Best and Worst Family Spring Break Vacation Spots of 2024

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Had a great trip to Barcelona. Easy direct flight, weather was good (mostly warmer than here with just a few drizzles), people are very friendly, food was great, many tourist attractions (Gaudi architecture is unique and beautiful), not too crowded, food is cheaper than here (!!), produce was amazing (fresh and flavorful), easy day trips by train including to beaches, great shopping (other than several days closed for Easter week), lodging was reasonable, felt safe everywhere. Overall a perfect spring break destination (and less crowded and hot than in summer).

I’ve heard that Barcelona is a hotbed for pickpocketing and theft. Did your family notice anything or feel the need to take extra precautions than you would here at home in DC?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Spring skiing at Deer Valley was fantastic this year. We got several powder days.

+1 Just got back from a first time vacation there and it was great. My teen was already asking to go back, before the vacation was even over. And this kid hates to travel, so that’s saying a lot, lol.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Currently in Puerto Morelos, MX, easy/cheap 3 hour flight from Baltimore, short ride south from Cancun airport, rented a penthouse on the beach, no need for rental car, good walkability, beautiful beaches, Mesoamerican reef snorkeling, safe and friendly area, cute local restaurants, small town feel. Our teens/tweens love it too!

Shhhh, don't tell anyone about PM!

Weirdo. Nothing about PM is a secret. It’s all over YouTube and Reddit. Has been for years.

[Anonymous]

How is Naples during spring break, anyone been?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We also went to Curacao and adored it. Took the Amtrak to NYC the night before leaving then direct to Curacao from JFK. Highly recommend. I have never seen such blue water as I saw at Grote Knip. It is a cliche actually but my jaw legitimately dropped.

We (me, husband + DS8) stayed at the Lions Dive essentially on Mambo Beach. We really enjoyed it-beautiful views and easy access to lots of dining options. I do think the Lions Dive wouldn't be for everyone as you can definitely hear the night scene from Mambo Beach on certain nights. It didn't bother us but I can see where others wouldn't be fans. A car rental is essential especially if you stay near Mambo Beach or Jan Theil as many of the beaches are 25-55 minute drives from there. Staying closer to numerous dining options was very important since we didn't want to have a vacation where we needed to cook. I feel like closer to some of the beaches that are mentioned in YouTube travel videos means fewer dining out options.

There wasn't a lot of information on here when I was trying to decide on things to do in Curacao so I watched a lot of the travel videos on Youtube. They were helpful but it still felt very overwhelming trying to decide where to stay, what to do, where to go, etc. If anyone wants additional info I will happily respond. I really loved the country, hope to go back, and hope others get a chance to see it as well.

We’re considering a family vacation to Curacao, thank you for your information about it. Did you happen to pass by the Marriott resort there? If so, is it in a good area?
How did your family like the food on the island?
Was the ocean safe for swimming?
Were the locals friendly?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How is Naples during spring break, anyone been?

FL or IT?

[Anonymous]

Disney was awful this week. Will be our first and last time doing that, I didn’t want to do it in the first place.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How is Naples during spring break, anyone been?

FL or IT?

FL

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Disney was awful this week. Will be our first and last time doing that, I didn’t want to do it in the first place.

I had considered a Disney trip for this past week, thinking the weather would be better than summer or winter. This makes me glad I didn’t, I guess. Did you visit Epcot? Going to see the topiaries at the FG festival is on my bucket list.

[Anonymous]

Park City UT. Highly recommend. Perfect weather and lower crowds.

[Anonymous]

We had a great time in St. Kitts and Nevis. Split your week between the two islands and enjoy. The weather was fabulous, and the people are much friendlier than some of the other Caribbean Islands.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We also went to Curacao and adored it. Took the Amtrak to NYC the night before leaving then direct to Curacao from JFK. Highly recommend. I have never seen such blue water as I saw at Grote Knip. It is a cliche actually but my jaw legitimately dropped.

We (me, husband + DS8) stayed at the Lions Dive essentially on Mambo Beach. We really enjoyed it-beautiful views and easy access to lots of dining options. I do think the Lions Dive wouldn't be for everyone as you can definitely hear the night scene from Mambo Beach on certain nights. It didn't bother us but I can see where others wouldn't be fans. A car rental is essential especially if you stay near Mambo Beach or Jan Theil as many of the beaches are 25-55 minute drives from there. Staying closer to numerous dining options was very important since we didn't want to have a vacation where we needed to cook. I feel like closer to some of the beaches that are mentioned in YouTube travel videos means fewer dining out options.

There wasn't a lot of information on here when I was trying to decide on things to do in Curacao so I watched a lot of the travel videos on Youtube. They were helpful but it still felt very overwhelming trying to decide where to stay, what to do, where to go, etc. If anyone wants additional info I will happily respond. I really loved the country, hope to go back, and hope others get a chance to see it as well.

We’re considering a family vacation to Curacao, thank you for your information about it. Did you happen to pass by the Marriott resort there? If so, is it in a good area?
How did your family like the food on the island?
Was the ocean safe for swimming?
Were the locals friendly?

-We didn't see the Marriott so I can't speak to it. From the map, it looks like it is probably 15-20 mins from where we stayed so similar drive times to various beaches.
-Plenty of really great food options. No issues there. Honestly, the hardest part to get used to is that they take the concept of "island time" to the next level. You just need to mentally prepare yourself for AT LEAST a 1.5 hour dining experience for every meal. We started factoring it in like ok, we'll be hungry around xx time so we should get there at xx time to wait for drinks, water, etc. wait an additional 1/2 before servers return to take your order, etc, etc. This was everywhere.
-The ocean was amazing. We encountered no riptides. Perfectly calm waters and felt super safe snorkeling with the 8yo. I did buy and pack a snorkel vest for him just to be extra cautious but really no significant waves to speak of and many beaches had none at all. The only warnings around were to pay attention for jellyfish.
-Locals were super friendly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We also went to Curacao and adored it. Took the Amtrak to NYC the night before leaving then direct to Curacao from JFK. Highly recommend. I have never seen such blue water as I saw at Grote Knip. It is a cliche actually but my jaw legitimately dropped.

