarter three and will last from March 27 to April 6. Most of those that plan on vacationing are traveling for over a week and for leisure and relaxation.
There are a multitude of activities students can do, however, that don’t involve plane tickets or hotel rooms. Going to the movies with friends, shopping at Ridgedale, taking nature walks, or simply just catching up on sleep can all be great ways to unwind.
For those packing their bags and heading somewhere new, popular destinations include the clear waters of the Caribbean; California’s coastal beaches and cities; and, of course, Florida, with fan-favorite attractions like theme parks in Orlando and picturesque ocean views.
Quinn Johansen shared some of his spring getaway plans: “I’m going to Miami to celebrate my cousin’s Bar Mitzvah, then I’m traveling along the East Coast to South Carolina, where I’ll stay at a tennis resort in Hilton Head. I’ll spend some time on the beach relaxing with my family.” Johansen, a tennis team hopeful, wishes to incorporate some extra practice time before the season starts into his vacation.
Another vacation-goer, Rishita Singh, has tropical plans for break as well. “I’m going to Florida, and from there I’m going to go on a cruise to the Bahamas. We’re going to be there for about five days.”
Though spring break is commonly known for being a time to travel to warm locations in order to escape Minnesota’s unpleasant post-winter weather, many have opted to travel to the Rockies to enjoy winter sports and mountainous scenery. Take it from freshman Lexi Morris, who plans on visiting Colorado: “If it snows, we’re probably going to go skiing, but if it doesn’t, we’re going to go hiking. We’re also going to go ghost hunting in some of the abandoned towns.”
Finally, many students, including Ella Curry, are traveling internationally to experience new cultures and historic landmarks. “I’m going to go to Paris,” she explained. “Our hotel is right next to the Eiffel Tower, so we’re going to spend a lot of time in the city. We’re going to go to the Louvre, and we want to do this nighttime tour in this tiny car, and the person who drives it weaves through buildings so you get to see a bunch of stuff at night.” Following Paris, Curry will also visit Ireland, where she intends to travel the country and visit her great-grandparents’ village.
No matter your plans, though, students and teachers alike savor spring break as a time to decompress, embark on new adventures, and enjoy time with friends and family both at home and in new destinations.
