When this time of year rolls around, we have to face one certain truth: We are a pair of moms who adore summer vacation, but who need spring break. Maybe your family is perky enough to prance right through the midwinter doldrums--if so, please tell us how you do it. For our part, we turn bleaker than the weather by mid-February, suffering from a surfeit of book reports, flu bugs, and blizzards. A clean break from reality, if only for a long weekend, is necessary medicine for our gang.

Nothing puts spring back in our step like planning a getaway, especially if we can score a deal. As well-traveled moms with a combined total of 24 spring breaks under our belts (carefree coed years not included), we've done it almost every way it can be done: cheap, pricey, sun-drenched, snow-covered, urban, rural, and way off the beaten path, just for starters. On the following pages, you'll find a few of our favorite slush-season destinations; some will let you escape for a song, while others definitely demand a splurge. Our guarantee? Each delivers plenty of bang for the buck--and so much fun, you'll forget that summer is still a few months down the road.

Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Originally published in March 2002, updated February 2005.