We (me, husband + DS8) stayed at the Lions Dive essentially on Mambo Beach. We really enjoyed it-beautiful views and easy access to lots of dining options. I do think the Lions Dive wouldn't be for everyone as you can definitely hear the night scene from Mambo Beach on certain nights. It didn't bother us but I can see where others wouldn't be fans. A car rental is essential especially if you stay near Mambo Beach or Jan Theil as many of the beaches are 25-55 minute drives from there. Staying closer to numerous dining options was very important since we didn't want to have a vacation where we needed to cook. I feel like closer to some of the beaches that are mentioned in YouTube travel videos means fewer dining out options.

There wasn't a lot of information on here when I was trying to decide on things to do in Curacao so I watched a lot of the travel videos on Youtube. They were helpful but it still felt very overwhelming trying to decide where to stay, what to do, where to go, etc. If anyone wants additional info I will happily respond. I really loved the country, hope to go back, and hope others get a chance to see it as well.

We’re considering a family vacation to Curacao, thank you for your information about it. Did you happen to pass by the Marriott resort there? If so, is it in a good area?
How did your family like the food on the island?
Was the ocean safe for swimming?
Were the locals friendly?

-We didn't see the Marriott so I can't speak to it. From the map, it looks like it is probably 15-20 mins from where we stayed so similar drive times to various beaches.
-Plenty of really great food options. No issues there. Honestly, the hardest part to get used to is that they take the concept of "island time" to the next level. You just need to mentally prepare yourself for AT LEAST a 1.5 hour dining experience for every meal. We started factoring it in like ok, we'll be hungry around xx time so we should get there at xx time to wait for drinks, water, etc. wait an additional 1/2 before servers return to take your order, etc, etc. This was everywhere.
-The ocean was amazing. We encountered no riptides. Perfectly calm waters and felt super safe snorkeling with the 8yo. I did buy and pack a snorkel vest for him just to be extra cautious but really no significant waves to speak of and many beaches had none at all. The only warnings around were to pay attention for jellyfish.
-Locals were super friendly.

Can’t speak to it?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Had a great trip to Barcelona. Easy direct flight, weather was good (mostly warmer than here with just a few drizzles), people are very friendly, food was great, many tourist attractions (Gaudi architecture is unique and beautiful), not too crowded, food is cheaper than here (!!), produce was amazing (fresh and flavorful), easy day trips by train including to beaches, great shopping (other than several days closed for Easter week), lodging was reasonable, felt safe everywhere. Overall a perfect spring break destination (and less crowded and hot than in summer).

I’ve heard that Barcelona is a hotbed for pickpocketing and theft. Did your family notice anything or feel the need to take extra precautions than you would here at home in DC?

I’ve heard that DC is a hotbed for shootings and carjackings. Did your family notice anything or feel the need to take extra precautions than you would when you were in Barcelona?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We also went to Curacao and adored it. Took the Amtrak to NYC the night before leaving then direct to Curacao from JFK. Highly recommend. I have never seen such blue water as I saw at Grote Knip. It is a cliche actually but my jaw legitimately dropped.

We (me, husband + DS8) stayed at the Lions Dive essentially on Mambo Beach. We really enjoyed it-beautiful views and easy access to lots of dining options. I do think the Lions Dive wouldn't be for everyone as you can definitely hear the night scene from Mambo Beach on certain nights. It didn't bother us but I can see where others wouldn't be fans. A car rental is essential especially if you stay near Mambo Beach or Jan Theil as many of the beaches are 25-55 minute drives from there. Staying closer to numerous dining options was very important since we didn't want to have a vacation where we needed to cook. I feel like closer to some of the beaches that are mentioned in YouTube travel videos means fewer dining out options.

There wasn't a lot of information on here when I was trying to decide on things to do in Curacao so I watched a lot of the travel videos on Youtube. They were helpful but it still felt very overwhelming trying to decide where to stay, what to do, where to go, etc. If anyone wants additional info I will happily respond. I really loved the country, hope to go back, and hope others get a chance to see it as well.

We’re considering a family vacation to Curacao, thank you for your information about it. Did you happen to pass by the Marriott resort there? If so, is it in a good area?
How did your family like the food on the island?
Was the ocean safe for swimming?
Were the locals friendly?

-We didn't see the Marriott so I can't speak to it. From the map, it looks like it is probably 15-20 mins from where we stayed so similar drive times to various beaches.
-Plenty of really great food options. No issues there. Honestly, the hardest part to get used to is that they take the concept of "island time" to the next level. You just need to mentally prepare yourself for AT LEAST a 1.5 hour dining experience for every meal. We started factoring it in like ok, we'll be hungry around xx time so we should get there at xx time to wait for drinks, water, etc. wait an additional 1/2 before servers return to take your order, etc, etc. This was everywhere.
-The ocean was amazing. We encountered no riptides. Perfectly calm waters and felt super safe snorkeling with the 8yo. I did buy and pack a snorkel vest for him just to be extra cautious but really no significant waves to speak of and many beaches had none at all. The only warnings around were to pay attention for jellyfish.
-Locals were super friendly.

Can’t speak to it?

That is a very common expression- she can't give an opinion on it. Your ignorance is showing.