Every year, I begin dreaming of a BIG trip in anticipation of spring. One that will count. One we'll remember.
But equally as often, life conspires to get in the way. Which is why this year, I got down to planning a little late.
With the reality that a little pressure can be a good thing, here is the result of my rapid 2026 Spring Break brainstorm, in search of a trip that will delight me, my wife Rachel, and our 17 year old son Jules -- all at the same time.
This year, I wondered if we should do a fitness vacation that would help the whole family work on their goals. The kind of place with all inclusive meals and unlimited fitness classes that support time focusing on ourselves.
The gold standard for this is Canyon Ranch, but it’s expensive for three people.
An ideal would have been the Red Mountain Resort in Southern Utah that combines fitness with a proximity to outdoor adventures. But, it's closed for a major expansion.
So the search continues...
Resources: Red Mountain Resort, Canyon Ranch.
Once Utah enters my mind, it’s tough to displace it.
Whether we backpack or day hike from a basecamp, Southern Utah has an effect on my psyche like nowhere else.
We typically follow the trips from Steve Allen's books, which can include demanding route finding, carrying your own water, and short unprotected climbing to access special terrain. The issue is, I can get end up planning too rugged of trip that might not match my family's needs.
I am going to push Utah for later in May, with a plan to pull the kid out of school for a high action backpacking trip.
Resources: Steve Allen's Latest Canyoneering Guide Book. But don't be unrealistic about how dangerous the advanced stuff is.
Costa Rica is so blissful and easy, it's hard to resist.
Our go-to is the Nicoya Peninsula. We fly to Liberia and drive down the Pacific coast. After landing and grabbing a car, we have been in the water in just an hour.
If you haven’t surfed, let me say you almost shouldn't bother to learn most anywhere else. Catching a wave is all about its shape, and in Costa Rica you can ride a small wave for a loooong time without fear of getting crushed. Even as a beginner.
If there’s a downside to Costa Rica, it's that it sometime feels too easy. But, the opportunity is there. We have yet to explore the highlands, volcanoes, nature reserves or anywhere off the beaten path.
Resources: From June on, Witches Rock in Tamarindo is good. Or we enjoyed the more quiet Cabinas Las Olas. In April / May, Ride on Nosara might be a better bet.
Jules and I have achieved short rides while Kitesurfing, and from this I can report that - like surfing - where you learn is important. To date, our lessons in Morocco and Cape Verde (both epic locations) have had us getting bashed in the face by waves while we fly the kite and try to get up on the board (we loved it).
Which is why I am intrigued by some of the kitesurfing spots on Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula near Cancun (El Cuyo and Isla Blanca) that offer consistent wind and a flat water lagoon.
In addition, Jules loves music and Tulum has an internationally known electronic music scene. It might not be a spot his parents would choose, but if you have a teenager who is going to leave home in a year, taking him to an all night dance party is a clear message that our vacations will consider him too.
One downside, April is the tail end of kitesurfing season…
Resources: Tropikal has partner hotels in El Cuyo. On Isla Blanca Ikarus Kite Center is the only option if you don't want to drive.
One of my strongest ever recollections of travel is being overpowered by the smell of Hawaii the moment I got of the plane. As Jules has never been and it's just a short hop from our home in LA, it's high on our list.
Which island to visit?
To go beyond surfing I would choose the Big Island. It has a ton to offer, more room to roam, and super hiking among the volcano.
As Hawaii is expensive, one way to do it is rent a camper van that covers both rental car and hotel, while helping with food cost too.
Resources: There are a few outfits that offer vans, but Big Island Campers still has them available for our April dates at $349 / night.
I know a special place.
The furthest you can go off the coast of Belize stands Glover's Reef. Entertwined in the reef is Long Caye. Imagine an island maybe 2 kilometers long and just 200m wide. And on that caye is the outpost of Belize Adventures.
Belize Adventures's whole mission is adventure sports.
In the morning, you decide if you want to sea kayak to a snorkel spot, learn to windsurf, go fishing, or ocean kayak the only breaking wave in Belize, etc...
Life on the island is rustic. Imagine no power, no cell signal, composting toilets and a dining shack with a sand floor. Just what the doctor ordered.
We went when Jules was 8, and his young age didn't hold us back. Our trademark snorkeling move was for me to dive a coral spot, and him to grab my hand so I could to pull him down for a short underwater burst.
It was memorable trip. With enough time, you can also visit Belize's interior jungles and caves, which we loved.
Resources: Belize Adventures and the Off The Wall dive outfit are the only outposts on the island.
Next year, maybe we'll arrange a Bluffworks trip to Glover's Reef. Let me know if you'd like to come along...
April 03, 2026
