Spring in the act of being sprung.

This is what spring looks like in, I’m guessing, every part of the world but the one I live in (Seattle). Sure, we’ve got beautiful blooming trees, but it’s the backdrop that throws me. What is that? Blue sky?

Who does that?

But I digress, this is a Primavera tree growing nicely in Mexico.

I bet it’s warm there, too.

And that’s what spring is all about, people. It’s not just breaks and MTV on the beach — does MTV still do spring break on the beach?

MTV is still on, right?

Okay, back to me. This is a picture of spring as seen in Mexico and man, it looks nice. If you’re planning a nice spring vacation I highly recommend that you go there. Do not, and I cannot stress this enough, come to Seattle. Give us another month or two.

This photo is a Wordless Wednesday entry that has a bunch of words immediately adjacent to it. Please do not mix the two if you are operating heavy machinery (laptops are okay).

Photo by uteart via Flickr

The beaches of Punta Cana

It’s officially March. The snow is gone (or well on its way to being gone) and people all over the country are dying to break out from the layers and into the swimsuits. Warmer weather is good news. The bad news is the fate of your spring break has probably already been decided. The opportunities to make more money or save more money in order to afford a tropical getaway are dwindling by the minute. You could take advantage of our money-saving tips for your spring break, or you might have one last chance to grab a vacation at an Oscar de la Renta-designed resort in the Caribbean.

American Express has announced they’ll be giving away one trip to Tortuga Bay in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. So far, the company’s been tight lipped about the details of the prize and the contest rules. What we do know is that the contest will run from March 1st through March 3rd and that details will be announced on their Twitter account at 8am on March 1st as part of the #TravelTuesday Twitter meme. To get the scoop, follow them @AmericanExpress.

American Express joins a large group of travel companies using Facebook and Twitter to giveaway great travel prizes to fans and followers. If Facebook is more to your social media liking, check out VisitBritain’s Unite the Invite contest.

Photo Credit

Families take spring break, too!

Do the words “spring break” bring to mind bikinis, beer bongs and bands on the beach? Maybe if you’re 18-24. But a spring break vacation isn’t just for college kids. Families often plan trips during their school-aged kids school breaks, which often coincide with the holidays scheduled for the country’s colleges. The timing might be the same, but the top destinations for college spring breaks are usually the last place you want to take your kids – unless you want to spend your vacation having some very uncomfortable conversations.

Where can families go to enjoy fun and relaxation without the craziness that has come to be associated with spring break?

5 Top Spring Break Destinations for Families

1. Orlando, Florida

It knocked off Las Vegas for the top spring break destination this year, but there’s plenty of room for everyone in the country’s tourism capital. Enjoy hotel pools, championship golf courses, and world-renowned theme parks.

2. Destin, Florida

The white sands and blue Gulf waters that bring college kids to Panama City are just as accessible in Destin, Florida – but with more clothing and less public intoxication.

3. Washington, DC

You won’t be swimming outdoors, but you can enjoy the National Cherry Blossom Festival or La Dolce DC, depending on the exact dates of your visit.

4. Hilton Head, South Carolina

Myrtle Beach is traditionally a favorite spring break destination for college kids, but Hilton Head provides a nearby respite with the same Southern hospitality and warm weather.

5. San Luis Obispo, California

Named “The Happiest City in America”, this Central California community is generally too expensive and too quiet for your average student partier. Families, however, can enjoy the beaches and unique Central California vibe.

Photos by _cck_ on flickr,

Save Money on Spring Break

Spring break season is just around the corner, which means it’s a little late to start saving up for a really expensive getaway. The good news is, there’s several ways to cut costs and still have a memorable spring break vacation! Here’s a few ways to save on everything from transportation to drinks.

5 Easy Ways to Save Money on Spring Break

1. Stay away from the hot spots.

You don’t have to party with MTV to have a good vacation. If you’re looking for tropical on a budget, look outside the United States for great deals in places like Costa Rica. You can also find dozens of small beach towns in Southern California, Florida and the Carolinas that offer the same sand and surf as popular spring break destinations for a fraction of the cost.

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