Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you decide to buy a product or service we recommend.
Spring is just around the corner, spiking the interest of many families in the United States. The tradition of family recreational trips during spring break has been around in the US for generations, but recent events have changed this generational dynamic.
One of these events is the rising inflation in the United States. The data from Google Trends shows that the interest for the search term “family spring break” in February decreased by 15% compared to last year.
Although multiple routine aspects have settled in the post-covid era, spring break still lurks in the shadows — and inflation is the reason why. Inflation has been targeting US families since 2020, owing to the pandemic.
The good news is that spring break has come to light this year. Despite inflation, families can still take memorable spring trips by visiting these hotspots. Here are a few options.
Hershey, PA
According to CNBC, consumer saving is down by 4% this year. Nevertheless, Hersheypark remains the ideal spring break destination for kids.
You can save money on Hersheypark tickets by buying them online or during your stay. Hence, instead of buying tickets for $68.95, you can get them at the bargain price of $51.60. You can also save money by purchasing parking tickets online or through free coupons.
Hersheypark offers a variety of free activities that you can enjoy with your kids, such as concerts, meet and greets with Hershey characters, entertaining shows and free rides.
You can stay at Hershey Lodges or the Hotel Hershey for spring break.
Yellowstone
Yellowstone, the world’s first national park, is the home of 500 geysers, hot springs and canyons. Yellowstone is perfect for spring break if your family loves a good hike and outdoor adventure.
The entrance fee for Yellowstone is $35 per vehicle, $30 per motorcycle, and $15 per person without a car. Fill your backpack with your hiking essentials and water bottles to make the most of your experience.
Old Faithful, Mammoth Hot Spring and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone are a few of the must-visit attractions. Camping on-site is also a fun way to make your trip more memorable.
Staying within the premises of Yellowstone is expensive. You can stick to your budget by staying at nearby West Yellowstone, Gardiner and Cooke City lodges.
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., is the pearl in the oyster of American history. It’s a great destination if you’re looking for an educational spring break.
In Washington, D.C., you can learn about (and experience) American history without spending a dime. That is because historical monuments and museums are all free of cost.
The National Mall, Lincoln Memorial, Memorial Museums and the White House are some of the places you can visit for free. During springtime, the cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin are a must-visit.
Although a trip to Washington, D.C., is almost free, the travel and lodging expenses are high. A few affordable lodging places include Highroad Hostel D.C., HI Washington D.C. Hostel, Hotel Harrington and the River Inn.
Traveling to Washington, D.C., is pricey, but you can save up to $100 on flight tickets through travel packages.
The Grand Canyon
One of the world’s seven wonders, the Grand Canyon, is an excellent destination for spring break. You can enjoy breathtaking views and exhilarating hikes at every corner of the Grand Canyon.
If you’re considering visiting the Grand Canyon on a budget, plan your trip during the off-season — which is the ideal time to see this natural wonder. You can save additional money by staying there for several days without paying an entrance fee. Eating at cafes and bringing your own bike are other ways you can save more cash.
A trip to the Grand Canyon requires investing in traveling and lodging. Including air travel, the estimated cost for a family of four is around $2000. Two affordable resorts are Maswik Lodge and Yavapai Lodge.
Bangor and the Maine Highlands
Home to more than 200 waterfalls, the Maine Highlands is the most-visited hotspot for families wishing to spend their spring break closer to nature. From wildlife sightings to mountain climbing, every inch of this destination is recreational.
You can experience water rafting, moose sighting and fishing with your kids. You can also visit various sporting camps to enjoy the outdoors. The state parks are a mandatory go-to for a refreshing family getaway.
Lodging in the wilderness is slightly costly, so some affordable options are found in Bangor, Orono, and Greenville. The rates begin at $180 for a night’s stay, which is much cheaper than on-site hotels.
To stick to the budget, you can plan your hiking trips on trails and reconnect with nature.
Custer State Park, South Dakota
Custer State Park is a spring break destination in South Dakota that can’t be missed. Covering an area of 71,000 acres in the Black Hills, Custer State Park is a resort full of wildlife and adventure opportunities.
The major feature that makes this destination notable is the abundance of buffalos and goats roaming the vast hills. You can participate in buffalo roundup and hunting: a wildlife experience you won’t forget!
Other fun activities you can enjoy with your family include hiking, fishing, bird watching and boating. You can even save money by bringing your fishing equipment and binoculars to enjoy nature free of cost.
The entry fee for Custer State Park is $20 per vehicle. You can stay at a local Airbnb to make the most of your memorable spring trip.
Thousand Islands, New York
If you want to spend springtime near the waters, Thousand Islands is a great choice. With over 1864 tiny islands floating on the Saint Lawrence river, you and your family can have the spring getaway of your dreams.
You can enjoy multiple water-related activities at Thousand Islands, such as fishing, boating and rafting. In addition, Thousand Islands is famous for its classic castles. The fare for these castle trips varies from $11 to $30.
At Thousand Islands, there are multiple resorts and lodges for your stay, such as Honeyville Manor and Bonnie Castle Resort and Marina. They have very affordable rates, starting from $68 to $120. You can also choose to stay at campgrounds and cottages.
Even though inflation is not where it used to be, you can still spend a memorable time with your family by visiting these hotspots. Spring break will not last all year, so plan your getaway immediately to spend quality time with your loved ones.
Just set a budget and choose your hotspot spring break destination accordingly. With these helpful tips, sticking to a budget will be easier.
This article was produced by Financially Well Off and syndicated by Wealth of Geeks.
