Looking for some March Break ideas

[dmmichelle]

Hello all,

We are recent Wyndham owners and had a wonderful vacation at Bonnet Creek last October (2011). We have biennial usage years with 126,000 points so we starting to think about March Break 2013 for our next family vacation (early I know but we are not famililiar with any other resorts other than BC).

We live in New Brunswick Canada and would like to escape the cold but it doesn't necessarily have to be hot, hot. We have two sons age 15 and 10 (well this will be their ages next March).

We are wondering if anyone has some suggestions for a great family March Break vacation OTHER than Florida for 5-6 nights (first week of March, 2013). We are looking for a variety of activities, something perhaps for the kids to do on their own some days...and proximity to local attractions. I was looking at the book last night but not knowing the areas amenities, they all look pretty good to me!

We would be flying out of Maine.

Hoping you folks can offer some great family-friendly suggestions / Wyndham locations.

Thanks so much! Looking forward to hearing from you.

Michelle

 

[DeniseM]

Hi and welcome to TUG!

If you join TUG, you will have access to our extensive reviews of Wyndham properties.

 

[vacationhopeful]

Florida is a BIG state. Pompano has 4 great resorts - Sea Gardens has tennis courts (and a pro) and the beach complete with a rental vendor for beach toys for boys. Palm Aire has golf surrounding it and a casino across the street for the parents. Royal Vista is on the sand. Santa Barbara is charming.

Remember, there is ocean fishing besides the beach and golf and tennis and biking and etc.

 

[GeraldineT]

I second the Pompano resorts. Beach is great and spring break in fort lauderdale is so much fun.

 

[dmmichelle]

Me again

So how do I join TUG? Isn't that what I did when I set-up my user id for the TUG forum? Or is it something different? Is there a link you could send me? Thanks very much!

Michelle

 

[hjtug]

So how do I join TUG? Is there a link you could send me?

Click on "Join TUG" on the right-hand end of the red banner at the top of the BBS page.

 

[andex]

How are you Michelle,
Nice to see another newbie on the board? FWIW we booked a condo in Mont St-Anne for the week of Carnaval of Quebec.
http://www.carnaval.qc.ca/en/fun-zone/videos
We picked up another unit for friends through RCI last call vacation. At 269$/week regular price $1,350. Aside from the skiing and Quebec city which is always cool there is Val Cartier which your kids are sure to love. Biggest Winter Park in North America.
I also have 2 kids aged 4 and 8.I find airfare is always a consideration when traveling as family. From Moncton it outrageous! Air allegiant from Bangor is amazing but only to Florida. Some that I am looking to do with my kids. Vegas, Arizona, and the keys. Not sure where wyndham have their resorts or if you can use RCI.
I am also curious to see what other tugger will say. I am always looking for new places to explore with my own family. Many of the people on this board have been TS for a while and have raised thier family through this. might be intresting thread?
Michel

 

[dmmichelle]

Last Call Vacation

Okay - so another question...how do you hear about the "last call" vacation? Is there a particular membership requirement? A sign-up e-mail list? How does that work?

Thanks again for the responses so far...

Michelle

 

[dmmichelle]

TUG

Oh and PS I guess I DID join TUG...just went right to this thread and skipped all the resort threads...hahaha :rofl: So thanks for that!

Michelle

 

[jjmanthei05]

Michelle,

To answer a couple of your questions the last call /extra getaways are week long RCI exchanges that you pay cash for. Sometimes you can find some deals there.

As for your March spring break, on place to look might be Myrtle beach. The ocean may not be warm enough to swim in but it definitely has the area attractions and you can get a 3 bedroom ocean front for 126,000 at ocean blvd for the week. Might be a place to look.

Jason

 

[andex]

Okay - so another question...how do you hear about the "last call" vacation? Is there a particular membership requirement? A sign-up e-mail list? How does that work?

Thanks again for the responses so far...

Michelle

Wyndham owns RCI. Not sure if they give you access to it for an exchange company? If you do have access there is a tab where you can get last minute deals as well as extra vacations that do not affect your points.
What part of NB you in Michelle. We live close to the North Pole in a small town called Bathurst!

 

[#1 Cowboys Fan]

Oh and PS I guess I DID join TUG...just went right to this thread and skipped all the resort threads...hahaha :rofl: So thanks for that!

Michelle

Michelle,

Welcome to TUG-----had you not been able to figure out how to join, I was going to suggest coming to the Bangor area---and I would help you.

(We are now intra-state TUGgers!---and there are others!!!)

Pat

 

[ronparise]

I would consider Washington DC. The Alexandria property is right on the Metro and most convenient. and would be my first choice just for that reason. (over National Harbor) There are past threads on TUG that discuss the relative merits of each.

When my daughter was your kids age and we lived in the area we went to the Washington Mall at least once a month. Each time we did a different museum or monument.. I think she enjoyed it, in spite of learning something

If you decide on Alexandria, reserve as early as possible...it fills up fast

 

[Twinkstarr]

We are going to Alexandria for spring break this year. Kids were kind of blah with going to the beach this year and we have a relatively early break. Last time we did this week there is a picture of us wearing windbreakers!

If I'm coming from Ohio, I want bathing suit weather.

 

[siesta]

Exchange thru RCI, Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach in Cabo San Lucas.

 

[Rascalsmom]

Twinkstarr, I am going to Alexandria for SB this year, too!

