Orbitz Profiles Alternative Spring Break Destinations Away from the Party Scene
Wednesday, March 26th, 2008Break Away This Spring!
Cusco, Peru
For spring break travelers looking for adventure, Cusco is known by many as the “archaeological capital of the Americas,” offering visitors an assortment of activities. If you’re looking to explore the city, The Cathedral located in Plaza de Armas is not only beautiful, it also houses exquisite examples of woodcarvings and an important collection of canvases. Two must see sites around Cusco are Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. Machu Picchu, thought to be a royal Inca residence, is located on a high mountain overlooking the Urubamba River and offers a chance to see both history and thrilling views of the valleys below. The Sacred Valley runs along the Vilcanota River and through picturesque towns — great for buying handmade goods — as well as archaeological remains and giant white cornfields, making it perfect for any outdoor explorer.
Tucson, Arizona
Tucson is top pick for outdoor enthusiasts with its mountains and mild to warm year-round climate. For baseball fans, Tucson is also the spring training home to a handful of major league teams, making late February and March an ideal time to get up close to the players and take in a game. For travelers who prefer to hit the links, Tucson boasts many traditional and desert style golf courses. For a taste of the old west, look no further than one of the many guest ranches located around Tucson, which feature everything from horseback riding lessons to line dance instruction and yoga classes.
St. Lucia, Caribbean
Nestled away from the traditional spring break crowds, St. Lucia fosters an atmosphere of rest and relaxation, with accommodations and activities the whole family can enjoy. After transferring between French and British ownership 14 times, this pristine island is an appealing combination of European influence. While the sprawling beaches are a big draw, St. Lucia offers more than a sandy escape — it features gorgeous waterfalls, botanical gardens and the impressive Piton Mountains, inviting visitors to hike this expansive landmark. Aside from outdoor excursions, St. Lucia is home to intimate hotels, vibrant nightlife and some of the best seafood in the Caribbean. It is also one of the most popular spots in the Caribbean for wind-surfing.
Banff/Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada
For those who embrace winter sports and want to hit the slopes this spring, make your tracks in a destination not overrun with tourists. Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada offers three pristine ski resorts — Ski Norquay, Lake Louise and Sunshine Village. These resorts provide more than 7,700 acres of terrain and over 240 trails, from wide groomed runs to tree lined glades, catering to skiers of any ability. Plus, with one interchangeable lift ticket, visitors can easily ski three mountains in one trip. At the end of a long day on the mountain, tired skiers can indulge in a relaxing mineral bath at the Banff Upper Hot Springs or head to the Lake Louise TorchLight Dinner, which offers a full buffet, live entertainment and a guided torchlight ski down the mountain.
Georgia’s Golden Isles and Colonial Coast
Located off the coast of Georgia are a series of islands and areas where visitors are sure to get some secluded rest and relaxation. The Golden Isles, comprised of Brunswick, Cumberland Island, St. Simon’s Island and Jekyll Island, offer something for everyone. Cumberland Island, a short ferry ride from St. Mary’s, has a national seashore where visitors can see wild horses running through untouched landscapes. Jekyll Island houses the Georgia Sea Turtle Center where visitors can learn about these unique animals. It is also a great destination for golfing and horseback rides, as well as sunbathing on its 10 miles of uncrowded beach. Finally, St. Simon’s is home to kayaking, nature tours and the St. Simon’s lighthouse, which is still active and open to the public.
Travelers can visit the Orbitz blog (http://blog.orbitz.com) for additional travel ideas and tips for a planning an alternative spring break. About Orbitz: Orbitz (http://www.orbitz.com) is a leading online travel company that enables travelers to search for and purchase a broad array of travel products, including airline tickets, hotel rooms, rental cars, cruises and vacation packages. Since launching its website www.orbitz.com to the general public in June 2001, Orbitz has become one of the largest online travel sites in the world based on gross travel bookings. On Orbitz, consumers can search more than 80,000 suppliers worldwide including airlines, hotels and car rental companies. Orbitz is a brand that is owned and operated by Orbitz Worldwide (NYSE: OWW).
