Spring Break Gone Right

HUNGOVER SOMEWHERE – We’ve lived through teenage antics in Cancun and have seen girls go wild in Daytona Beach. Along the way, we have paid for our mistakes (mixing liquors, sorority tattoos) and learned many valuable lessons. Mainly: How to plan for a spring break without regrets. Here are a few smart group vacay ideas.

British Virgin Islands

The Scene: The Yacht Week, unique, week-long partying on staffed yachts that sleep up to a dozen people. Bring your BFFs or come ready to make new ones. (They also sail the Mediterranean and Thailand.)

Party Warning: It's not for the seasick, for those afraid of close quarters, or for anyone who isn't ready to strip down to their bikini.

Austin

The Scene: Hipsters in honky-tonks; Austinites live for happy hour and live music. Come for the vintage shopping, stay for the barbecue and Tex-Mex.

Party Warning: Anyone who hates crowds should check the dates for SXSW.

Home Base: South Congress Hotel

Do It Right: Fathom's Austin Guide

Cuba

The Scene: Visiting Havana is like time-traveling to the '50s. It's nostalgic, romantic, and cooler than ever.

Party Warning: Not for last-minute trips, as it requires advanced planning. Limited internet and no cell phone service, it's all about the #latergram.

Home Base: Suite Havana (book through Esencia Experiences).

Do It Right: Fathom's Cuba Guide

Tulum

The Scene: Rustic, bohemian hotels meet beachside yoga and Mayan ruins. It's eco-chic, with all-you-can-eat seafood and guacamole.

Party Warning: No all-inclusives. No Señor Frog's. No air conditioning.

Home Base: Coco Tulum.

Do It Right: Fathom's Tulum Guide

New Orleans

The Scene: It's The Big Easy — enjoy good food, drinks, and festivities while riding a streetcar or partaking in a costume bacchanal. (Hooray for beers to go.)

Party Warning: If you want relative peace and civility, avoid Bourbon Street.

Home Base: Henry Howard Hotel.

Do It Right: Fathom's New Orleans Guide

Panama

The Scene: Get an engineering lesson from the Panama Canal. Then go on an eco-adventure, like ziplining or snorkling with endangered sea turtles.

Party Warning: It's seductive but sleepy.

Home Base: Casa Cayuco.

Do It Right: Fathom's Panama Guide

Nicaragua

The Scene: It's still under-developed and under-exposed, though not for long. This is one of the most talked-about warm-weather destinations right now.

Party Warning: Sometimes you'll go way off the beaten path.

Home Base: Hostel Paradiso.

Do It Right: Fathom's Nicaragua Stories

Amsterdam

The Scene: Bike the canals, drink Dutch craft beers, and visit the Van Gogh and Anne Frank museums. Plus, (almost) everything is legal in the Red Light District. 

Party Warning: It's cold.

Home Base: Ecomama.

Do It Right: Fathom's Amsterdam Guide

Charleston

The Scene: Pastel ante-bellum mansions, horse-drawn carriages on cobblestone streets, and historic plantations. After kayaking through the Lowcountry, reenergize with pulled pork and bourbon.

Party Warning: It's genteel and romantic.

Home Base: Fulton Lane Inn.

Do It Right: Fathom's Charleston Guide

Vieques

The Scene: It's all about the Puerto Rican beaches with wild horses, surfing, and hiking. Bonus points for the wildlife sanctuary and a bioluminescent bay.

Party Warning: Flights can get pricey when the weather sucks on mainland U.S.A.

Home Base: El Blok.

Do It Right: Fathom's Puerto Rico Guide

Mexico City

The Scene: t's cheap and it's full of culture, folk art, gorgeous design, crazy good tacos, and fun tamale stands. Indulge in tequila and cold cerveza, mariachi bands, and the Frida Kahlo Museum.

Party Warning: It's a huge city, so you have to keep your wits (and urban smarts) about you.

Home Base: Downtown Mexico.

Do It Right: Fathom's Mexico City Guide

Marrakech

The Scene: Shopping, snake charmers, hamam treatments, and Yves Saint Laurent's Jardin Majorelle. Bring an extra suitcase for kaftans and other treasures found in the Medina.

Party Warning: Your bikini and cocktails are welcome, but there are rules of etiquette to obey.

Home Base: El Fenn. (Book a riad!)

Do It Right: Fathom's Marrakech Guide

Lisbon

The Scene Old-world charm abounds in this seaside city of romantic gardens, azulejos, and terracotta rooftops. The city is young and fun, with discotheques, outdoor cafes, and noveau cuisine. 

Party Warning: If you think your Spanish major will help you get by, you may be in for a rude awakening.

Home Base: The Independente.

Do It Right: Fathom's Lisbon Stories

Los Angeles

The Scene: It’s a great mix of city (bars!), beach (suntan!), and nature (hikes!). Downtown is going through a renaissance and is especially hopping right now.

Party Warning: You’ll spend a lot of time in a car.

Home Base: Mama Shelter.

Do It Right: Fathom's Los Angeles Guide

Paris

The Scene: Picnic with red wine and cheese next to the Eiffel Tower, ogle the Mona Lisa, and stroll through the luxe Tuileries. There's chic boutique shopping and club-hopping when you're not gorging on croissants at every streetside cafe.

Party Warning: It's expensive.

Home Base: Generator Hostel.

Do It Right:;Fathom's Paris Guide