The family budget is tight this year but that doesn't mean that you have to deprive yourself or your kids of a little spring getaway to bid this long winter a fond farewell. There are plenty of recession-proof options available for local and slightly longer distance travel.
Orlando
What family with younger children doesn't think about going to Orlando? This theme park mecca and home to what most believe is the best Disney park, recognizes its attractiveness to families and can offer a reasonably priced spring break. The Orlando Visitors Bureau (www.orlandoinfo.com) offers a number of packages that take in key attractions like Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Sea World and can hook you up with well-price family friendly accommodation options. At the Orlando World Center Marriott (tel. 888-999-6753; www.marriottworldcenter.com) families can stay connected with the two-room package deal in play this spring. A night's accommodation in a resort-view room with one king bed and a guaranteed connecting room with two double beds is priced from $269 through May 3, 2009. The Marriott's 200-acre outdoor playground provides an oasis of excitement for all ages with six pools, a 106-foot waterslide, six whirlpool spas, daily poolside activities and championship golf. For reservations, use rate code LLR. Three days advance booking is required.
At the Renaissance Orlando Hotel at SeaWorld (tel. 800/380-7917; www.renaissanceseaworldorlando.com) and get two connecting rooms with the resort's Stay for Breakfast package starting from $159 per night. This offer is valid through June 16, 2009. To make your reservations ask for promotional code S4B. At The Villas of Grand Cypress Golf Resort (tel. 877/330-7377; www.grandcypress.com) enjoy a Grand Family Getaway from now through May 31, 2009, and children can enjoy the same activities as the parents at no charge; their dinner is free with your paid dinner, their golf is free with your paid golf, their room service breakfast is free with your paid breakfast. In addition, you'll receive a special family welcome amenity. Room rates start at $189 per night for club suite accommodations. Valid for children aged 17 years and under with one child free per paying adult.
Book by March 15 and stay between now and May 15 at the family friendly, three-star Liki Tiki Village (www.likitiki.com) located seven miles from Walt Disney World. Book for two to four nights and receive a discount of 40% over regular accommodation rates if you book online. Or stay five or more nights in a one- or two-bedroom family unit and receive a discount of over 40%. For example, a three-night stay in a one-bedroom condo with a queen bed in the master bedroom and queen pullout sofa in living area starts from $109 per night; if you stay five nights of more the rate drops to $76.50 (that's per condo unit, not per person). All units are non-smoking and rates include a Harbor Pass with free mini golf, bumper and paddle boats.
Cruising
Cruising is another great option that gives you the freedom to enjoy your getaway without worrying about how much all the extras like meals and activities will add to the price. Kids of all ages seem to love the sea and the cruise ship becomes a giant theme park for them. Family Cruise (tel. 800/338-4962; www.familycruies.com) specializes in departures that are geared towards family groups with discounted prices to match. Some of the deals currently on offer for spring sailing include:
- Fast Deal #18635: a four-night cruise aboard the Carnival Imagination, departing from Miami on March 30 visiting Key West and Cozumel Mexico is priced for $309 per person (adult or child) with accommodation in an outside cabin- representing a saving of 67% off the brochure price
- Fast Deal #27394: a five-night cruise aboard the Celebrity Century, departing from Miami on April 11 visiting Ochos Rios Jamaica and Grand Cayman is priced for $449 per person (adult or child) with accommodation in an outside cabin
- Fast Deal #20809: a five-night cruise aboard the Carnival Imagination, departing from Mobile, AL on April 11 visiting Merida and Cozumel, Mexico is priced for $419 per person (adult or child) with accommodation in an ocean view cabin -- representing a saving of 63% off the brochure price.
Skiing
If you're not quite ready to don those shorts and T-shirts let alone a bathing suit, maybe layering up and staying cool will work better for you and your children. Spring skiing is the perfect option for those who love the snow but not necessarily the bone-chilling temperatures that more often than not go with the peak winter season. Park City, Utah (tel. 800/331-3178; www.parkcitymountain.com) is offering what they call their Extraordinary Family package for late season and spring break getaways. The Extraordinary Family package gives you a great deal on slope-side lodging and lift tickets at Park City Mountain Resort starting at $192 per person/per night late season, based on double adult occupancy with the kids staying for free. The package includes three nights lodging for two adults and two children (aged 12 and under) and two adult two-day lift tickets to Park City Mountain Resort. Taxes and fees are additional. Children six and under ski free and there are discounted children's lift tickets (ages seven to 12) are available for purchase. So a three night skiing vacation for two adults and two kids six years and under starts from $1,152, including your slope-side ski-inÂ?ski-out accommodation and lift tickets.
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