Last Minute Spring Break Travel Ideas – As Seen on TV!

Didn’t book your Spring Break travel yet? You’re not alone.

In the New York area moms have been exhausted by a winter of Hurricane Sandy, snow storms, and, well, our children.

This morning I shared some great ideas for affordable get aways on WCBS-NY’s “Live from The Couch” this morning. If you missed the segment, or are looking for the links I referenced on air, all of the information is here! Too lazy to read? I get it, watch the video.

Washington, D.C.

Just a quick 3 hour and 45 minute drive from New York City, D.C. is a great spot for a quick family trip.

Don’t miss:

National Cherry Blossom Festival. It runs from March 20th to April 14th, their blossom filled parade is on April 13th. In addition to enjoying the gorgeous trees, a gift from Japan in 1912, there are literally hundreds of family activities. Most events are free and open to the public. Check the website for details and participating hotel deals.

Spy Museum. Hands down a favorite attraction for kids and grown ups alike. It is the only public museum dedicated solely to espionage. On display: lipstick pistols, shoe phones, and the Enigma Cipher Machine. You can go “undercover” and complete missions, even sign up for Spy Camp. They just opened a 007 exhibit, sadly Daniel Craig is not on display. Make sure to avoid a line and book your tickets online, trust me.

Bureau of Engraving and Printing. Everyone also refers to this as the “Mint”, it’s not. This is where the green stuff gets printed. You can literally watch as millions of dollars are created before your eyes. Yes, security is high. This is a kid favorite. Tickets are free, they are distributed from the ticket booth starting at 8:00am, however during peak times you’ll want to be there earlier.

You can even book a condo in Washington, D.C. and have all the convenience of being at home.

Jay Peak Resort

You don’t need to fly out west to enjoy fabulous spring skiing. Jay Peak Resort is planning to be open for t-shirt and shorts skiing until Cinco de Mayo this year. In addition to some fab skiing, families can have a ball in the new 60,000 square foot water park The Pumphouse. The water park is attached to slope side Jay hotel. You can even boast you surfed in Vermont in their double barrel flow rider that creates a standing wave. Currently they are offering some great deals for families, check out their Ski/Splash/Stay packages online. A family of four can hit the slopes for as little as $295 per night, lift tickets, accommodations, and access to the water park are included in the price. Bring your passport with you as Canada is only 90 minutes away. With free childcare for children ages 2-7 it’s easy to sneak off for a little fun across the border.

Great Wolf Lodge

This indoor water park is a ridiculous hit with the kids. There are eleven Great Wolf Lodge’s around the nation, the closest to New York City is an hour and thirty minutes away in the Poconos. It’s 84 degrees in the massive water park that has everything from zero entry pools for the babies to jaw dropping slides for the thrill seeking teens. For mom there is an Elements Spa, a bar, and the knowledge that your kids are in heaven. They even have a Scooops Spa for aspiring fashionistas to get ice cream themed manicures. Great Wolf is not on the budget side of things, even the smallest room will run you around $500 a night. Thankfully they have a special right now, book online and use the code MOREFUN for 20% off on a two night stay.

Montreal

Can’t get to Paris in the springtime? Drive to Montreal.

In just under 6 hours from New York City you can be eating pain au chocolat and sipping champagne in French speaking Montreal. Montreal is the second largest city in Canada and famous for it’s history and enchanting architecture. You’ll want to tour the charming town of Old Montreal. It was once a fortified city, some of the buildings date back to the 17th century. It is one of the oldest urban areas in North America. Montreal is also a gourmet food lovers dream come true.

If you get there before March 21 you can see the amazing snow village. They built a replica of New York City COMPLETELY out of snow and ice. In the village is an Ice Hotel where you can spend a chilly night for about $269 Canadian dollars. You can also just tour the village for about $15, they have an ice slide, a Ice Bar and a an entire restaurant made of – you guessed it – ice.

If you’re not keen to hit the Ice Hotel check out the Montreal Sweet Deals Promotion from now until May 31st. There are 30 participating hotels with rates
as low as $99 per night, the most expensive hotel is the Ritz at $405 per night. Your second night is 50% off AND they give you a coupon book with discounts for local activities worth up to $500.