Why is it called spring break when it's winter that most of us are trying to escape? Whatever the reason, the annual rite has many readers packing their bags and heading to far-flung places in search of relaxation and, in some cases, snow.
Regardless of the season, anytime you can get away to your favorite spot or discover a new one — whether it's a sandy beach or a snowy mountain — is a guaranteed good time.
Far left: Elizabeth Robertson sent this picture of daughter Grace putting her Christmas gift — a GoPro — to good use while swimming with a sea turtle at Barceló Maya Palace in Riviera Maya, Mexico. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Left: The Deering family of Mayer had a beach all to themselves while vacationing near Siesta Key, Fla., where dad Michael Deering captured son Leo’s first ocean visit. (Hint: He liked it.) (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Spring break doesn’t need to be far from home: Sam Dittrich, 6, enjoyed a last hurrah of winter at Elm Creek Three Rivers Park, skiing with grandma Dana Siskind of Minneapolis. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
A recent trip to Pavones, Costa Rica, found Christy Quade of Hutchinson, Minn., amidst wild horses. Quade says the horses are found everywhere, but you can see them walking the beach on their way to the freshwater rivers. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Melanie Vossberg of Minneapolis says Bryce Canyon National Park was beautiful with the contrast of snow, blue sky and orange rocks. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Jeff Farrington of Circle Pines was on the north shore — of Kauai — in late February. This photo is of Secret Beach. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Rebecca Thaney-Driessen of Lino Lakes says a trip to Jamaica made her “grateful for making barefoot memories together.” Her kids obviously agree. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Jenny Kunze of Andover sent in this photo of her daughter in her “happy place” — Pacific Beach in San Diego. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Not finding any snow in Minnesota, Sue Paulson of Shorewood went to Breckenridge, Colo., instead. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Kim Olson of Lino Lakes caught a sunrise at Camana Bay, Grand Cayman. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
