Spring Break means very different things depending on who the traveler is; college students see it as a time to head to a beach locale for a week of boozing and late-night partying, while families with young kids want a vacation to relax but still keep the little ones occupied.
Based off what type of traveler you are, we've picked out the perfect destination for your mid-March getaway and a hotel to go with it.
And Spring Break vacation isn't limited to students; we think it's perfectly acceptable to institute your own break.
SEE ALSO: 10 spring-break destinations that are trending this year
Family with Teenagers: Telluride, Colorado
If you're a ski- or snow-loving family, a Spring Break trip to Colorado is a must. Once a mining town, Telluride is located in the Rocky Mountains and a top pick for snowboarding and skiing enthusiasts. The town has charming boutiques, art galleries, and plenty of restaurants to warm up with hot chocolate. Above the town is Mountain Village, and a free, 13-minute gondola ride connects the two, so travelers can explore both areas.
Where to Stay: The Peaks Resort and Spa
The upscale resort has a great ski-in, ski-out Mountain Village location and is one of the largest and most amenity-packed properties in the area. The numerous features include a huge 42,000 square foot spa and fitness center with Pilates and yoga studio; golf course; tennis courts; and two on-site restaurants. Families will likely appreciate the indoor/outdoor pool with a water slide, indoor rock climbing wall, and organized kids' programs. The 161 sophisticated rooms offer fantastic mountain views and free Wi-Fi.
Young Couple: Carmel, California
Choosing a coastal southern California city means you'll be in prime position to enjoy those famous rocky cliffs over the Pacific Ocean. Located in Monterey County, Carmel (or Carmel-by-the-Sea) is a charming town with cozy inns, numerous art galleries, and boutique stores. There's ample outdoor activities like hiking, surfing, and sailing in the area, or couples can head to the world-famous Pebble Beach Golf Course, just a 10-minute drive away.
Where to Stay: Tradewinds Carmel
The 28-room Tradewinds Carmel has a Zen vibe throughout the hotel -- from the courtyard, complete with Buddha statues, a small waterfall, and a tranquil fire pit, to the rooms, decorated with Asian prints, stalks of bamboo, and orchids. The rooms are large and feature well-decorated bathrooms with nice soaking or Jacuzzi tubs, but like many small hotels in Carmel, the Tradewinds lacks a fitness center and a spa (though in-room spa treatments are available).
College Classmates: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
If you're in college, chances are you want to spend your Spring Break escaping the school year with alcohol, parties, and friends. Popular destinations like Los Cabos and South Padre are good choices, but we're fond of Puerto Vallarta along Mexico's Pacific coast. Though it's a little less-rowdy than Cancun, there's still plenty of mixed drinks by the pool and late-night partying to be had. And while the waters aren't quite as pristine as those in Cancun, the beaches are undeniably beautiful and water activities abound.
Where to Stay: Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta
The Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta has two free-form pools, a spa featuring ocean views, and several restaurants offering a range of cuisines. The hopping bars, nightly entertainment and contemporary rooms with high-tech amenities, funky rock-inspired decor, and double-jetted tubs attract young couples and groups, while the lively pools (including a shallow one for kids), varied dining options, and pretty beach draw families. There's also free Wi-Fi and purified water on tap.
See the rest of the story at Business Insider