Taking my husband, son (13yrs) and dad (78yrs) to the Air & Space museums. My dad owns/flies a small plane, and has been wanting to go there for several years. He is so excited, and I am excited to be able to take him. :whoopie: Based on some TUG advice, I didn't even try to get the Easter week exchange; rented a 2BR from an owner.

My dad is very active and in great health, but this is something I've known he really wanted to do, and I have put off doing it for TOO long. Of course since I've discovered TS we will be much more comfortable and it will be quite a bit cheaper than the hotel rooms I would have used before. Looking forward to making some special memories with the 3 generations!

 

[VivianLynne]

We are going to Alexandria for spring break this year. Kids were kind of blah with going to the beach this year and we have a relatively early break. Last time we did this week there is a picture of us wearing windbreakers!

If I'm coming from Ohio, I want bathing suit weather.

Old Towne Alexandria has a small indoor pool - shared with the Hilton. SO, yes the kids can go swimming in 4 feet of water. Hope they can find the pool as it is in a strange location.

 

[Twinkstarr]

Old Towne Alexandria has a small indoor pool - shared with the Hilton. SO, yes the kids can go swimming in 4 feet of water. Hope they can find the pool as it is in a strange location.

They are not looking to swim on this vacation. Boys 10/15 are looking forward to riding the Metro and seeing the sights.

They had the option of going to Disney's Vero Beach resort(usual spring break trip) or doing something different. Plus the carrot of saving points to get a Beach Cottage for spring break 2013(guranteed oceanfront) worked.

Doubt I'll even pack the swim suits.

 

[Twinkstarr]

Twinkstarr, I am going to Alexandria for SB this year, too!

Taking my husband, son (13yrs) and dad (78yrs) to the Air & Space museums. My dad owns/flies a small plane, and has been wanting to go there for several years. He is so excited, and I am excited to be able to take him. :whoopie: Based on some TUG advice, I didn't even try to get the Easter week exchange; rented a 2BR from an owner.

My dad is very active and in great health, but this is something I've known he really wanted to do, and I have put off doing it for TOO long. Of course since I've discovered TS we will be much more comfortable and it will be quite a bit cheaper than the hotel rooms I would have used before. Looking forward to making some special memories with the 3 generations!

I own Alexandria points, but had blown through my current uy and had to wait for the 10 month window to use some from my point pool. Got online at opening time and was able to book a 2br unit. That was a close one!

DH started the process to get us tickets for the White House tour. Debating whether to get tickets for the New York City Ballet at Kennedy Center.

 

[GeraldineT]

They are not looking to swim on this vacation. Boys 10/15 are looking forward to riding the Metro and seeing the sights.

They had the option of going to Disney's Vero Beach resort(usual spring break trip) or doing something different. Plus the carrot of saving points to get a Beach Cottage for spring break 2013(guranteed oceanfront) worked.

Doubt I'll even pack the swim suits.

Hi Twinkstarr, Not sure if your boys are baseball fans and if you have the time but a short Metro ride north of DC is Baltimore and they have a great tour of camden yards (where the Orioles play) and also a B&O train museum. And of course CRAB CAKES. Yummy, yummy, crab cakes!!!!!

 

[ronparise]

And of course CRAB CAKES. Yummy, yummy, crab cakes!!!!!

When we travel bak home (Annapolis) and if the season is right, we always take in one "all you can eat crab feast" Last time it was Buddy's at the foot of Main Street

 

[chapjim]

Michelle,

To answer a couple of your questions the last call /extra getaways are week long RCI exchanges that you pay cash for. Sometimes you can find some deals there.

As for your March spring break, on place to look might be Myrtle beach. The ocean may not be warm enough to swim in but it definitely has the area attractions and you can get a 3 bedroom ocean front for 126,000 at ocean blvd for the week. Might be a place to look.

Jason

My first thought was Myrtle Beach as well. But, three BRs at Ocean Boulevard for 126K points will only work through Week 10. Spring Break 2013 should be the last week in March -- Week 12 or 13.

So, my recommendation would be Westwinds -- 105K for 2BR through Week 13. Nice place, very family friendly, in a quiet area, and as close to sand and water as you can get.

 

[chapjim]

Hi Twinkstarr, Not sure if your boys are baseball fans and if you have the time but a short Metro ride north of DC is Baltimore and they have a great tour of camden yards (where the Orioles play) and also a B&O train museum. And of course CRAB CAKES. Yummy, yummy, crab cakes!!!!!

DC Metro doesn't go to Baltimore. You'd have to catch another train (MARC's Camden Line) from Union Station in DC.

Ahem, but DC has a baseball team as well and a beautiful new ball park that can be toured. Unfortunately, no home games in 2012 until April 12th. (I'll be there!)

 

[GeraldineT]

DC Metro doesn't go to Baltimore. You'd have to catch another train (MARC's Camden Line) from Union Station in DC.

Ahem, but DC has a baseball team as well and a beautiful new ball park that can be toured. Unfortunately, no home games in 2012 until April 12th. (I'll be there!)

Thanks for the update to my post. I used to travel to Baltimore for work and had taken the train from Balt to DC several times. For some reason I thought it was called the metro.

 

[GeraldineT]

When we travel bak home (Annapolis) and if the season is right, we always take in one "all you can eat crab feast" Last time it was Buddy's at the foot of Main Street

My favorite place for crab cakes is actually G&M in Linthicum. People are very mixed on them. Either love them or hate them