5 school break ideas for every family

You were prepared with everything your kids needed for the first day of school, but what about the first day of fall break? As a new mom whose 18 month old is enrolled in school, I was completely unprepared for just how many school breaks there are between August and May (I counted seven!).

After our summer trip to the Abacos in the Bahamas that took two flights, a 45 minute cab, a ferry, and a golf cart to reach our destination, I quickly came to the realization that so much more than just the destination has to be kept in mind when planning family travel.

Whether your child is new to attending school or you’ve been doing this for a while, there is still the question of, “Where should we go for break?”. As a New Orleans based luxury travel advisor, I’ve rounded up five school break ideas for every family, from nursery schoolers to high schoolers.

Nursery school

When even a nonstop flight feels like too much with your tot, staycations done the right way can actually feel like a vacation. One of my favorite hotels in New Orleans for any stay is the Four Seasons New Orleans, but it’s at the top of my list for hotel stays with kids under 2. The Four Seasons hotel brand is very welcoming for kids and even their city properties go above and beyond to make their littlest guests feel welcome. Imagine walking in to your room with a view of the river, crib set up, baby bath amenities, a high chair, diaper pail, and even a signature stuffed alligator for playtime. You can enjoy the pool with views of the Mississippi, chat with the Concierge about snagging tickets for Vue Orleans, or just let your baby run free in the gated courtyard. And when you’re ready to dine without a plus one, your babysitter that you know and love can swing by while you enjoy dinner and a cocktail right downstairs at one of the two onsite restaurants.

Preschool

Quick nonstop flights can cut down on travel time and airport delays. Take a flight to a major city like Atlanta that has several flights a day, rent a car (reserve your car seat via a company like Babyquip), and then drive to a more scenic location like The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds at Lake Oconee. If vacation is just parenting in a new location, then why not pick a hotel property that feels like a luxe lake house with plenty of room for the little one to explore? Swim in the family pool, take a boat out on the lake, slip away during nap time for a spa treatment, or let the kiddos “camp” in a Ritz tent set up in your room, complete with a sleeping bag and a flashlight.

Elementary School

All kids love the beach, so the sooner you can get to the white sand and turquoise blue water off Costa Rica, the better. In just under four hours from Houston, you can have a fresh coconut water in hand and be en route to Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort in Costa Rica. Kids under four eat free from a menu that consists of fresh local fish, pasta, and more, and with a location that’s nestled in the pristine, private 1,400-acre Peninsula Papagayo, you won’t hear anything about being bored while you’re here. Spend a morning at the private beach club, snorkeling, or searching for monkeys, and enjoy the zero entry pool, kids’ club or games on your spacious terrace in the afternoon.

Middle School

By the time kids get to middle school, it can be hard to convince them that leaving their friends over break is a good idea, even for an amazing family vacation. When you start showing them the magic that is Scotland and more specifically, the beauty that is Gleneagles, they may hit send on that ttyl text before you even get to the archery classes. Gleneagles is perfect for this age because they have programming that coincides with fall and holiday breaks and your kids will actually learn some fun new skills while on vacation. Pair it with a couple of nights at Gleneagles Townhouse in Edinburgh, and you have the perfect town and country getaway.

High School

Peru is one of those destinations that can satisfy even the pickiest of teenagers. Between the food scene in Lima, the views from Machu Picchu, and the Alpacas that meander the streets of Cusco, it gets the seal of approval from the high school set. Less than six hours from Miami and with minimal time zone adjustment, you can get to Peru easily and have an experience that lets you explore some of the highlights of the country in just eight nights. Riding a train with panoramic views will be a highlight of the trip, but what your child will remember forever is the breathtaking view from the top of Mount Machu Picchu.

Reach out to Perspectives Travel when you’re ready to start planning your family getaway. We’re here to help with all of the details you’re too busy to manage, so that you can just show up and enjoy!