| Hey there, it's travel editor Nikki Ekstein, and guess what? I'm in desperate need of a vacation. Lucky for me it's spring break season, and I'll be on a plane come Sunday. Huzzah! This coming week, March 24-30, is the most expensive—and busiest—week to head out on spring break, according to recent data. But if you're like me, you might have no choice in the matter. My kids are on school break, and no data can change that. It also just so happens to be my wedding anniversary on Tuesday. (Do you think my husband is reading this? It would be a good reminder if he is.) So here we are, following the masses, even though the masses all want to get away from the masses. In the last couple of days we've been busy churning out stories that provide ideas for how to do that almost anywhere in the world, and on short notice, too. As a self-professed hotel junkie, I've always been a believer in stalking for discounted rates in an establishment's first few weeks, when reservation books are wide open and everything smells brand-new. If you're planning on heading to Italy this summer, you can get in on that kind of action by following the progress of these seven hotels, all readying to cut their ribbons before beach season.  A pool with a view at Splendido in Portofino. But let's say you're trying to get away tomorrow, like I am. This is the time of year to be in Japan—the cherry blossoms are about to pop—and we've got five countryside resorts that will add the perfect third point to any Tokyo-Kyoto itinerary. I dare you to read this list and not look at airfares right after. With the yen offering exceptional value, Americans are go-go-going, and I'd advise you to do the same if you can swing it. There are also these six perfect-for-spring destinations—a determination based on billions of data points we collected from Kayak, in addition to expert travel agent advice, while producing our annual Where to Go in 2025 list. They include San Diego, where I'm heading. My kids are desperate to see whether pandas at the zoo are as silly in real life as they are on Instagram, though I fear they've been set up for disappointment. Regardless, we're staying at the Hotel del Coronado, which is about to wrap up one of the most expensive renovations in US hotel history—about $500 million.  Coral Sands Inn & Cottages on Harbour Island is my new hotel crush. Source: Coral Sands Also on our list is my latest hotel crush (yep, I get hotel crushes), the eclectically colorful Coral Sands Inn & Cottages on Harbour Island in the Bahamas, which looks less sleepy beach retreat and more creative fever dream. If none of these impulsive ideas are hitting, here are two more. Billionaire Larry Ellison's Sensei—a collection of wellness resorts that help you get into a few new healthy routines while encouraging you to splurge on chicken and waffles at breakfast—announced a global expansion plan on Thursday, including a partnership with Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve resort in Los Cabos, Mexico. I'd get in on that before it becomes a frenzy. And there's always Nature Island. The Caribbean island of Dominica is at a fascinating crossroads as it tries to build a larger ecotourism economy—but environmentalists fear it may go all wrong. Now's the time to get there and see the wonders that give the island its moniker, be it the Mars-like Red Rocks, Emerald Pool or Champagne Beach. What are you waiting for? It's time to get packing. Connect with Nikki via Instagram. | 
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