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As a travel planner for families, I’ve helped hundreds of parents design unforgettable adventures with their kids. And I’ve seen firsthand how early planning transforms the entire experience.
If you’re thinking about spring break with kids next year, May is the perfect time to start planning. Yes, really – this far in advance. And for Christmas? Reach out it in February and look forward to the trip all year.
The families who come back raving about their trips? They’re the ones who gave themselves – and us! — plenty of time to craft something special.
Mango Tree Tip: For parents wondering how far in advance should you plan a vacation: For prime travel times like spring break for families, we love to book 8-10 months ahead.
Why Planning in Advance Makes All the Difference
The best time to book a family vacation for next year isn’t when you’re desperate for sun in the middle of winter – it’s long before that, when everyone else is still focused on this year’s plans.
When families come to me last-minute for spring break trips, I often have to deliver disappointing news. That oceanfront suite with the perfect setup for your family?
Booked last summer.
The hotel 10 minutes from an airport with direct flights that still feels charmings?
Not available.
The private tour of your favorite Paris neighborhood designed specifically for families with little kids?
Filled months ago.
Here’s what happens when you start booking a vacation a year in advance instead:
You get the room configuration that actually works for your family.
Those connecting suites with the perfect terrace? The beachfront villa with its own private plunge pool? The rooms that give parents privacy while keeping kids close? These aren’t waiting around for last-minute bookings. The best family-friendly accommodations get snapped up first, often nearly a year in advance.
Last year, we scored our client Shannon a three bedroom beachfront room in Curacao for a family vacation with her two teens. It was epic, and the hotel and room choice made it so. Best room at the hotel. She booked it 11 months in advance.
You lock in those direct flights before prices skyrocket.
Airlines typically release flights 11 months before departure, and while it’s typically okay to wait a little longer to book flights, for highly sought-after spring break weeks, booking earlier tends to be better. Not to mention that a spring break trip with kids typically has less flexibility with dates due to school schedules.
This year, we traveled with a group to Belize — and we were desparate for direct flights when traveling with 12 kids. We booked them the day flights were released (and I’m actually editing this blog post right now while on the plane with all 22 of us!). That flight sold out in a matter of weeks.
You secure the experiences that make your vacation special.
The best way to plan trips that your family will talk about for years isn’t leaving things to chance. It’s ensuring you have access to those limited-capacity experiences – private guides, wildlife encounters, cooking classes with renowned chefs – that often book out months in advance.
Last week I was researching my own scouting trip to Paris. I found an incredible guide who does neighborhood tours specifically designed for kids. My trip is in two months, so we’re in last minute land (do as I say, not as I do) and she’s already booked! But of course, I made a mental note to grab her early for our clients.
Design the ultimate spring break trip with kids
Planning Travel Early Let’s You Relax
Let’s be honest – planning spring break with kids should result in a vacation that’s actually relaxing for parents too. The best time to book a vacation isn’t just about savings or the best tours; it’s about sanity.
Here’s how early planning creates a truly relaxing experience:
You can spread your trip payments out rather than paying it all at once.
Most luxury properties only require a deposit at booking, with final payment due closer to arrival. This makes budgeting for luxury experiences much more manageable.
You can feel confident that you’ve nailed any logistics.
Did you know that many countries require your passport to be valid for at least three to six months after your return date? Or that children’s passports expire earlier than adults? Planning early gives you time to check (and double check) the logistics of your trip.
Are there any additional requirements for the country you are visiting? Will you need alternative chargers or power adapters? Did you purchase travel insurance? There are a lot of little details to ruminate over – the earlier the better.
You avoid the last-minute scramble.
If we can be frank for just a minute – many clients come to us to plan these last-minute trips to avoid the stress and limited logistics. But we can’t make rooms magically open up at hotels, or tour guides suddenly become available.
We have incredible connections to build amazing trips for you – that’s totally one of the biggest reasons travel advisors are worth it – but while we can do it last minute, everything runs more smoothly if we have the time to think through your trip design in advance.
But, we really take pride in the trips we plan for families, and know that our best trips are created with more options, and more time. You deserve an amazing trip – not just one piece-mealed from leftovers.
You can actually look forward to your vacation instead of stressing about it.
There’s genuine joy in anticipation – in counting down to something wonderful that’s fully planned and secured. My clients who book early spend the months before their trip excitedly planning what to pack and researching restaurants – not worrying if they’ll find something suitable at all.
How to Plan a Trip for Kids the Mango Tree Way
If you’re starting to think about plans for spring break, you’re already on the right track. But the magic happens when you move from thinking to booking.
The families who consistently have the most amazing spring break with kids share one common trait: they don’t wait. They understand that planning travel requires foresight, especially for peak travel periods when everyone is headed to the same destinations.
Top Spring Destinations for Families
- Costa Rica
- Belize
- Turks & Caicos
- Curacao
- Portugal
Here’s how we help families create those standout spring break experiences:
We identify your family’s travel style before looking at destinations.
Are you active adventurers? Culture seekers? Beach lovers needing downtime? Do you love checking things off your bucket list? Do your kids thrive on activity or need unstructured play? Understanding this helps us narrow down perfect-fit options.
We also take into consideration your take on crowds. Fun spring break trips for kids can sometimes mean families flocking to the same known places. But if you aren’t interested in sharing a beach with tons of other tourists, we know how to choose a place that will get you off the beaten path.
We secure properties that offer the right balance of luxury for parents and fun for kids.
Forget massive resorts with wristbands. Hotels are our jam. We look for boutique properties with thoughtful children’s programs, family-friendly suites, and experiences that engage rather than just entertain. The ultra all-inclusive resorts might scream spring break for families for many – but for us, they just scream chaos.
We build in those special touches that transform a vacation.
Private beach picnics arranged just for your family. The guide who knows exactly how to make historical sites fascinating for children. The photographer who captures your family against a spectacular sunset. These details make all the difference – and they’re often only available when you plan ahead.
Start Planning Your Spring Break Now – Here’s How
If you’re convinced about the importance of planning ahead for travel, here’s how to get started:
Look at your school calendar for ideal spring break timing: Pull out next year’s school calendar before summer. You know when those breaks will be, so there’s no surprises!
Consider your budget range and what matters most to your family: Is it all about the perfect beach? Exciting activities? A blend of culture and relaxation? This helps me direct you to the right options immediately.
Reach out for a planning conversation now – not in three months: The difference between starting now versus waiting until winter can be dramatic in terms of what we can secure for your family.
Your family’s time together is precious, and you deserve better than leftover options and compromises. The best family vacations don’t happen by accident – they happen with foresight and expert guidance. Break free from any spring break travel planning challenges with early trip planning and let’s get you something amazing.
