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Aching for a Spring Break
By Karen Asp

Spring break fever has hit, and the family is almost surely looking for a quick getaway to enjoy the change in season. But where? Turns out there are some simple strategies for planning a family-oriented spring break that will please everyone. Just follow this advice from Lauren Goldenberg, owner of The Family Traveler — a family travel specialist agency in Bala Cynwyd, Penn. Then get the scoop on three great destinations for spring breakers.

• Hold a powwow with your family. "Knowing the needs and desires of your family is important," Goldenberg says. Especially if your kids are older, gather the family to discuss where everybody wants to go. Of course, not every need can be met, and budget restrictions will come into play. But giving your kids a vote about whether you go for sun or snow can help keep the peace. If, though, one faction wants sun and the other wants snow, agree to do one this year and the other next year.
• Consider the logistics. Ease of getting there (Goldenberg suggests booking trips with as few layovers as possible) and bedding requirements (i.e. how many beds will your family need?) are two factors that should be considered. Also, will you need childcare during your vacation? If so, you'll need to be pickier about where you stay.
• Once you've chosen your destination, do your homework. "The more you plan ahead, the more you can relax and enjoy the trip," Goldenberg says. You might also consider letting each child choose a family activity or excursion each day of the trip. That gets everyone involved and makes for a more memorable experience.
• Be realistic on expectations. If you haven't made plans, it's time to get moving. Popular spring break locations can get fully booked early on. "You can book trips now, but your choices may be limited," Goldenberg says. The moral? Next year, plan your spring break months in advance so you can book the trip you want.

Once you have an idea of what type of trip you want to take the family on. Choose your destination and accommodations wisely. Here are a few suggestions.

If you're seeking snow, head to: Park City, Utah
Why it's cool: Located only 45 minutes from Salt Lake City, Park City boasts three resorts — Deer Valley Resort, Park City Mountain Resort, and The Canyons — to choose from. Hit the slopes the same day you fly in, and with a valid plane ticket, you'll ski free. (Pre-register at www.parkcityinfo.com to receive your vouchers.) Not into skiing or boarding? Go snowshoeing, cross country skiing, or dog sledding; visit Utah Olympic Park and take a skeleton or bobsled ride or see a freestyle aerial show; or wander Main Street where you'll find restaurants, art galleries, and souvenir shops. If you're there from March 26 through April 4, attend the Canyons' spring festival for a pond skimming competition, free concerts, and '80s dress-up day with live music.

If you're seeking an easy, breezy beach destination, head to: Sunny Isles Beach, Fla.
Why it's hot: This little town just 20 to 30 minutes from Miami and Fort Lauderdale offers some of Florida's best surf and sand. Recreational activities abound along the 2.5-mile beach, perfect for building sand castles and playing paddleball. Fun non-beach excursions include heading to Everglades Holiday Park for an airboat tour and gator show (for a small fee, your kids can hold a gator); hitting Aventura Mall for shopping or dining at over 280 stores and restaurants or seeing a movie at the 24-screen theater; or exploring the Miami Seaquarium, where you'll find sharks, killer whales, manatees, crocodiles, dolphins, sea lions, and numerous other animals.

If you're seeking a tropical beach getaway, head to: Big Island, Hawaii
Why it's hot: Hawaii is always a fun location to take the entire family. And while Maui might pop into mind first, the Big Island certainly offers its fill of activities. You can spend your vacation soaking up the sun on beautiful beaches and participating in numerous watersports. Two to try: Stand-up paddling (where you stand on a board and paddle) and the Hawaiian sport of outrigger canoeing. But one of the island's main attractions is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where you can hike, take guided tours, and, depending on the volcanic activity, see live lava flow.

Interested in hitting the beach or the slopes for Spring Break this year? Travel there on American Airlines or one of our oneworld partners. Book your flight now using our Fare Finder tool or the Book Now link located at the top of this page.