For some students, spring break does not mean traveling to South Padre Island or Cancun. Many students who find themselves in a financial bind, or who would rather stay close to home, turn to alternatives around El Paso to spice up their spring break experiences. Luckily, there are plenty of unique getaway places in El Paso and the surrounding area to help students enjoy a few days off.

A makeshift vacation can happen in a local hotel. Hotel Indigo, which recently opened downtown, features a rooftop pool and fancy rooms that can help students take a short break.

El Paso is rich with nature sites to make for the perfect camping trip and a getaway still close to home. With the Franklin Mountains and Hueco Tanks a short drive away, students can feel close to nature by camping out for a few nights under the stars.

Aaron Ibarra, senior pharmacy major, said he likes to spend spring break feeling one with the Earth.

“A good way to spend spring break around El Paso could be by camping in the mountains, connecting with nature and getting to know your friends better,” Ibarra said.

There are also campgrounds a few hours away that could make for a quick getaway, such as in Elephant Butte and other places in New Mexico. Ruidoso, which is only about a two-hour drive away, has many cabins and places to stay for a few days.

The Noisy Water Lodge, a cabin retreat in Ruidoso, has cabins in the town’s downtown area, which are perfect to rent for weekend getaways. Glenda Duncan, the manager at Noisy Water Lodge, said spring break is a good time to visit the town of Ruidoso.

“Spring break is generally a very busy time for us because there is a lot of snow on the ski hill,” Duncan said.

To find out about all of the events happening in Ruidoso during spring break, Duncan said it is best to visit Ruidoso’s Chamber of Commerce website at ruidosonow.com.

Another town not too far from El Paso is Marfa, Texas, which has special events happening throughout spring break. According to Vicki Lynn Barge, general manager of Hotel Paisano, a popular destination in Marfa, spring break is a popular time for many students looking to travel on a budget.

“Our occupancy usually increases during spring break, and March and April are considered peak season dates, which begin our busy season,” Barge said.

According to Barge, spring break also typically draws in multiple events.

“Many of the venues in town have events coinciding with the greater crowds that are in town like Ballroom Marfa, who will feature a new exhibit titled ‘After Effect’ on March 11 and Marfa Maid Dairy offers special tours during spring break,” Barge said.

In addition, multiple venues throughout Marfa will have events special to spring break.

“Other galleries and foundations often conduct workshops for younger visitors and locals, and our local beer garden, Planet Marfa, begins their season with spring break each year,” Barge said.

Other staycation ideas include visiting nearby places like Old Mesilla and Carlsbad, New Mexico. For more information about these places, visit oldmesilla.org and cityofcarlsbadnm.com.

Julia Hettiger may be reached at [email protected].