I know. You’ve barely recovered from summer and you’re rushing headfirst into the mess that marks every new school year: back to school nights, school supply lists, and paperwork, paperwork and more paperwork. However, my thoughts are drifting so sandy beaches and Easter baskets…in other words Spring Break 2018.
White Peacocks at Busch Gardens Tampa, Spring Break 2017
Spring Break 2018? Why? It’s Up in the Air.
I want to remind you that Southwest and Jetblue have released spring schedules. That means it’s prime time to find family award tickets for Spring Break 2018. School calendars are up for the entire school year so the dates are already set. In DC it’s generally the week before Easter.
If you want to go to Europe or further afield on miles you may already be too late. I’m already finding my top choice dates unavailable so it’s time to get cracking. Although this year we’ve seen so many Europe sale fares you might want to wait if you’re willing to fly coach.
So over the next few days you’ll find me deep into travel planning mode. Where to go? This year I really want to maximize that Southwest Companion pass so am looking at the Caribbean or maybe Mexico or Costa Rica. Or California. The great thing about Southwest is that I can book any number of itineraries and cancel them as I narrow down on the best one. I can even get a rebate if the price goes down.
Or maybe I’ll plan the one way car rental deal out of Florida…again. We’re already doing it into Florida in December so that may be overkill. However, Deal Girl and I loved Tampa and would happily go back. From Busch Gardens’ unexpected beauty to the magical swim with manatees that trip is definitely worth repeating.
Time to Strategize…Before Everyone Else Does
Based on last year’s Spring Break survey I know thinking this far ahead is an anomaly. That works to the early bird’s advantage. You can grab the best options long before the 80 percent of people who don’t even start thinking about Spring Break until after New Years.
Am I the only one that plans so far ahead? What trips are you planning? Please share your thoughts in the comments.
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I planned spring break soon after the southwest schedule opened up (also looking to use the southwest companion pass). BUT…scheduled to fly to Houston, overnight and then onto Puerto Vallarta. I’m assuming Houston will be fine by then. Just read scary article in Washington Post about drug violence in Acapulco. Hope I feel ok about Mexico in terms of safety. We’re also using the southwest pass for Rivera Maya area over winter break. At least with southwest you can cancel, but it is important to book everyone ‘s tickets with points so you don’t have money stranded after the one year mark!
Hi Kate,
Regarding safety in Mexico- I hear you. The State Dept does a really good job breaking it down by area and is usually current. https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings/mexico-travel-warning.html
Yep – I booked Spring Break as soon as the schedule opened. Using the Companion Pass to fly to Costa Rica.
Nice! Costa Rica is on the short list.
Wanna get aeays fares arent up yet…
They should be by now. In any case, you can grab seats and rebook for free when fares drop.
We booked February break trip to Puerto Rico in July. Earliest is usually cheapest rates on Southwest!
Hi Kris,
Usually true, but I have had situations where it paid to rebook. Be sure to keep an eye on fares.
My daughter just eloped today and they are moving to Tampa in a few months. So Tampa for spring break sounds great. My youngest daughter just turned 7. What should we see?
Congrats to your daughter! I can’t recommend Busch Gardens highly enough. It’s the “anti-Disney”. We also really enjoyed the Chiluily museum in St. Pete. It’s much more interesting for younger kids than most, but it is small so combine it with a beach day or something else.
Also looking at Spring Break with Southwest and Companion passes. My criteria through the end of next year is anywhere fun I can fly nonstop on Southwest.
I would highly recommend Costa Rica nonstop from BWI…but last I looked it’s only nonstop on Saturdays right now. An amazingly beautiful country, friendly people who are welcoming toward children, and great ecotourism. Car rental prices are often substantial with the mandatory insurance though.
I’ve often rebooked Southwest flights during sales. I also continue to monitor hotel prices and have rebooked those as well on a few occasions.
Thanks. I always sleep on BWI but need to get more familiar with their destinations. Non-stop holds a lot of appeal.