Its spring break season and if you haven’t decided where to go yet, why the heck not? Depending on where you may want to get some warmth at the beach or perhaps prefer the pleasant weathers of a European city. Here are my picks for Best Spring Break Destinations for Families.
Joshua Tree National Park, California, USA
With two distinct desert ecosystems, the Mojave and Colorado come together in Joshua Tree National Park to create a landscape awash in seas of yellowcups, purple mat, white blazingstars and beavertail cactus blooming magenta buds. A fascinating variety of plants and animals make their homes in a land sculpted by strong winds and occasional torrents of rain. Dark night skies, a rich cultural history, and surreal geologic features add to the wonder of this vast wilderness in southern California.
Book it: Get prices for Joshua Tree National Park hotels
Buffalo National River, Arkansas, USA
The Buffalo National River is located in the Ozark Mountains in Arkansas. The mild Arkansas weather means spring is a great time to enjoy the outdoor fun! The Buffalo River is perfect for family floats, and you can explore beautiful hiking trails and caves in the area. Local outfitters keep a
Book it: Get prices for Buffalo National River hotels
Dublin, Ireland
This is a great time of the year to visit Ireland as both airfare and hotel prices are lower and many attractions are not as busy as they would be during the high season. Unless of course, you go around St. Patrick’s day and then that’s a whole different story for the grandkids. Temperatures in Ireland warm by mid-March, flowers start to bloom and everything seems quite green even though the trees are not yet in bud. Guess that’s why they call it The Emerald Isle. Some businesses might close on St. Patrick?s Day and Easter Monday as both are public holidays.
Related Post >>> Best Road Trip Ideas Ireland
Book it: Get prices for Dublin hotels
San Ignacio, Belize
The best time to visit Belize is between November and April, making this accessible Central American destination ideal for a cheap spring break trip.
San Ignacio is located about an hour from nature reserves and caves like Jaguar Paw and Blue Hole National Park, and it’s only two hours from the famous Tikal ruins of Guatemala. It’s a great spring destination to enjoy beaches, culture, and adventure.?
Book it: Get prices for San Ignacio hotels
Washington, D.C. USA
The National Cherry Blossom Festival occurs every spring to celebrate the blossoming of 3,000 cherry blossom trees. These trees were gifted to Washington, D.C. by Tokyo’s mayor in 1912. With more than one million visitors, it’s the country’s biggest springtime festival and festival events include parades, pageants, art exhibitions, concerts,
The Festival runs March 20 - April 15; peak bloom varies by year and is predicted here
Book it: Get prices for Washington D.C. hotels
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is the perfect place if you want to capture a piece of history yet enjoy the comforts of modernization. Definitely an affordable option for spring break family travel, with a mix of architecture and indoor and outdoor activities - walk across the Chain Bridge and climb up to Buda Castle. The Fisherman’s Bastion looks a lot like Minas Tirith from Lord of the Rings. Across the river on the Pest side of the city, make sure you visit St. Stephan’s cathedral, Doheny Street Synagogue, or Budapest’s Central Market. One thing you cannot skip is a visit to one of the city’s many bathhouses and its warm spring waters.
Book it: Get prices for Budapest hotels
Lisbon & Porto, Portugal
A doubleheader and only a 3-hour drive apart are my top 5 spots for Spring Break 2019.
Lisbon is rich in history and food which you can experience in its many restaurants and markets. The pretty seaside city of Porto enjoys moderate temperatures all year round, meaning that it makes for a perfect weekend escape throughout all seasons. While it is likely to still be too cold for a full day on the beach, at this time you can already enjoy outdoor terraces and long coastal walks.
With its bright sunny days and mild temperatures, it is perfect for sightseeing. As the tourism high season doesn’t start until June, you can get a taste of local life which you miss in the height of summer.
Book it: Get prices for Lisbon & Porto hotels
San Salvador, El Salvador
Due to safety concerns, many travelers tend to overlook El Salvador even with its 186 miles of coastline! It is extremely affordable and can still be a safe destination for families to visit.
