Whether you're looking for a road trip, a tropical beach or things to do right here at home, we've got your spring break plans covered.
INDIANAPOLIS (WTHR) — The countdown to spring break has begun.
There are many things to consider when planning a spring break trip, starting with where to go.
Indianapolis is in a good location geographically for a fun road trip getaway. Get to places like Cincinnati, Chicago, St. Louis, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and Ashville, North Carolina in about seven hours or less.
Cincinnati, Chicago and St. Louis are all within a one-tank distance from Indy.
If air travel is an option for your family, there are a number of beautiful beaches around the country that would be great for a vacation.
According to Trip Advisor's Travelers' Choice, these are the top five beaches in the United States:
- Clearwater Beach, Florida
- Siesta Beach, Florida
- Ka'anapali Beach, Lahaina, Hawaii
- South Beach, Miami Beach, Florida
- Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, Honolulu, Hawaii
If you've got a bigger budget, you can even look outside the country for the best beaches in the world:
- Grace Bay, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
- Baia do Sancho, Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
- Varadero Beach, Varadero, Cuba
- Palm-Eagle Beach, Aruba
- Seven Mile Beach, Cayman Islands
This late in the game, it's best to fly out of a larger hub like Chicago, and to consider budget airlines.
According to farecompare.com, the best time to book a flight is usually Tuesday afternoon. If you're flexible, cheapest flights generally depart on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Saturday.
There are some tips experts suggest before going anywhere on vacation:
- Set lights on a timer
- Have a neighbor check on the house and pick up mail
- Call your credit card company and bank so they know spending plans
- Check current events, weather and U.S. State Department travel warnings if you're going out of the country
- Make sure tire pressure, brakes, fluid levels and wiper blades are all in good shape on your vehicle before a road trip
If your budget or schedule doesn't allow for road or air travel, Indy has some great museum attractions to visit on a staycation.
The Eiteljorg's "The Reel West" exhibit, featuring western films and television shows that shape our perception of the American West, opens Saturday.
Butterfly Kaleidoscope at the Hilbert Conservatory at the Indianapolis Zoo returns March 16. See hundreds of butterflies of 30 different species. The zoo also has a number of educational programs and special experiences to attend.
For those who bleed blue, "Indianapolis Colts: The Exhibit" opens at the Indiana Historical Society March 10.
At the award-winning Children's Museum, the long-awaited Sports Legends Experience opens March 17.
Cherie Lowe, the Queen of Free, shared a few resources to help with vacation planning.
