As the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, it’s the perfect time to take a family vacation! Gas prices are certainly a drag right now, but you can still get away without spending a fortune.
We are wracking our brains, trying to figure out where to go for Spring Break this year. Like your family, we want to create great memories, go somewhere that has lots of access to kids programs and get a good value. And hopefully get in a little adult rest and relaxation, too!
According to Travel & Leisure magazine, here are this Spring’s top 5 family destinations:
1. Monterey Bay, CA – Portola Hotel & Spa $179/night
Located in California’s beautiful central coast, this hotel has just undergone a major renovation!
The Portola Pirate Program is perfect for 3 – 10 year olds. An interactive scavenger hunt begins from the moment your family checks-in.
I have stayed at the Portola Hotel & Spa pre-renovation and it is a lovely hotel.
Plus, the world famous Monterey Bay Aquarium is known for its incredible and educational exhibits and is within walking distance along the scenic Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation.
2. Cape May, NJ – Congress Hall $139/night
Think of this getaway as a G-rated version of the Jersey Shore with gorgeous green rolling hills leading right to the ocean. Don’t forget to pack your sunscreen!
3. Washington, DC – Fairmont Hotel $209/night
Located in Washington’s fashionable West End and adjacent to historic Georgetown, the Fairmont is the perfect place to be for the 100th anniversary of the 3,000 Yoshino cherry trees presented by the Mayor of Tokyo to the City of Washington as a “memorial of national friendship between the United States and Japan.â€
Also, the Panda Package will please the animal lovers in your life and is in honor of the giant pandas, Mei Xiang and Tian Tian housed at the National Zoo.
4. Lake Oconee, GA – Ritz-Carlton, Reynolds Plantation $199/night
With over 35 acres of shoreline, your spring break can be filled with fishing, kayaking and all sorts of fun water play, with gracious southern hospitality to boot. The championship golf course and world class spa are an added bonus! Plus, the kids will love the giant bonfire on the property, perfect for making s’mores!
5. Nassau, Bahamas – Atlantis $209/night
Speaking of water play, why not an island getaway? 2000 rooms, 40 restaurants and 141 acres of water parks, including a lazy river, dolphin adventures and tons of slides, but don’t take my word for it…
Parents magazine chose this luxury family-friendly resort as one of their Top 10 Best Family Beach Resorts in 2010 for its outstanding accommodations, extraordinary amenities and stunning white-sandy beaches. “The best family vacation destinations are both fun for kids and relaxing for adults,†says Dana Points, editor-in-chief of Parents. “The beach resorts on our new list are affordable, yet they offer perks that moms and dads will remember from their pre-kid days. These resorts grant everyone’s vacation wishes–from kiddie pools to swim-up bars.â€
For more kid-friendly hotels, visit Parents list of the 10 Best Hotel Chains for Families: 2012 edition.
Wherever your Spring Break takes you, have fun, be safe and send me a postcard!
Photo credit: Deeezyy
