News from Taking the Kids

March 9, 2012
Scoring a good deal on spring break

Dear family travelers:

Spring Breaks aren't just for college kids anymore.

Ski resorts are packed with families. So are cruise ships and beach hotels. Many families use spring break time to tour campuses and favorite cities while others go visit Spider Man, Shamu, and Mickey Mouse.

So many families now visit Orlando in March and April that Visit Orlando claims they're the Family Spring Break Capitol welcoming more families than any other destination.

It's not too late if you haven't planned a spring break. Nor do you have to bust

the budget to get away with the kids in March or April.

I've taken my kids-and assorted friends and relatives-on spring breaks all over the country and beyond. Here are her 10 tips for a last-minute affordable getaway:

1. Go for three or four days rather than a week. Remember, hotels in cities typically are cheaper on weekends while you'll save more midweek in resort areas.

2. Alternate pricey activities and attractions with free ones. Make sure each member of the family has a say in the itinerary. There's nothing better in Orlando, for example, than hanging out at the hotel's humongous pool.

3. Look for packages that allow you to book air, car and hotel at one time, like those offered on www.orbitz.com and www.travelocity.com and www.expedia.com. You will save hundreds of dollars.

4. Comparison shop on line. Sites like www.kayak.com and www.bookingbuddy.com can help you compare rates on everything from car rentals to airfare; sites like www.Jetsetter.com and www.luxurylink.com can save you big bucks on lodging.

5. Drive rather than fly to catch your cruise ship-there are well over two dozen ports to choose from. (www.cruisecompete.com is a leading discounter while www.cruisemates.com offers a good guide to family cruising).

6. Opt for ski resort deals touting free lift tickets for kids like Aspen/Snowmass or extras like The Canyons in Utah, or Keystone in Colorado. The website Ski.com can put together well-priced packages. Consider smaller, less expensive areas closer to your home. The end of ski season in early and mid April typically spells terrific discounts with lots of special activities and festivals.

7. Spring training in Florida and Arizona offers baseball fans a numerous opportunities to meet players and see pre-season games in a relaxed, small-town atmosphere with hotel deals in every price category. .

8. Go with another family (or the grandparents) and save significant bucks renting a condo where you can spread out and cook some of your meals. Rent directly from an owner at VRBO.

9. Don't be shy about asking for upgrades, a better rate, resort credits. Remember, these places need and want your business.

10. Spend a few days in a major city near your home. Stay in a hotel, visit the children's and science museum, try a new restaurant, see a local theatrical production.