We love to get away for Spring Break, and really need the time off from our hectic schedules, but the usual ski resorts and theme parks are just more of the same--crowds, lines, ugh! Any place where we can go to have fun (with our kids, ages 6 and 9), relax, and not trip over double strollers?
We hear you. While we can't promise to bring back the glory days of Spring Breaks Past (when all you needed was a bottle of baby oil, a bikini, and a few bucks for gas), we've got some suggestions. Our favorite winter destinations are fun, not frenzied. Here goes:
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Many So-Cal families high-tail it to Mexico for their Spring Break, which means you can take advantage of smaller-than-usual crowds at family faves like Knott's Berry Farm, Disneyland, Universal Studios, the Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific, and, of course, the beach. The Long Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau offers discounts and special offers. For more information click here.
EUROPE
Spring Break season is a great time to consider taking your bunch across the pond. Airfare and hotel prices come down considerably from November through March in most European locales. Plus, you'll be hanging with the locals, not hordes of other tourists. Sunny Greece is a great value this year, as is Ireland. Talk to your travel agent about the best deals available from your home city.
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
While we can't deny the pleasures of the Caribbean islands, we've visited several of them during Spring Break season and were struck by the crowds and hustle-bustle, especially when cruise ships disgorged thousands of passengers on main streets and beaches. The buzz is, the Dominican Republic offers the same natural assets, but at better prices and with fewer crowds. Call 888-358-9594 for info.
JAY PEAK, VERMONT
Psst.... Fans compare Jay Peak to the Austrian Alps, yet it's blissfully uncrowded. Located in northeast Vermont, just five miles from the border of Quebec, Jay gets more natural snowfall than any ski place in the East--about 318 inches, on average. Stay at the Hotel Jay or Jay Peak condos. There are five restaurants, not much in the way of nightlife (but when did you last take advantage of that?) and all the usual rentals and lessons. Call 800-451-4449.Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Originally published in January 2001. Updated April 2006.
