Break Away From the Crowds This Spring
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Break Away From the Crowds This Spring
I haven’t thought about spring break since I was in college, and those vacations tended to involve a little less family time and a lot more actual ‘breaking’ (don’t ask) than the one I’m planning this year, now that my husband and I have two brand new additions to our home: two sisters, ages 10 and 12, that we recently adopted from Latvia. (I know. I can’t believe it either.)
Suddenly, I’m subject to the great equalizer…trying to find hotel space during spring break. I’m convinced Prince William and Kate Middleton couldn’t get a room on Maui for spring break this year, so who am I kidding? But I soldier on, until suddenly it hits me: why am I trying so hard to find a room in the most popular spring break destinations, knowing full well they are all going to be impossibly busy not to mention expensive? (I work at Luxury Link Travel Group / Family Getaway so I appreciate nice hotels, but I look for value as much as the next person.) Plus, I live in Los Angeles…do I really need more crowds? All of which got me to thinking – where are most people not going for spring break? I bet if I go there I can find some great deals, avoid crowds and maybe come away with a new experience to share with my friends.
I learned pretty quickly there is a reason most people aren’t going to, say, Reykjavik in March. But I did find a selection of interesting destinations and hotels that are great options for a spring break that provides value, a new experience, and (hopefully) a respite from the crowd:
1. Memphis, Tennessee. Of course there’s Graceland, but Memphis is also home to a marvelous zoo (be sure to see the giant pandas), as well as the National Civil Rights Museum, housed in the hotel where Martin Luther King, Jr. stayed that fateful day. And don’t miss the Peabody hotel and its famous ducks – kids and grown-ups alike can’t resist watching them waddle across the lobby twice a day. The Peabody Memphis – 50% off 2 nights for a family of 4 including taxes
2. Santa Fe, New Mexico. Widely known as an artists’ retreat, Santa Fe is also home to a great selection of museums, parks, Pueblo villages and other historic sites perfect for combining family time with a dash of history. Float over the Rio Grande Gorge in a hot air balloon, take a stargazing tour or just mosey around Santa Fe’s historic Plaza. Inn and Spa at Loretto – 50% off 3 nights for a family of 4 including breakfast, taxes and resort fees
3. La Antigua, Guatemala. This lovely Spanish Colonial capital boasts 75 degree weather year round, beautiful, uncrowded beaches and views of its three volcanoes from every corner. During the weeks leading up to Easter, elaborate processions featuring massive floats and hundreds of marchers fill the streets with flowers, color, and life. Porta Hotel Antigua – 50% off 4 nights for a family of 4 including taxes
4. London, England. Big Ben, black cabs, Buckingham Palace…need I say more? Spring break typically lands during the city’s shoulder season which means the rates are less than you’ll find during summer but it’s still a lovely time to layer up (weather can be a little unpredictable) and experience this famous city with your kids. Landmark London – 55% 4 nights for a family of 4 including breakfast daily, taxes, more.
5. Belize. The only English-speaking country in Central America is affordable and easy to navigate with families. Choose between jungle or beach; take a cave tubing adventure or a jungle river cruise to view a Mayan archaeological site. El Pescador – 40% off 5 nights for up to 5 including boat transfers, 3-course dinner, $300 activity credit, taxes and more
Happy travels!
Diane McDavitt is the Co-Founder and President of Luxury Link Travel Group, which operates FamilyGetaway.com, a website that promotes dream vacations for families and groups of all shapes and sizes. Diane has more than 20 years of experience in the luxury travel market and is frequently asked to speak at Industry Events including the Preferred Hotel Group annual congress and the e-Tourism summit.
