Spring Break 2016: Travel Agents Dish on the Perfect Family Getaway

by Lisa Iannucci
Last updated: 11:30 AM ET, Fri February 19, 2016

Photo courtesy of Thinkstock

Spring break is a short vacation break during the school year, so both parents and children can relax and re-energize. But where can parents go that isn't crammed with college kids who are also enjoying some much-needed down time?

"Most families want to go to someplace all-inclusive, like Beaches and Turks/Caicos, because there are things for kids and adults to do," said Deanna Tracey, owner of CDT Travel in Newburgh, New York. "Personally, I like Mexico; especially the Cancun Riviera. There are awesome hotels that you can go to and so many things for your kids to do."

Tracey recommends the new Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana, a Karisma Gourmet Inclusive Resort that has 208 suites and a Pineapple Villa in honor of you-know-who (SpongeBob Squarepants). Located on Uvero Alto Beach, just 60 miles north of Punta Cana Airport, Deanna calls it a "whole new experience for kids."

Tom Carr, president and CEO of All Inclusive Outlet says that this time of year tends to be one of the more expensive periods for travel to all-inclusive resorts, but the options are endless in terms of resort styles and budgets.

"The Riviera Maya offers a plethora of options when shopping for family spring break packages," said Carr. "Additionally, many of these resorts put restrictions on the 'college' type spring break travelers so families can avoid the chaos of a resort filled with all-night parties."

During spring breaks that are schedule in either February or March, Jolie Goldring, Luxury Travel Consultant with In the Know Experiences, a Virtuoso agency based out of Manhattan, said that her top booking is for ski trips. "The Four Seasons at Jackson Hole, Wyoming is less touristy," she said. "Jackson Hole is a classic western town that in only the last 20 years has been developed with luxury lodging."

For families who are looking for a warmer break, she suggests Sea Island, Georgia, located approximately 50 away from Jacksonville, Florida. "The Cloisters for Families is amazing," she said. "The Cloister Main Building is more formal and has regular rooms and suites, The Beach Club is perfect for families with residence style accommodations and located right at all the fun pools (water slides, splash pads), kids club facilities and beach."

Want to go even farther away? "Costa Rica now offers non-stop flights and a combination of a beach resort and an eco-lodge feel, which is a juxtaposition of the experiences that country can offer. The Hotel Punta Islita (beach) sister property to El Silencio Lodge, the Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica or Andaz Peninsula Papagayo are great options."

However, she cautions parents that Costa Rica isn't really suited for young children. "You have to be cognizant of your child," she said. "The infrastructure and the roads have gotten better, but you can't easily move from place A to B, so keep that in mind when booking with children."

While it's cold in parts of the States, now is the time to get your spring break planning started. "A great travel agent can provide this expert guidance to ensure the best fit is found for the family," said Carr.

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