Spring break is just around the corner. If you haven’t planned your vacation yet, now is the time to kick it into gear. The weeklong break provides a perfect opportunity to spend quality time with family away from home. Thankfully, there are a few places to consider for your next trip that the entire family can enjoy.
READ MORE: Here is the outlook for Phoenix’s 2026 housing market
LOCAL NEWS: Want more stories like this? Get our free newsletter here
Cancun & Riviera Maya
Cancun & Riviera Maya is a great option for families due to the numerous flights that land directly from Phoenix, as well as the large number of all-inclusive resorts from Cancun to Tulum. This makes planning more flexible and helps with budgeting tremendously.
Many of these resorts offer a number of kids’ activities, water parks, and several other amenities, depending on the property. They tend to offer kids’ clubs and teen clubs, making it the perfect option for kids of all ages. The area also offers calmer beaches, so families can enjoy both the resort pools and the ocean.
When staying in the Cancun area, it’s a great idea to plan a “wow” day outside of the resort. You can prebook day trips to the Cenotes, a stunning natural freshwater sinkhole, sacred to the Mayans. They feature crystal-clear waters for swimming and snorkeling. The Mayan ruins are another site to see in the area. You can see the remains of the ancient Maya civilization’s impressive cities. They feature pyramids, temples, and ceremonial structures.
If you’re looking for a more relaxing activity, rent a catamaran. This allows you to enjoy the calm, blue waters Mexico has to offer.
Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas, otherwise known as Cabo, is another great destination for families. Similar to Cancun, several flights land directly from Phoenix, making planning a lot more flexible. Cabo is limited to the number of swimmable beaches. Some resorts have made up for that by creating swim areas in the water. Additionally, the resorts in Cabo have beautiful pools ranging from lively spots with swim-up bars to family-friendly options with splash zones, offering diverse experiences.
If the family is up for a little adventure, Cabo offers excellent activities such as snorkeling at Santa Maria Bay. It’s one of the best places in the world to experience life underwater. It’s a protected marine sanctuary, offering beautiful scenery and amazing encounters for snorkelers of all ages.
You can also go zip-lining and even whale watching. Humpback and Gray whales are migrating this time of year. Many tours are available to go out on boats and watch them feed.
Hawaii
With no particular island in mind, Hawaii can be a great destination for families, especially those with older kids.
Hawaii doesn’t offer all-inclusives. While this does tend to be a bit more expensive, you won’t be confined to what’s provided by the resort. Families can load up the rental car and explore the island. Warm weather, great beaches, breathtaking hikes & scenery, and amazing cuisine are experienced on all the islands.
This is particularly a great option for small families. If you are traveling with a bigger bunch, booking a larger family suite with a kitchen may be helpful, especially if you have a picky eater. This gives you the flexibility to eat in for smaller meals, such as breakfast or lunch, then enjoy the local cuisine for a few meals.
Planning in advance is key. If you’re booking last-minute, be flexible. If you have a big family, you may need to get two separate rooms rather than a big family suite. No matter where you go, it’s a good idea to stay 4-5 nights to take advantage of the airfare.
Make sure you have your Real ID. Starting in February, if you don’t have a real ID, you’ll be charged a $45 non-refundable fee. Valid passports are still acceptable.
Howard Moss, the manager of Arizona Auto License Services, stresses the importance of getting your Real ID as soon as possible.
“The card typically arrives in the mail within two weeks, but can take longer depending on how busy it is,” Moss said. “Make sure you make an appointment online with an MVD at least a few weeks before your trip.”
Last but not least, if you want to travel internationally, check your family’s passports. Make sure they are up to date and not expired and ensure your passports fall within the guidelines of the 6 Month Passport Validity Rule. Passports must be valid for at least six (6) months beyond the conclusion of your trip. Families often don’t notice their passports expiring at different times and will show up at the airport with one or more expired passports. You can renew them online.
Spring break is a great opportunity to spend quality time with the family. With the right planning, each of these amazing destinations provides awesome adventures, beautiful sceneries and many activities for the entire family to enjoy.
Author: Tamara Lidbom is the Owner and Certified Travel Associate at Anytime Travel Agencyin Peoria, Arizona. She helps travelers make the most of their spring break vacation.
