It’s hard to believe we’re already talking about Spring Break after just celebrating the new year, but if you’ve ever traveled with your family during this time, you know it’s best to start planning ASAP.
For my family, the Spring Break planning process always begins with the destination. We like to mix things up from year to year, traveling somewhere we haven’t been before.
During Spring Break, we tend to lean towards flying to tropical destinations. My husband and I like to get input from our daughter first, to see where she’s interested in traveling, then after setting a budget we weigh our options.
Tips for planning the perfect Spring Break
Pick A Destination Everyone Can Agree On
Sometimes this is easier said than done, but really go over your options and make sure everyone has something to look forward to — this includes mom and dad!
Our favorite places to go for Spring Break always include a beach. Depending on when you book travel, you can find some pretty great deals for your family, even to remote spots!
Booking Flights
Spring Break is one of the busiest times to travel, so it’s best to book flights as early as possible. Be sure to check airfares on Tuesday, when rates seem to be at their lowest.
My favorite sites for comparing and booking airfare are Kayak.com and Scotts Cheap Flights. Don’t forget to look at lesser known, low cost and foreign carriers as well, especially if traveling out of the country.
Choose a Family Friendly Resort
I put a lot of time and research into selecting a hotel when traveling with my family. I know first-hand how a resort can make or break a vacation, so choose wisely!
I often use TripAdvisor to look up hotel reviews and always look at the traveler photos. When it comes to booking, I check for deals directly on the hotel’s website first, and then compare them to other travel sites such as Travelocity and Expedia.
Don’t Over- Plan Activities
Excursions and activities are important for making the most of a family vacation but don’t overdo it.
In the past, we’ve made extensive lists of everything we wanted to do, but once we got to our destination we ended up spending our days by the beach or pool— and there’s nothing wrong with that!
Now we plan just a handful of “must-dos” for our trip and play everything else by ear. For saving money on dining and activities, check Groupon for the city you’re visiting. Also, check out Viator for discount excursions.
Pack Light
This is another “easier said than done” when traveling with a family by plane, but try to keep everyone’s belongings to a minimum, especially if you plan on purchasing souvenirs.
My newest discovery is packing cubes. Instead of using them at the start of our adventure, I use them in reverse. I pack our bags as I normally would, and when it’s time to come home I break out the packing cubes. This leaves room for items bought as well as clothing that expands after being worn.
I also save time (and money) at the airport by giving everyone their own carry-on bag.
Don’t Forget the Snacks
Whether you’ve got a 2-hour or 10-hour flight, snacks are a necessity when traveling.
We like to pack a zippered bag of portable family favorites to share on our journey, including fruit, nuts, and Frigo Cheese Heads string cheese. This combo seems to keep everyone full and happy until we’ve reached our destination.
Where are you planning to travel for Spring Break?
This Spring Break Tips post was created in connection with my appointment as a contributor to Frigo® Cheese Heads®.
Pam says
We always loved traveling for spring break! It was fun to visit Florida or South Georgia because it isn't as hot as I gets during July and August, but it was still warm enough to do things like play at the beach.
Catherine S says
These are great tips. We we visit our local beaches and theme parks. We are only an hour drive from Disney and Universal Studios. .
Brandy says
What a great place to go for Spring break, I love the beautiful photos!
Liz Mays says
This is great advice. A family-friendly resort is a great idea. I definitely have to bring plenty of snacks too.
Marcie W. says
These are great tips and I especially appreciate the information about booking flights. The kids will visit my inlaws in Calfornia for spring break while hubs and I have a relaxing staycation.
Ora Lee Gurr says
A free trip to Hawaii sounds great. We try to include the beach in our travels. Frigo Cheeseheads string cheese is one of the favorite snacks in my family, so I'll be entering the sweepstakes soon. You've really put a lot of good ideas into the blog post. Thanks.
Toni | BoulderLocavore says
We have not made a spring break trip plan yet. These are great tips, every one of them. Now I need to start planning!
Joyce Brewer (@MommyTalkShow) says
We haven't made any Spring Break plans yet. I'm so late with planning.
But I think a short weekend drive would be ideal to see family.
Seattle Travel Blogger says
Great tips for traveling - my sister also plans on going on a little trip with her daughter during this time.
You have a nice-looking family - great photos in general.!
Ann Bacciaglia says
These are great tips for spring break. I am heading to Florida with my Daughter for two weeks.
Tracey says
These are fantastic tips for Spring Break. I will definitely be using these tips the next time I travel.
Chrystal | Nevermore Lane says
It's been years since I have taken a legitimate Spring Break trip. I was in my 20s , in college and went over to Ft. Lauderdale. Thankfully I was able to stay with family next door in Hollywood. Had a great time. Maybe someday I'll take another Spring Break trip.
Veronica says
I was just talking to my intern today about what I would love to do for Spring break. definitely involves warmth and beaches
Crystal says
I wish we had spring break plans this year, but I'm just not sure. I need to check out the travel sites to see what hot deals there are.
Lisa says
Don't over plan is so important! We get so wrapped in wanting to do everything that we forget to leave ourselves time to relax and enjoy the vacation.
nicole escat says
What a great place to visit on spring break. and i like your room looks comfortable
Yolanda @SeeingItTheirWay says
We have starting not only checking if a resort is family friendly but that they have child care onsite as well so we can work in a little night life fun. Thanks for these awesome tips!
Tracy @ Ascending Butterfly says
Not sure yet, but I would certainly love to visit Hawaii so thanks for the heads up on the great contest! 🙂