Inexpensive but fun Spring Break 2017 family trip

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, here is what we do because we like to get away for spring break but don't want to break the bank. Look into various flights to Florida - some good airports to try are Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville. Try to find flights around $200 RT pp. Sometimes you have to leave a day early and/or come home a day or two early.

So that's $800. Then go on VRBO and find a nice condo on the beach within a reasonable drive of whatever airport you fly into. 5 nights x $200-$250 is $1000-$1200. Food/rental car will put you over budget but if you are thrifty you could maybe do it for $2500. Especially if you take either a smaller condo or one not directly on the beach. Cook a good amount of your food at the condo.

This is our 3rd year doing it - no its not exotic by DCUM standards but we enjoy it and its a nice break from DC winter for a price that doesn't break the bank for us.

Good luck!

OP has 3 children---so it would actually be $1000. Also, with 3 children, it will probably limit the cars they can comfortable fit themselves plus their luggage in--If they use a stroller, pack and play, etc for the 2 year old that could take up all of the trunk room in a smaller car. Add in the regular luggage and they might need to get an SUV/minivan--which are pricey!

[Anonymous]

Driving someplace then camping is a good way to take an inexpensive vacation. If you are gone for a week, you could even stay in a hotel once or twice but camp the rest of the time (assuming a road trip where you are already moving from place to place).

This was just a long weekend, but we had a fun time with this itinerary, which could be expanded:
-Fort Frederick State Park
-Cumberland Maryland
-camp at Ohiopyle State Park-- you can hike, boat, etc.
-Fort Necessity
You could keep going and see stuff in Pittsburgh for a couple of days

Also, the historic triangle/Norfolk/VA Beach should be doable within that budget if you can find an inexpensive place to stay.

[Anonymous]

Busch gardens and historic Williamsburg

[Anonymous]

Drive to Florida and go to Discovery Cove and the beach. You can do the drive in one day.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, here is what we do because we like to get away for spring break but don't want to break the bank. Look into various flights to Florida - some good airports to try are Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville. Try to find flights around $200 RT pp. Sometimes you have to leave a day early and/or come home a day or two early.

So that's $800. Then go on VRBO and find a nice condo on the beach within a reasonable drive of whatever airport you fly into. 5 nights x $200-$250 is $1000-$1200. Food/rental car will put you over budget but if you are thrifty you could maybe do it for $2500. Especially if you take either a smaller condo or one not directly on the beach. Cook a good amount of your food at the condo.

This is our 3rd year doing it - no its not exotic by DCUM standards but we enjoy it and its a nice break from DC winter for a price that doesn't break the bank for us.

Good luck!

OP has 3 children---so it would actually be $1000. Also, with 3 children, it will probably limit the cars they can comfortable fit themselves plus their luggage in--If they use a stroller, pack and play, etc for the 2 year old that could take up all of the trunk room in a smaller car. Add in the regular luggage and they might need to get an SUV/minivan--which are pricey!

Ok fine. Obviously a trip with 5 is going to cost more than a trip with 4. I was just explaining how we get away somewhere warm for spring break without breaking the bank.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Busch gardens and historic Williamsburg

Np.
I'm considering this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Drive to Florida and go to Discovery Cove and the beach. You can do the drive in one day.

NP. Discovery Cove is not cheap. pretty sure we spent ~1k just for the day for five people last time we were there. And we didn't get to do the new snuba experience because the kids weren't old enough.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Busch gardens and historic Williamsburg

Np.
I'm considering this.

We've done this several times. It's a wonderful time of year to go.

[Anonymous]

With that many kids I'd do one of the indoor water parks in Williamsburg or the Pocono's.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:With that many kids I'd do one of the indoor water parks in Williamsburg or the Pocono's.

Not to be a wet blanket but I think Great Wolf is $500+ a night during school breaks. I've never been able to justify it.

[Anonymous]

If your kids like Water parks, you can get a family suite at Great Wolf Lodge in Virginia for about $280/night in March. Go for 4 nights which is $1100 and then $900 extra for food, gas and extras.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:is Kiawah warm enough at spring break time?

Unless you are super lucky, not warm enough to swim. But warm enough to enjoy walks and bike rides on the beach and miles and miles of trials. Also could combo it with visiting Charleston.

We did a spring break trip to Kiawah and it was lovely. In the 60s to mid 70s every day. We went swimming in the ocean one day and the water was chilly but it was one of those... if you stay in long enough you'll get used to it things. Kids splashed in the waves every day. Beach was pretty empty and the golf courses and restaurants weren't busy. Would definitely go back. But, this option will only work for OP if willing to drive there (@8.5 hours) -- will break budget if fly to Charleston, rent car, and drive from there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If your kids like Water parks, you can get a family suite at Great Wolf Lodge in Virginia for about $280/night in March. Go for 4 nights which is $1100 and then $900 extra for food, gas and extras.

Spring Break is in April. I doubt it will be $280 the two weeks around Easter.

[Anonymous]

Nothing is inexpensive during spring break.

[Anonymous]

Hi! OP here! Thanks for all of the wonderful suggestions! I think we are gonna try Hilton Head, NC. We are going to drive overnight and book a house on www.vrbo.com. We've have year passes to Water Country USA and Busch Gardens and we did Great Wold Lodge the week that school let out for summer. We actually go there a couple times of year when the Groupon deal comes out.