Spring Break

Right about now you are probably thinking, “we should have planned a spring break vacation.” The good news is, it’s not too late.  The spring break season starts in mid-March and ends in mid-April.  

Families often think of warm, beach vacations for spring break but there are so many destinations to explore.  Why not think “outside the box?”  One year I took my own family to London during the last week of March.  While it was far from tropical, it was very mild and we only needed light jackets.  Exploring the Tower of London, watching the changing of the guard, and visiting the Imperial War Museum were just some of the interesting things we were able to visit that year.  Airfares to Europe are very reasonable in the spring, making it much more affordable than other times of the year.

Ski trips are popular for families that love the outdoors.  Whether you are a beginner or advanced skier, these trips can be fun for the whole family.  Travel professionals are able to find the right ski destination for your family, based on your level of expertise.  Maybe it will be snowboarding at Park City Utah, or downhill skiing in Vail Colorado--the possibilities are endless.

Another great option for outdoorsy families are our nation’s wonderful National Parks.  The Grand Canyon, with its magnificent landscape and endless hiking trails, is a great destination for everyone.  You may even be able to head over to Mesa Arizona to see the Cubs in spring training.  The White Sox train in Glendale, just down the road.  California offers many National Parks, including Redwood National Park with the world’s largest trees.  Muir Woods National Park is closer to San Francisco than Redwood National Park and is just as impressive.  Also near San Francisco is Alcatraz Island, which is rich in history, as it was used as a federal penitentiary from 1934 – 1963.  Visitors today learn about those years as well as experiencing the little known gardens on the island with tide pools, bird colonies and breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay.

By thinking of places beyond the norm, your family may learn new things, experience new places and maybe learn a new skill.  The most important part of spring break is spending time with your family and making lasting memories, no matter where in the world you wind up.