Where NOT to Go for Spring Break (And Where to Go Instead)

Somehow, Spring break is different across the country, so that means it really lasts six weeks or so, no matter where you live or when you travel for your own holiday. There are certain destinations that just draw all the vacationers for Spring Break and make doing things more difficult, lines longer and rates much more expensive. If you want to save money – and absolutely need to get away for the Spring Break holiday – then these top ten destinations (compiled by CheapOair) should be off your list and planned for another time of year. 

Book Your Spring Break Travel

Start looking for more nontraditional destinations for our trip if you want to evade the most crowds. 

• Avoid Florida altogether and head north to Myrtle Beach, SC where great deals on beachfront condos can save you a ton and keep you close to the action.  
• Want to go somewhere more exotic? Bermuda has some fantastic options for its shoulder-season (which falls before May).
• If you aren't too concerned about getting some sun and working on your tan, Vermont calls the budget-minded skiers with rock-bottom lift tickets and up to 30% off accommodations. 
• Portland is neither covered in snow or bright and sunny this time of year. Our crowds show up mid-May and stay through the start of the school year, so now's the time to visit for affordable lodging and to spend your savings from that on the many local microbreweries and wineries. This is also a great time to get outside and do some outdoorsy activities like hiking, biking or bird watching. (Here are some other ideas for you.)

• While everyone else is flying south, why not pack a coat and visit Washington, DC. With so many free attractions – museums, national landmarks, etc. – you can fill a few days or a whole week really easily. Flights aren't crazy expensive like for other destinations, which means you'll really only need to worry about dining. Luckily, it's easy to find cheap eats around the city. (Here are just a few ways to fill your itinerary.)
• If you'd rather go somewhere warm and wear your summer clothes early, try a getaway to San Diego. You can enjoy the sun and everything they have to offer from the San Diego Zoo to Balboa Park with its 15 museums, play areas, hiking and biking trails, gardens and variety of restaurants and cafes. You don't have to go far to find things to entertain everyone in your travel party.

If you're planning a trip for Spring Break, I've got more tips coming, including how to pack your bag, so you only fly with a carry-on, and my next newsletter will be full of apps to keep the kids busy on the plane, in the car or while waiting to do something. If you aren't signed up for my twice-monthly newsletter full of extra tips and deals, sign up now so you aren't missing out:

Where will you be spending Spring Break? Not going anywhere, but still want to make the most of your time? Check out my Staycation Pinterest board.

Let’s Be Spies: The DC Spy Museum

Stealth and espionage always sounds so cool, right? Of course it does. James Bond is so suave and has all those fantastic gadgets. Well, after a visit to the International Spy Museum in Washington, DC, I was both more intrigued and far more impressed by those that actually lived their lives as someone else. There were so many awesome gadgets from all decades of spying, but first-hand accounts of spies in the real world and ways to test your own skills as a master spy.

Can you keep cool under pressure? Can you remember you cover story? How to answer in-depth questions about your secret identity? Spot a suspicious person on the street? Find clues from other spies? You’ll find all these things out and more at the Spy Museum.

Our visit fell during the 50 Years of Bond exhibit that had tons of trivia and memorabilia from the James Bond films. Unfortunately, there was so much there that we had to rush through half of it, so I would suggest getting to the Spy Museum when it opens instead of mid-afternoon, because you’ll likely need half the day to see everything there is. Between the displays, videos and interactive elements – not to mention the extensive gift shop – you’ll notice time slipping away quite quickly. Your admission ticket includes re-entry, so you can leave to have lunch and then return when you’re refreshed and ready to do more spy stuff.

Remember that telephone shoe from Get Smart? Want to know where the concept came from? Real spies!

Ever wonder how spies connect with each other and pass along information without giving themselves away and also getting murdered in the process? Important data can be encrypted, or more likely hidden in objects, like what appears to be litter on a rarely used road, a coin and in between the layers of postcard.

