Of course spring break isn't just for college coeds, but sometimes it sure feels like that. The last thing you want to do is take your kids to a spring break hot spot and be embarrassed by the antics of wild teens and 20-somethings taking a break from the books. What's a family looking for a little fun in the sun to do? Read on for five places where you can take your family for a fun and wholesome spring break getaway.
For the family that truly wants to get away from it all, head to Daufuskie Island, a largely undiscovered gem situated between Savannah and Hilton Head Island. Accessible only by ferry via Hilton Head or Savannah, the island's pristine tranquility is a haven for the family seeking solitude. The tiny island boasts two championship golf courses, a world-class spa, tennis, horseback riding and fishing as the main activities. Tennis, riding and golf lessons are all available for the kids or for the whole family. The beaches are vast and unspoiled -- you likely will not see another soul as you walk their length. You can explore the island's trails and wildlife by renting a golf cart or biking -- no cars allowed.
There is only one hotel on the island, the pet-friendly Daufuskie Island Resort and Breathe Spa. There are also vacation rentals available. Escape to nearby Hilton Head Island for even more golf and tennis, or head to nearby Savannah for some city stimulation.
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Situated in the northeastern-most part of Florida, Amelia Island is not only beautiful but also peaceful. It has managed to escape much of the commercialization that plagues other parts of Florida, and as a result doesn't attract the typical college spring-breaker. The island is rich in history and has been under the rule of eight different flags -- the most of any place in the United States.
But if your kids aren't looking for a history lesson on their school vacation, skip it and head straight to the beaches. There are plenty of opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, fishing and kite flying on Amelia Island's shores. If the family tires of the sand, head to Fernandina Beach for strolling. This charming city is a celebration of the Victorian era and boasts restored mansions and manicured lawns along Centre Street, the main drag.
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Kids want nothing more than to play on the beach? No problem -- San Diego offers 70 miles of sandy fun. Mom and Dad are museum junkies? Balboa Park offers a collection of the world's finest in one place. And when you're ready for something you'll all enjoy together, you can head straight to the San Diego Zoo or Sea World -- because no matter how young or old you are, these places always please. Get more ideas in Taking the Kids: Three Days in San Diego.
San Diego is small enough to feel manageable and large enough to offer plenty hotels and restaurants for every budget. You can easily take in all the city's attractions in a few days and have plenty of time left over for building sandcastles.
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If you're worried about how the area of Mexico known as the Mayan Riviera is recovering from the effects of Hurricane Wilma in October 2005, worry no more. A recent trip to the area verified that resorts, beaches and activities are open and in full swing -- in fact, the beaches of the Riviera Maya are actually longer as a result of sand that washed down from the beaches in nearby Cancun. Though the two areas are often associated with one another, the fact is that the Riviera Maya suffered much less damage than Cancun during Hurricane Wilma.
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Marvelous Mexico
The Riviera Maya is chock-full of family-friendly, all-inclusive resorts for all budgets. One standout is the Barcelo Resorts. These resorts give families a variety of options for dining and activities like water sports and nightly shows. When you're ready to leave your resort, the Riviera Maya offers visitors giant water parks with snorkeling and dolphin encounters, ATV jungle and zip line canopy tours and snorkeling tours along the Great Mayan Reef, the largest coral reef in the Western Hemisphere.
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Since JetBlue added low-cost service to Hamilton last spring, a vacation to Bermuda has become a more reasonable family option -- and you can save even more by keeping your eye open for promotions from the Bermuda Tourism Board. Bermuda is still pricey enough that you will find few partying college coeds. What you will find are pink sand beaches and golf courses galore as well as excellent shopping and dining choices. But perhaps the best thing about Bermuda is its close proximity to the East Coast -- about a two-hour flight.
Besides the beaches, your kids will love exploring the island with you on a motor scooter or by horseback. They can swim with dolphins or explore the Crystal Caves and pan for hidden gems.
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