Cheap spring break trip ideas

[Anonymous]

Hi! I have my three upper elementary kids to myself for spring break and can’t afford to jet them to the Caribbean or Mexico for anything like that. Any ideas for a budget friendly getaway that would make us feel like we had a real break? Though about the auto train to Orlando but it sounds kind of miserable. Grateful for any ideas!

[Anonymous]

When my kids were younger and we wanted an easy, budget vacation our go-to was always Williamsburg. Tons of affordable lodging options, easy drive, access to Busch Gardens, Colonial Williamsburg, etc.

What is your budget? If you really want FL, have you looked for flights on off days? Like leaving Sunday or Monday and coming back Thursday? We’ve sometimes found deals that way.

[Anonymous]

I like the feature in Google flights where you put in your home airport and then search entire countries/regions for non-stop flights for your dates.

See what comes up as cheap/reasonable and decide if its interesting.

[Anonymous]

Williamsburg/Jamestown/yorktown/busch gardens

[Anonymous]

I often suggest flying into Phoenix for a budget friendly trip that feels like a real getaway from the east coast. It's hot, you can swim in a hotel pool, and the landscape is other-worldly.

[Anonymous]

I think Auto-Train to Florida would be about as expensive as flying to the Caribbean.
I did a quick check, and to fly from DC to San Juan is $515 on Southwest. This sounds pretty reasonable for Puerto Rico, during spring break.

If you want to go to Orlando, it's an easy drive and a good way to save money. I would much prefer driving to Orlando than the auto train. Drive to SC/Georgia and getting a hotel is better than sleeping on a train IMHO.

The Phoenix suggestion is a good one...maybe combine it with a trip to Grand Canyon? If you're family likes parks, I always recommend Las Vegas or Salt Lake as a launching point.

[Anonymous]

Last year we did Baltimore (aquarium and zoo) for 1 night and Great Wolf Lodge for 2 nights. My 11yo said it was her favorite sprint break ever!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Last year we did Baltimore (aquarium and zoo) for 1 night and Great Wolf Lodge for 2 nights. My 11yo said it was her favorite sprint break ever!

Sounds great. I have actually never been to the zoo in Baltimore, the free one in DC spoils me. I do like the aquarium in Baltimore. Did Great Wolf with kids when they were younger. We went in the winter, which I think is a great time to go there. Spring break works too.

[Anonymous]

If you are willing to drive, I'd suggest Hilton Head or Myrtle Beach. It won't be true beach weather but you can still play in the sand, ride bikes, putt-putt golf, maybe an indoor pool and other stuff. And there are so many varied accommodation types to choose from.

I love Disney but to me, it's just too expensive now so that's why I'm not suggesting you drive to Orlando.

[Anonymous]

Pittsburgh - waterfront parks, museums, food, ball game

Philadelphia- historic sites, food at the indoor market, aquarium

Asheville, NC - hiking, ziplining, local food and drink

[Anonymous]

We went to Hilton Head several years for spring break and it was great. Bike riding - heated pools, putt putt.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We went to Hilton Head several years for spring break and it was great. Bike riding - heated pools, putt putt.

OP here. I like this suggestion (and Myrtle Beach above). Any specific hotel recommendations?

[Anonymous]

We took the train to Savannah it was great! Kids are half price, book in advance.

[Anonymous]

Are any of the beaches in Florida swim able in late March?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When my kids were younger and we wanted an easy, budget vacation our go-to was always Williamsburg. Tons of affordable lodging options, easy drive, access to Busch Gardens, Colonial Williamsburg, etc.

What is your budget? If you really want FL, have you looked for flights on off days? Like leaving Sunday or Monday and coming back Thursday? We’ve sometimes found deals that way.

This is always such a great trip.