(NOTE: A previous version of this post recommended Waianuhea Bead and Breakfast, which has since closed.)
Spring Break—it’s not just for college students or families with children on school holidays. When the weather starts warming up, Alan and I join millions of other baby boomers whose feet are itching for a travel adventure.
A sunny location, hopefully with a good beach accompanied by plenty of outdoor activities, comes to mind. That’s what we found last year on a trip to the Big Island of Hawaii. Although we had previously traveled to Maui and Kauai, this was our first visit to the state of Hawaii’s self-proclaimed “Island of Adventure.” After horseback riding in the Waipi’o Valley, hiking to the green sands of Papakolea Beach and discovering Hawaiian history and culture at A Place of Refuge, Alan and I agreed that the Big Island more than lived up to its nickname.
We had one of the best spring breaks ever. Even the dining felt adventurours as we sampled the coffee at Kona coffee plantations or enjoyed Hawaii’s slow food dining scene at Holuakoa Gardens and Cafe in Holualoa.
When it came time for total rest and relaxation, we island hopped to Moloka’i. From our cottage on the hill, Alan and I watched dolphins play in the ocean. A drive to Halawa Valley satisfied the need for adventure, while walking the golden sands at Papohaku appeased our beach longings.
This year, spring break for My Itchy Travel Feet will include a coastal California sports car road trip. The adventure beings with wine touring in Paso Robles before we zip up the coast on Highway 1 with stops at Hearst Castle, Half Moon Bay and Mendocino. Our California adventure ends with more wine travel in Sonoma before heading back to the desert southwest.
In case my words haven’t whetted your baby boomer traveling appetite, here are a few more spring break travel ideas from the blogoshpere:
- National Parks Traveler offers tips for visiting Big Bend National Park in Texas during spring break.
- Should you risk a spring break trip to Mexico? The Vacation Gals interviewed a Latin American expert to find out.
- Would you rather go whale watching in Oregon?
So, baby boomers, where are you going for spring break? Post a comment to reveal your plans. We’re already looking for next year’s spring adventure.
