5 alternative spring break ideas that won’t break the bank

Batter up to a budget vacation: Hit the diamonds in Arizona and Florida for spring break 2012.

By Jeanenne Tornatore

Families itching for a different kind of getaway are in luck. Check out these five spring break getaway ideas that will suit any lifestyle — from sports enthusiasts to the spontaneous traveler, with an affordability factor that appeals to everyone.

1. 2012 Olympic Trials: For those that may not be able to make the trek to the 2012 London Games this summer, a number of Olympic trial games will take place across the country this spring. The April 7^th Nike Hoop Summit, for instance, will be held in Portland, Ore. and is the only U.S.-based men’s basketball qualifying event. In this premier annual basketball game for high-school age boys, America’s top high school seniors take to the court to play against a World Select Team that’s comprised of top international players 19 years old or younger. Tickets are just $5 in advance or $10 on game day.

2. Spring training: Baseball fans across the country are gearing up to celebrate America’s favorite pastime at spring training events in Arizona and Florida, where the Cactus League and Grapefruit League have just kicked off the 2012 spring training season. With hotel rates in Orlando and Phoenix averaging around $115 and $126 per night respectively, these spring training hot spots offer a number of warm-weather activities for people of all ages to enjoy.

3. Hit the road, Jack: The widespread use of GPS-enabled mobile devices makes it easy for travelers to take a road trip and book a hotel along the way. Families don’t need to plan every last-minute detail before setting off on their spring break adventures anymore. From plotting turn-by-turn directions to finding hotel deals and your favorite restaurants along the way, today’s mobile devices give travelers the freedom to hop in the car and plan as they drive.  The Orbitz Hotels App for iPad and iPhone, for example, lets users find great deals along the way via Mobile Steals, a free service that provides exclusive mobile-only discounts of up to 50 percent on hotels worldwide.

4. Spring skiing: While 2012 has experienced one of the warmest and driest winters in recent memory, several popular resorts across the country have received plenty of snow and will make for an excellent ski getaway. Family-friendly ski resorts in Vail and Beaver Creek are offering discounts of up to 70 percent off normal rates in April, and even 50-60 percent off in March — great deals –especially as the region has just recently seen some significant snowfalls as we head into spring.

5. A-Cruising we will go: Cruises are always a great option for families with children of all ages, with activities for everyone both on and off the ship. A trip aboard a Disney cruise ship creates lasting memories for kids especially when hanging out with their favorite Disney characters.  There are still some cruise lines with last minute availability in March and April.  Orbitz has four-night cruises departing from Florida in March for as low as $299 per person (plus applicable taxes and fees).

Related resources

• Disney vacations
• Orlando hotels
• Phoenix hotels
• Portland hotels
• Ski vacations

Jeanenne Tornatore is a senior travel editor at Orbitz Worldwide. A long-time traveler and avid deal seeker, she regularly shares her industry knowledge, practical advice and savvy tips with national print and broadcast media around the country.

Tagged: Cruise, Disney, Family time, Florida