by Camilla Persson

Created on: February 09, 2010   Last Updated: February 18, 2010

With spring break just around the corner, it is time to start looking into your options. Whether you are in the mode for sunshine or snow, a luxurious getaway with your family or a fun-filled adventure, there are plenty of alternatives. Why not gather the family and check out some of the destinations available and vote on where to spend your vacation?

If you are longing for sunshine, Florida cannot be overlooked, especially if you have younger children. The most obvious reason is Walt Disney World in Orlando, which will provide entertainment for days. As most children love water and animals, why not combine the two and visit Seaworld, an amazing aquarium and the water park Aquatica? Stay at a Walt Disney resort for the fun of it.  

An alternative is to go skiing, instead. Snowmass, near Aspen, is an ideal family resort with a great ski-school and an adventure centre to entertain kids after they had their lessons. The Silvertree resort in Snowmas village is a perfect base, within only minutes of ski-rentals and restaurants. Il Poggio restaurant and the Village Steakhouse are within close walking distance of the resort.  If you are looking for a ski-free day, why not go to the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park? There you can ride the scenic tram, explore caves or relax while watching a 4-D movie.

Although it is harder to please teenagers, there are options that are sure to satisfy any teen. Why not go to the big Apple? New York has plenty to offer, from shopping to musicals, the Statue of Liberty to Central Park. Pick a chain hotel near your main interests and have dinner near Broadway. The city that never sleeps is guaranteed to keep you busy for the entire break.

Most teenagers love the beach so soaking up the sun in California or Florida is always a good alternative. Many beaches and resorts cater for both young and old, and with jet-skis, para-sailing, hang-gliding, go-carting and various water parks, they are sure to be entertained for the week.

If affordability is key, why not try and do something a little different? Rather than heading off to one of the highly advertised family beach resorts, a trip the Grand Canyon could prove to be the vacation of the year. Although it is more expensive to stay inside the park than just outside, a few nights in the Grand Canyon itself could be magical. There are a variety of lodgings with Kachina- and Thunderbird Lodge being suitable options for families.

Inside the park, the choices of restaurants are limited but do try and get a reservation at the El Tovar Dining Room, you will not regret it. Once in the park itself, there are numerous activities which will suit most interests and ages. Why not spend a day looking at the wildlife or hike to one of the historical sites? The Desert View Watchtower offers you a 360 degree view of the Grand Canyon, the Tusayan Museum will tell you about the life of the Pueblo Indians and if you want to buy native arts and crafts, go to the Hopi House. If you or your children feel more adventurous perhaps a mule trip down the canyon or some white water rafting will get your heart pumping.  Some of the above activities will be a bit on the expensive side but as you are outdoors most of the time, there are plenty to do on a smaller budget.

What are you waiting for? Pick your favorite and head off for that perfect spring break.

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