WASHINGTON 鈥� If this brief stint of springlike weather has you yearning for patio dining, evening walks and warm weekend escapes, you鈥檙e not alone.
True, it won鈥檛 be long before chilly temps return 鈥� an unwelcome reminder that it is still winter, and will be for several weeks 鈥� but you don鈥檛 need to wait for spring to start planning your spring break.
From action-packed day trips to all-inclusive packages, family and travel writer has a few suggestions to help you get a jump-start on spring travel.
Staycation
If a whole week of vacation is too expensive for your budget or too impossible for your work schedule, Ochoa said even one night away can do wonders 鈥� and you don鈥檛 need to venture very far.
For those in the D.C. area, Ochoa recommends booking a hotel downtown for a change of scenery. Spend a day at the museums or an evening out eating. And consider access to an indoor pool if you have little ones. This time of year, especially, the water provides hours of entertainment.
鈥淛ust get away from your normal environment,鈥� Ochoa said.
All-inclusive family fun
For a longer escape with an emphasis on all-inclusive activities and family bonding, Ochoa recommends the lakefront resort in Pennsylvania鈥檚 Pocono mountains.
The nightly rate includes lodging, food and an endless list of entertainment options 鈥� snow tubing kayaking, rock climbing, cooking competitions and more.
鈥淭he whole family participates, from little kids to teenagers,鈥� Ochoa said.
鈥淎nd I have to say, the food is fantastic.鈥�
Because the drive takes about five hours from the D.C. area, Ochoa recommends staying at least two nights. When the weather is warmer, water sports are a focus at the resort. There鈥檚 also a spa, a golf course and games targeted toward teens.
鈥淵ou really have this family vibe,鈥� Ochoa said.
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Destination Delaware
About two hours north from D.C. is Wilmington, Delaware, which Ochoa said is a great option for those looking for one or two nights away. The city has a lined with shops and restaurants 鈥� plus, there鈥檚 a children鈥檚 museum, a history museum and a replica of the Dutch-built ship, all within a few blocks.
Wilmington鈥檚 biggest attractions, however, are the DuPont mansions. Touring estates and gardens may not sound like a fun time for kids, but Ochoa said these destinations cater to children. has family programs for visitors of all ages, plus an 鈥淓nchanted Woods鈥� fairy-inspired garden, where kids are free to run and explore.
鈥淚t has all these underground passages that kids can play in,鈥� Ochoa said.
is another safe bet for kid-friendly tours and K-12 programming. And not far from downtown Wilmington are the wineries of Brandywine Valley 鈥� perfect for an afternoon of picnicking and relaxing.
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Day trip to Baltimore
There鈥檚 a reason our neighbor to the north is known as “Charm City” 鈥� and all of that charm is just a short drive, or train ride, away.
The start of spring means the beginning of baseball, and a trip to Camden Yards is always a good time. Fells Point is a go-to neighborhood for shopping and dining, and tours of Fort McHenry will please history lovers.
鈥淥bviously the aquarium is a big hit in Baltimore,鈥� Ochoa said 鈥� but so are a few other museums.
The showcases an impressive railroad collection, plus there鈥檚 a kid zone and train carousel. And Ochoa said don鈥檛 forget about , even for little ones.
鈥淭hey have little scavenger hunts that they can do; it鈥檚 a really beautiful museum, and kids will actually love it. This is not just an adult museum,鈥� she said.
Those looking to stay more than one day can find luxurious rooms at , which Cond茅 Nast Traveler readers the best hotel in the country. Ochoa said the is a great option for families looking in a more modest price range.