This tiny Central American country is home to 25 volcanoes and 14 lakes, with three distinct regions to explore. You can take a city tour of San Salvador, visit the famous Joya de Ceren (also known as the Pompeii of the Americas) archeological site, and travel along the Ruta de las Flores?a route of colonial and indigenous villages. Other inexpensive El Salvador tourist activities include hiking the Santa Ana volcano, visiting a coffee plantation, taking an indigo workshop, and surfing along the famous Pacific Coastline.
Book it: Get prices for San Salvador hotels
Vancouver/Whistler, Canada
Shoulder season (the travel period between the peak and off-peak seasons) brings deals to both the city of Vancouver and its neighbor, Whistler Blackcomb. From cherry blossom spotting to spring skiing, an affordable spring break in these two British Columbia destinations is a must.
Cherry blossoms come into full effect in April in downtown Vancouver, so enjoy the free and beautiful scenery as you explore areas like Granville Island and Stanley Park. Or, head to Whistler for the World Ski and Snowboard Festival in April and enjoy the warmer temperatures and apres ski vibes.
Book it: Get prices for Vancouver hotels
Los Cabos, Mexico
Tired of Cancun but still want to visit Mexico? Then head over to Los Cabos! With over 300 days of sunshine, your family will enjoy the snorkeling, camel rides, whale watching, surfing lessons and sunset cruises to the Cabo Arch. You can also explore the art community of San Jose or take some cooking classes. The variety of activities and resorts make a Cabo spring break the perfect choice for families.
Book it: Get prices for Los Cabos hotels
Orlando, Florida
This may sound cliched but spring break in Orlando is a must and a rite of passage for all children. The home of theme parks with Walk Disney World, Universal Studios, SeaWorld, Aquatica,
Related Post >>> Orlando, USA - A Winter Sun Holiday Destination
Book it: Get prices for Orlando hotels
Hallstatt, Austria
The fairy tale town of Hallstatt in Austria is real. Picture perfect at any time of the year, the Austrian city really comes to life during springtime when the cherry blossom is blooming (can you see the theme yet?) and a glass mirror lake reflects the entire scene back at you.
Book it: Get prices for Hallstatt hotels
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam + Spring = Tulips in Bloom!
While there are many reasons to visit Amsterdam (some of which I cannot mention as this is a family blog), this is especially so in and around April when these iconic flowers are in full bloom. Don’t expect beach weather around this time but it does mean fewer tourists around and more time to enjoy the beauty of the canals. While you are in the Netherlands, try to visit the famous Alkmaar cheese market, the traditional windmills in Zaanse Schans and Anne Franks’ House.
There’s only one word for Amsterdam in Spring, and that word is tulips. While Amsterdam is always worth a visit, this is especially so in and around April when the iconic flowers are in full bloom. Head to Amsterdam in the springtime to visit the city with fewer tourists around and to enjoy the beauty of canals surrounded by greenery.
Book it: Get prices for Amsterdam hotels
Paros, Greece
Like all Greek Islands, Paros is no exception is worth a visit. Head to Paros in late spring to experience history, great food and a sea warm enough to swim in!
Book it: Get prices for Paros hotels
Stockholm, Sweden
Okay, this may be a bit left field for a spring break destination but spring in Sweden is a welcome break from the hard weather and colder months unless you live in Dubai as I did and then you go from pleasant to COLD! If you want to maximize the amount of spring greenery you’ll see, make sure you visit from April onwards. Highlights of visiting Stockholm include the Bergius Botanical Gardens, cycling paths, and hiking trails up and out of the city.
Book it: Get prices for Stockholm hotels
London, UK
Although the weather can still be chilly and rainy, let’s face it, the weather in London can be crummy any time of year, so why not visit when the tourist crowds and pricing are not as intense as during peak summer travel?
