It used to be that spring break was the exclusive domain of drunken frat boys and girls gone wild. Not exactly family friendly. But if you do your homework and research places that aren’t college co-ed hang outs, you might find that the effort is more than worth your while. There are plenty of compelling reasons to take advantage of that week off from school, no matter what age your kids are. Here are just a few:
Price
Summer is one of the most expensive times to travel. Hotels and airlines, even rental cars and restaurants, often take advantage of this increased traffic and charge higher prices. But during spring break there are deals to be found. Whether you’re looking for a warm beach or hitting the slopes, spring time can be a bargain hunter’s dream come true. Google things like “cheap spring break family vacation” and you’ll be surprised at the variety of well-priced adventures just waiting to be discovered.
Weather
Northern locales might still be facing colder temps, but the closer you get to the equator, the warmer it gets. Sure, you won’t find the same heat that you would in July, but in places like Phoenix or Miami, that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Climates that could be unbearable in midsummer, are pretty close to perfect right now. The climate works to your advantage in ski towns as well. With everyone longing to pull out board shorts and bikinis, ski resorts start offering good package deals to keep bodies on those downhill runs. Check your favorite mountains to see what kinds of discounts they’re offering.
Smaller Crowds
Thinking about taking your family to the happiest place on Earth? They’ll all be a lot happier if they don’t have to stand in line for hours on end. Spring time is the best time to visit theme parks. Since school breaks vary around the country, spring vacations get spread out between March and April, which means you’ll never encounter the big crowds of summer. And did I mention the weather? Because nobody likes standing in line with the sun beating down on them. Cooler temps, shorter lines, less crowds to push your way through — it’s a win-win all around.
Spring Training
If you’re a baseball fan, you should absolutely plan to go to Arizona or Florida over spring break. It’s a chance to see your favorite players up close and personal in smaller stadiums at lower ticket prices than a regular MLB game. Arizona’s Cactus League brings in teams like the Giants, Cubs, and Reds, while Florida’s Grapefruit League boasts the Mets, Braves, and Red Sox. And here’s a bonus – the concessions are often cheaper at the smaller stadiums, too. Don’t forget to bring along some balls and Sharpies for autographs: players are usually more accessible during spring training than they are during the regular season.
Spring break will probably never displace summer as the most popular time to travel. But with a little planning, you just might find the right getaway that makes it the perfect time for your family.
