In its recently released Spring Break Travel Outlook, Expedia names Orlando, Florida as the most popular domestic destination for travelers. Specifically, the report notes the week of April 1, 2024 as the busiest travel week of the season.
With children out of school, families will take the time to discover some of the country's most sought-after attractions.
Whether it's spring break, holiday season or summer vacation, common school holidays are the times when family destinations are busiest. This results in crowded airports, long lines at theme parks like Walt Disney World, and increased hotel costs. These factors can potentially add up to a stressful travel experience, but they don't have to be that way.
Keeping a few key tips in mind alleviates much of the hassle of vacationing this time of year.
Travel experts from across the country share their thoughts on traveling during busy school holidays and what families should do to have an easy experience. Top tips include keeping reservations, maintaining a flexible schedule, and practicing patience.
Book your travel plans in advance
Beating the crowds starts months before the holiday itself. Families who want a simpler travel experience during peak season should prioritize booking as early as possible. Planning is key, says Marjolein Dilven, founder of Spark Nomad. Dilven advises: “Book your flights and accommodation in advance to get better deals and guarantee availability. When doing so, consider flexible travel dates when you have the luxury to do so. » Being flexible when you travel can save you extra money; for example, hotel bookings on weeknights versus weekend nights.
The benefits of early planning extend beyond flights and accommodation. Final destination experiences that require reservations should be booked well in advance, especially when traveling during school holidays when crowds increase. Dilven adds: “Plan activities and attractions in advance to avoid long lines when you decide to do something last minute. »
Knowing how to navigate crowds before the holidays allows families to make informed decisions rather than impulsive ones. For example, deciding whether to purchase Disney Genie Plus, Disney's paid queue-jumping service, helps plan a day at the theme parks.
Give planning room to maneuver
Disruptions to travel plans are inevitable, no matter the time of year. However, when airports, roads and attractions are at their busiest, the chances of delays only increase. Families should expect minor inconveniences during travel and allow for flexibility in itineraries.
To avoid headaches, experts advise families to have low-stakes arrival and departure days if the schedule allows. Monica Fish, founder of Planner at Heart, explains how this mentality helped her family enjoy an otherwise difficult spring break. She notes, “For our family, having resort days or unscheduled days keeps things fun and keeps everyone from getting tired. » Filling the first day of vacation with important reservations and activities adds unnecessary stress when a flight is delayed or canceled.
Fish also explains how different days of the week are more optimal for certain activities. “We often enjoy the pool and hotel over the weekend and visit busy attractions on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday when the crowds are smaller.”
Bring more patience
Families should be patient when vacationing during peak periods. Scheduled school holidays are popular times to travel, as they are often the only occasions when many families' school and work schedules are compatible. Sarah Gilliland, founder of On The Road with Sarah and travel editor for Wealth of Geeks, highlights this reality.
Gilliland notes that when talking about school vacations: “If you can only take vacation when everyone else can, don't worry about long lines or busy destinations. Instead, focus on what you can do and enjoy to make your vacation enjoyable instead of a big headache.
While patience is imperative, there are other simple things families should keep in mind to make everyone's travel experience easier. Travel journalist Megan duBois advises vacationers to pack Bluetooth trackers in every piece of luggage, “even in your carry-on luggage, so you can follow them from place to place.” I can't tell you how many times I've had to check a bag at the door and felt relief when I knew I already had a tracker in the suitcase.
– This article was produced by Media Decision and distributed by Wealth of Geeks.
