One year ago, any plans you had for a spring getaway were likely canceled. Mine were. I was slated to go camping in Joshua Tree National Park in mid-April, and I remember the email from the National Park Service like it was yesterday: 鈥淲e wanted you to be aware, this location is closed. Your reservation has been canceled and refunds have been issued.鈥 It was the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, and so much was unknown. Now,听one year and a whole lot of chaos later, spring travel doesn鈥檛 exactly look like it did way back in 2019, but with the proper precautions, a break from the grind can happen in some shape or form. Here鈥檚 some inspiration for a much deserved听budget-friendly spring trip to celebrate the fact that you made it through a year none of us could have anticipated.听听
Find Healing in the Desert
Sedona, Arizona
If there鈥檚 a restorative vortex anywhere on this planet, it鈥檚 in Sedona, thanks to its plethora of wellness and meditation retreats, energy healers, and an听 showing sites thought to be restorative epicenters. Whether or not you believe in that sort of thing,听there鈥檚 just something calming about exploring a red-rock desert, especially when temperatures are in the 70s (and not the 100s, which the area听averages in summer). There鈥檚 climbing, mountain biking,听hiking through听canyons, and practicing yoga with epic views. The 300-square-foot tiny homes at听 (from $276) have names like Flow, Breathe, and Renew听and come with a stargazing deck and yoga mats.
Hit the Open Road
Various locations
Pick up a fully outfitted听 (from $339) from any of the company鈥檚听five hubs: Jackson, Wyoming; Las Vegas, Nevada; San Francisco, California; Whitefish, Montana; or Salt Lake City, Utah. These luxury Sprinter vans come with perks like a French press for making coffee, camp chairs, and marshmallow-roasting skewers, and offer听a variety of sleeping quarters. Not sure where to go? Moterra will also plan your road trip,听with custom itineraries, prebooked campsites, and scenic routes all mapped out.
Ride the Trails
Brevard, North Carolina
is a haven for mountain bikers. You鈥檒l find dozens of trails, a beer-serving bike shop called听,听and guided mountain biking and skills workshops for every level at the听. Pitch a tent at听 (from $34), where you鈥檒l get trail access from camp, or book one of 15 architect-designed cabins (from $150) at听, a 124-acre property bordering the forest with its own flow trail and future campsites currently in development.
Cap Off Your Ski Season
Huntsville, Utah
Yes, it鈥檚 still winter in some places.听, less than an hour north of Salt Lake City, will stay open through April 11. If you buy next season鈥檚 pass now (from $899), you can ski free this spring. Otherwise, day tickets start at $139 (buy ahead of time). Enjoy zero lift lines, late-season powder, and,听new this year, ski-up windows where you can order a slice of pizza or a breakfast burrito on the go. Stay at the听 (from $199) and you鈥檙e just minutes from skiing at Snowbasin and nearby听.
Learn Something New
Floras Lake, Oregon
Kitesurfing season opens on the southern Oregon coast in the spring, and there鈥檚 no better place to get in on the action听than听, a family-owned kitesurf school in one of the windiest spots in the country. The school is open from April through September on a freshwater lake outside of听the town of Bandon, a 4.5-hour drive from Portland and seven hours from Seattle. Camp at the neighboring听 (from $20), or book this (from $425) on the property. You can rent windsurfing or kiteboarding gear, sign up for a lesson, and borrow paddleboards and kayaks.
Jump in a Pool
Palm Springs, California
Sure, there鈥檚 plenty to do in Palm Springs鈥攖rails and desert vistas in or are about an hour away鈥攂ut we won鈥檛 judge if you just feel like posting up in a lounge chair by the pool.听 (from $147) has ten听midcentury modern poolside suites鈥攜ou can get $100 off your first stay by signing up for their newsletter.听Enjoy breakfast in a private garden, then grab a loaner cruiser bike to roll into town.听
Relax on the Beach
Lahaina, Maui
On Maui鈥檚 west side, a former sugar plantation is now (from $24), which has 35 beachfront tent sites, as well as van camping spots, tented bungalows with private outdoor showers, and A-frame cabins with kitchenettes. Located ten听minutes from Lahaina, this spot has mellow surf breaks, some of the world鈥檚 largest banyan trees, and guided sea kayaking outings through a protected reef. Be sure to read up on听.