2016 spring break destinations from Baltimore

In about the time it takes to fly to Arizona, you could instead be jetting through the swirly green aurora borealis (aka the northern lights), as you touch down in the Land of Fire and Ice. Where else can you dogsled, traverse glaciers, soak in steamy thermal pools and pay homage to the elves in one day? Daredevils will have fun tasting the dried “jerky” style foods like harofiskur, but even your pickiest eater can’t turn away from skyr, Iceland’s answer to yogurt. When all else fails, there’s always ein meo ollu (an Icelandic hot dog).

Few destinations around the U.S. offer a wider variety of outdoor adventures than Colorado. From heli-skiing to snowmobiling, every snow-related active adventure happens here. Pictured: snowshoeing at Snow Mountain Ranch Nordic Center.

England is Europe without the language barrier. The history is cool, and there are fairy-tale scenery, thrilling theater and locations from Harry Potter movies (in Oxford). March is off-season, so lines at attractions are practically nonexistent, and hotel occupancy is low enough to inspire discounts in one of the world’s priciest cities.

When it comes to family-friendly vacation spots, Phoenix sets the bar pretty high. In March, the Southwest desert is brimming with sunshine and an endless array of activities and sights. Pictured: the all-suite Arizona Grand Resort & Spa.

If you want to experience old coastal Florida in all its glory, check out the beaches of Sanibel and Captiva (picutred) islands. Both islands are great for bicycling and exploring on foot, with 25 miles of multi-use paths. For more of the natural coastline, take a water taxi or Captiva Cruise (captivacruises.com) to the neighboring barrier islands and coastal beaches around Fort Myers.