Choosing Your Spring Break Trip

When you start planning spring break, it’s easy to jump straight to the question, “Where should we go?”

A better place to begin is: “What kind of trip will work for our family?”

How much time do you have?

Start with the length of your holiday.

4-5 nights - If you only have four or five nights, a direct flight and a simple itinerary will make the most of your time.

1 week - For a full week, an all-inclusive vacation can be a great fit.

More than 1 week - If you have longer, you may be comfortable travelling farther or dividing your time between two locations.

Who’s going?

Next, consider the ages of everyone travelling.

Young children - Families with young children may prioritize short transfers, calm swimming areas, kids’ clubs and easy access to (kid!) food.

Teens - Families with teens might want water parks, excursions, shopping or more freedom to explore.

Adults - Adults travelling without children may prefer a quieter resort, spa time or a destination with great dining and evening entertainment.

What’s your budget?

Keep your trip stress-free by vacationing within your budget.

What's included - Think beyond the advertised package price and include baggage fees, airport transfers, meals, activities, resort fees and tips. Don't forget souvenirs!

All-Inclusive - An all-inclusive resort in Cancun, the Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos or Huatulco can make budgeting easier because many expenses are included upfront.

For this reason, Mexico continues to be one of my most popular spring break bookings.

Consider flight length

How does your family handle flying?

Non-Stop - A nonstop flight from Calgary can make a big difference, especially on a shorter trip or travelling with children.

International - Mexico offers several possibilities, while seasonal nonstop options may also take travellers to destinations such as Liberia, Costa Rica, or Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic.

Domestic - For those who would rather stay in Canada, Vancouver, Victoria, Toronto, Montreal, or the Maritimes can all offer a very different kind of spring break.

Sun…or snow

Next, ask everyone to choose sun or snow.

Sun - If the goal is warm weather and pool time, Mexico, Costa Rica or the Caribbean may rise to the top.

Snow - If your family would rather ski, explore snowy mountain towns or relax beside a fireplace, a Canadian getaway could be the better choice. Staying within Canada also means Canadian citizens can travel domestically without a passport, although acceptable government-issued identification is still required for air travel.

Check passports!

Passports should always be checked early when planning an international trip.

Passport & Visa - Make sure everyone’s passport is valid for at least 6 months post-trip and review the entry requirements for your chosen destination. 

Do not wait until the final weeks before travel to discover that someone needs a new or renewed passport!

Adventurer or beach bum...

Be honest about activity level.

Adventurer - Does your ideal trip include ziplining, snorkelling and sightseeing? Costa Rica could suit an active family interested in wildlife and adventure.

Beach bum - Would everyone be happier moving between the pool, beach and buffet? An all-inclusive resort in Mexico may be better for travellers who want activities available without having to plan every day.

How much downtime do you want?

Finally, decide how much downtime you actually want.

Reconnect & build memories - A packed itinerary may look exciting, but spring break is often a chance to reconnect and recover from busy routines.

Sometimes the best plan is one memorable excursion with plenty of unscheduled time around it.

Let's Go!

Ready to choose? - Now you can see that the right spring break destination is not simply the most popular one. It’s the place that fits your time, budget, travel style, and the people coming with you. Once those pieces are clear, choosing where to go becomes much easier.

Let me help you get there!