Who says you can’t spend spring break in Europe?
Don’t let the Atlantic Ocean deter you. The U.K. and Europe are instantly accessible for shorter vacations thanks to direct flights from major U.S. cities and a European rail network that connects countries with ease. Instead of picking the traditional places to go during spring break 2024, embark on the Eurotrip of a lifetime.
A sun-soaked spring break: the best spring break destinations for college students
If you’ve already partied up in Florida and have the t-shirt to prove it, consider soaking up the sun in Europe. Trade flip flops for walking shoes and discover spring break beyond the traditional beach trip.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Peter Adams. Image Location: Sintra, Portugal
Sintra, Portugal
Direct flights to Lisbon and a single hour-long train ride (available with a Eurail pass) are all that stand between you and Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. Spot fossilized dinosaur footprints on hiking trails and windsurf on the Praia Grande before returning to Lisbon for nights of romantic fado music and cocktails by the seaside.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Pol Albarrán. Image Location: Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona, Spain
Tapas, tapas, tapas. A direct flight to Madrid and short train ride to Barcelona will give you plenty of time to work up an appetite. Tapas then selfies at the La Sagrada Familia. Tapas then tour the Picasso Museum. Tapas, then sangría, then more tapas. It’s a spring break smorgasbord in Spain.
Image Credit: Getty Images, @ Didier Marti. Image Location: Zürich, Switzerland
Zurich, Switzerland
While everyone else collects with sunburns and sand fleas, you’ll return to campus with tales of alpine adventure. Let the train whisk you around Switzerland in style, with lines like the Bernina Railway transporting you to relaxing spa towns. You can even ski the Alps if you so desire and save the beach bumming for summer break.
A memorable vacay: the best spring break destinations for families
Don’t worry parents, we didn’t forget about the little ones’ week off. Scheduling a week full of spring break activities for kids is a lot of unnecessary homework so here’s a cheat sheet:
Direct Flights to Europe + A Quick Train Ride = An Unforgettable Spring Break Family Vacation.
- Fly into the United Kingdom capital, hop on a broom, then have a magical experience at the Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour.
- Spending the week in London? LEGOLand Windsor is accessible by train, as are most destinations around London, right from Heathrow Airport.
- Jet into Paris, apply your mouse ears on the train, then say cheers to the wonder of Disneyland Paris.
- Take the red eye into Copenhagen and enjoy classic family fun at one of the oldest amusement parks in the world, Tivoli Gardens.
- Say Guten Tag to a good time when you land in Frankfurt then roll down to Rust for a visit to Germany’s famous Europa-Park amusement park.
Image Credit: Getty Images, a_Taiga. Image Location: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Let’s talk about the pink elephant in the room
Whether you’re something of a beer connoisseur, an amateur sommelier, or a college student intent on savoring the younger legal drinking age found in most European countries, you’ll be rosy cheeked to find out that amazing elixirs are on tap in every European city. Plus, they’re often cheaper than your favorite cup of coffee from those corporate cafes.
- Have a proper Guinness in Dublin then take a 90 minute train ride to the oldest pub in Ireland, Sean’s Bar in Athlone.
- Soar into Brussels then rail it into the city for your fill of Belgium beer at Delirium Cafe where you’ll find a world-record number of beers to sample.
- Consider tripping by train from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport into the city where drinks and other consumables are available at coffeeshops.
How long is spring break? While students, teachers, and parents will agree that it’s way too short, spring break is long enough to have a leisurely vacation in Europe. Direct flights from major U.S. cities and extensive rail networks can make even your dream trip a reality during the mid-semester break.
Trainline makes spring break travel even simpler for first-time visitors and long-time travelers alike. Download the app to browse rail routes and instantly purchase train tickets in advance or on the fly.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, © Marco Bottigelli. Image Location: Azenhas do Mar, Colares, Sintra, Portugal