St James’ Park is relatively compact, beautiful for strolling, and easy to pair with other prime attractions such as Piccadilly Circus, Buckingham Palace, and Trafalgar Square. Hampstead Heath is another local favorite with playgrounds, ponds, and pretty views. There are loads of fun activities happening around Easter Weekend as well.
Book it: Get prices for London hotels
Granada, Spain
Though the Spanish city of Granada can get particularly hot during the summer months, spring provides the perfect opportunity to experience Granada at the best temperatures. While in Granada, be sure not to miss the medieval architecture and numerous castles and fortresses.
Book it: Get prices for Granda hotels
Gdansk, Poland
The Northern Polish town of Gdansk is filled with history - museums, 17th-century lookalike Dutch-style architecture and all the pierogis you could ever ask for. This is truly a hidden gem of a city in Central Europe. If you into castles, you have hit the jackpot! Malbork Castle is the largest castle in the world and is located just an hour’s train ride from Gdansk.
Book it: Get prices for Gdansk hotels
Seville, Spain
Sun, sun, sun, and more sun. If you want to visit one of the very best Spring break destinations in Europe and be guaranteed some good weather, then you need to look no further than the Spanish city of Seville. Filled with Roman ruins, pretty architecture, and plenty of Spanish cuisines, you can?t go wrong by heading to the vibrant city ASAP. And in April, the Feria de Abril is held; a spring festival that?s perfect for those wishing to experience Spanish culture on a deeper level.
Book it: Get prices for Seville hotels
Things to know before visiting Europe in the spring
While the weather is much better than that of the winter, prices are generally cheaper and crowds are fewer than in the summer. Though there is certainly going to be less rain than during the coldest months of the year, showers are still fairly common across much of Europe and so you’ll want to bring a good umbrella or light rain jacket. Be sure to also bring a great camera along as there are plenty of great photo opportunities to be had around almost every corner.
P.S. As someone who spent close to 20 years working in insurance, I strongly recommend buying travel insurance if you are going on holiday. It costs a fraction of your holiday but covers the potential risk of the entire holiday. You can read my post on why you need travel insurance.
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Helllo Tarun! I just wanted to say I love the theme of your site! very vibrant and interesting. It’s very true that most review websites don’t contain enough information for you to make a decision on where you actually want to travel too! your review was very thorough and informative. Great topic to promote and educate people on! Keep up the good work!
Hi Jeniqua!
thanks for the love and appreciation! glad you love it! its comments like this that keep me motivated to go on writing!
You just made me wanna pack my bags and head for a vacation, LOL! I have to bookmark this page. Just two days ago I was sharing with friends that I need a few days break and then I stumble on your website. This coincidence is a welcomed sign that a vacation is beckoning! You know what IM off to share this article with my friends and family, We’ve got a vacation to plan! Woo-hoo!
Hi Funmi,
I think we all need to take a break every 2 weeks even if its just for 3 days and visit somewhere new!
let me know where you went and how great it was!
Thank you Tarun,
I’m always on the lookout for new places to travel with my family. After the twins were born we didn’t do major travel for 7 years (I know!!) but have since taken it up again and have travelled with them to the UK and NZ a few times in the last couple of years, from Australia. It’s much easier to travel together now, and it’s safe to say we have the travel bug. Finding family friendly options can be a little challenge but one we are up for!
You’ve given me some great ideas there. I think Spain and Austria will definitely be on the list. We might save the U.S. for a separate trip. So many possibilities! Thank you!
Wow Melissa! you definitely raking up the Airmiles with those flights! 🙂
yeah spain is beautiful and very kid friendly! im sure your twins will love it!
Oh every single place you had listed in this article looked appealing! Traveling is a big dream of mine and you helped create quite a list for me! I appreciate your helpful tips as well as the time of year that’s best to visit. I thought you explained everything so well and with enough detail to leave others wanting to go on vacation right away! Thank you for providing such great insight!
Hi Randi,
Glad you enjoyed the post! which place was your favourite from the list?