What about weapons? Spies have a lot of them, hidden in everyday object. They may not be as sophisticated as those you see in movies, but they are definitely innovative. One of my favorite old shows was the Avengers with Emma Peel and John Steed. Mr. Steed, ever the gentleman, wore a bowler and carried a fancy umbrella that was used to aid him in fighting bad guys. It concealed a sword for those he needed a little extra help with. This wasn’t so farfetched, because they actually existed.

So, what happened to spies who got caught? Nothing good. None of them ever were able to go back to their normal lives, and the majority of them were killed, brutally. Even the best spies were always one step away from being found out.

During your visit, you’ll have the chance to pick your cover identity and soak in the information of this person. See how well you retain the information in just a few minutes to be able to answer questions at checkpoints throughout the museum. Will you slip up or are you a master liar? Eric and I both took pictures of our alternate identities, just in case, but I was able to easily answer questions about where I’ve been, what I was doing in the country and how long I planned to stay.

If you want to do many things in DC, then take a look at the NOW Pass for DC, which is what we bought in order to get the most of our money and time.

Who’s Your Favorite TV/Movie Spy?

An Animal-Lover’s Guide to Tampa

Florida is known for many things – the beach, theme parks, retirement communities – but you don’t often hear of it as a destination full of unique animal encounters. Last month I shared my Tampa Wish List, but if you're interested in visiting Tampa too, it's possible you're going to go for more than 3-4 days and you'll want to do things other than we do. Tampa offers visitors more than the standard zoo, which makes it a wonderful destination for animal lovers of all ages. Along with the sunny, warm weather and the proximity to the beach, Tampa could well be your perfect getaway all year long.

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Big Cat Rescue

The largest accredited big cat rescue facility in the world is located in Tampa. When cats are abused, mistreated or not able to be properly cared for, BCR takes them in and gives them a new lease on life. Large felines live out their lives in natural habitats, where they will get the attention they need and deserve, while also being spokescats for visitors who would like to know more about how they can get involved and also help change the world around them.

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Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center

Located in the discharge canal of the Big Bend Power Station in Apollo Beach, the Viewing Center was created when it was discovered that Tampa Bay’s manatees would seek the warmer waters of the canal as the waters of the Bay became too cool for them. At the Viewing Center, you can learn about Tampa’s environment and weather, how it affects the animals and view manatees in their natural surroundings. The power station uses environmentally friendly practices to supply power to the community, while providing a reliable sanctuary for these endangered animals.

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Lowry Park Zoo

A true animal lover is not going to balk at visiting a zoo; especially one voted #1 in the U.S. by Parents Magazine. This 56-acre park is jam-packed with animal activity, education and interactive experiences. Most zoos only offer views of animals from behind a barrier. At Lowry Park Zoo, you can get up close and personal with critters in a variety of attractions: Giraffe Feeding, White Rhino Feeding, Lorikeet Landing, Bushland Budgies, Wallaroo Station and Stingray Bay. Little ones and their parents will greatly enjoy this unique animal haven.

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Florida Aquarium

Over 20,000 plants and animals reside in this 250,000-square-foot aquarium. Take the journey of a drop of water, originating in one of Florida’s fresh-water springs, until it makes it to the Gulf of Mexico. Along the way, you’ll explore wetlands, the beach, a coral reef and more. Outside, the aquarium offers a 2-acre water adventure zone for everyone to cool off or just relax. Inside, you’ll find a vast array of sea creatures. Touch a shark, watch penguins play or even scuba dive with sharks (and a certified instructor).

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Busch Gardens

Mix your love of animals with your love of roller coasters at this popular theme park that features creatures from Africa. Interspersed between some of the most exciting thrill rides you’ve experienced, you can view everything from lemurs to elephants in realistic habitats. Meet the animals in person (some with extra fees beyond your park ticket), including the Serengeti Night Safari, Jambo Junction and Walkabout Way. It’s the most interesting and fun way to get a glimpse of African animals without the expensive plane ride.

As you can see, Tampa is a haven for the furry, feathery and scaly and those who enjoy being near them. There are plenty of other things to pique your interest in the city as well, including delicious dining options and shopping opportunities, all with sunny weather during many months.