It's hard to decide where to go during January through April: head to the snow? Do a Caribbean escape? Try an Arizona dude ranch (which won't be open in summer-time)? Head to a fun city for Chinese New Year or a St. Patrick's Day parade?
1. January - February Vacation Ideas
"Nature Ride", Rancho de los Caballeros, AZ. Photo © Teresa Plowright.
Check out: dude ranch in Arizona; International Snow Sculpture Championships, at Breckenridge Colorado ski resort; Quebec City Carnival; New York City and London, at bargain rates; great cities to visit during February, Black History Month; and Chinese New Year celebrations in many cities.
2. Valentines' Day Getaways - for Families
Photo courtesy of Ritz Carlton Amelia Island.
Yes, it is possible -- at least theoretically-- to combine romance and a family trip, thanks to the magic of the kids clubs offered at nearly all resorts. Check out the Four Seasons and Ritz Carlton brands; Hershey PA; all-inclusive Club Med Sandpiper in Florida (with great kids programs, and Baby Club Med); Disney World luxury resorts; and more.
3. Spring Break 2011
Washington DC cherry blossoms, and Jefferson Memorial. Photo © JakeMcGuire.com.
These ten suggestions for family spring break include: Orlando, of course, and other Florida destinations; Washington DC 's National Cherry Blossom Festival; springtime preview of Hersheypark, in Hershey PA; resorts with indoor water parks; in California, LEGOLAND, or "Surf City USA", and more; ideas in the Southeast US; spring skiing, all inclusive beach resorts, water park resorts...
4. More Ideas for Spring Break 2011
Maple syrup season getaways - photo courtesy of Sweet Retreat Guesthouse & Sugarworks.
Spring break is also a great time to visit Vancouver BC, where you can hike, bike, or sail, and then hit the ski slopes a half-hour away; to get out into the countryside in New England or Quebec, for sweet treats during maple sugar season. Many cities have a St. Patrick's Day parades on March 17; and at Easter ( April 4 2010), you'll find Easter egg hunts, parades, and egg rolls in many cities and even on the ski slopes. Later in April, Louisiana has family-friendly music festivals.
5. Kids Fly Free to Disneyland
Photo courtesy Alaska Airlines.
This promotion deserves a mention for longevity: it returns year after year, and runs right through from January to April (or longer), making either a good winter vacation or spring break getaway.
