Spring Break last minute travel plans
By Sue Loudon
You had a bad day at work, the weather forecast is for colder, snowy weather and you hit a bad pothole driving home! It’s time to say, “Let’s go somewhere warm NOW!” Spring break for schools is coming too soon to get reservations, right? Wrong!
“Yes, it is best to book spring break travel a year ahead to get the cheaper prices and more selection at popular destinations but there are still last minute possibilities,” said Lisa Layton, local travel agent. “You might try a different idea for spring break. I have booked a family to spend spring break in Washington DC. It’s not the traditional beach vacation but it’s less crowded now than in the summer and the weather is fine in the museums and government buildings. If you were planning on an educational family trip sometime, maybe now would be a good time.”
Southwest flies to Phoenix, Arizona from Kansas City if you would like to see the Royals play a spring game in Surprise, AZ a suburb of Phoenix. Round trip air costs about $600 and hotels can be expensive at this time of year. Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa in Paradise, AZ runs about $800 a night. A ticket to a Royals spring game is a bargain at under $25.
It might be cheaper to fly and stay in Las Vegas, Nevada but that might depend on if you gamble, play golf, shop or lay by the pool and enjoy the sunshine. Jeff Bollig of Ascendas Travel in Mission, KS recommends a T.P.C. Buddy Golf Package at $899 for 3 nights in a hotel on the Strip with golf privileges. Some hotels include some instruction and food in the package.
You need to be flexible with air travel times for March 2019 dates. You may need to fly very early or late depending on the days you want to travel.
Would it be possible to fly to Miami and get a bargain rate on an unsold cruise ship cabin? “Not this year”, said Jo Anne Weeks, Ascendas Travel. “The weather has been so bad in so much of the country and it started so early in the year people booked cruises early so ships are leaving Miami full and some with waiting lists.”
Mexican beaches have been a good possibility for a spring break warm weather get away. Southwest airlines now offer some packages to Cancun, Mexico that include all-inclusive hotels on the beach. Riu Caribe is an example. It is $1,406 per person, $2,812 total package for two that includes golf and a spa plus food and drinks. Southwest offers 3,000 Rapid Rewards points if you buy this package.
Need a more budget friendly escape? How about driving about 4 hours to Branson,MO? It has been warmer there and it’s family friendly. Bill Bondon, at bransonlocalbusinesses.com, suggests Grand Country Resort on highway 76. It has 319 rooms,indoor pool,shows, shops, indoor Go-Karts and mini golf. If it’s just a get-away for two, then The Branson Hotel on Main Street with a no children policy and elegant restored rooms might be just the perfect, relaxing location.