jilllovestravel

As we're retiring early, my husband has dashed my planning for an April 2015 trip to Italy for two weeks. We must wait until 2016 (financial planning - argh!) Any suggestions folks - on a not-too-expensive destination for March or April for about a week's duration? I haven't been to Boston,but it seems there'd be a better time of year (fall?). We'd probably fly to the destination - and would look to keep it to a total in the neighborhood of 2k for travel and lodging. I've been to Smokies multiple times; Chicago; PA, TN & KY; NYC so they're out. Washington DC is one idea I have. We'll be doing beach time in July (family wedding)... so seek an alternative. Thanks for any and all suggestions...

jilllovestravel

P.S. Have also done: Vegas, (all of) CA, AZ, NOLA, .... tons of cruises This is why I'm seeking ideas

Gretchen

If you haven't been to Washington, GO.

Christina

DC is nice in April. It's fine in March if you just want to visit museums, etc., but the foliage will be dull, and not many flowers out yet. Spring is really beautiful in DC later on. So that's a good choice, you can easily drive if you want, although you won't need a car in DC (and won't want one), so if you only want to be in DC, flying would actually make more sense, although driving would be cheaper. Southwest has good flights out of Columbus. If you do drive, you'd have to find a hotel with parking in the burbs somewhere.

I would have suggested some other places within driving distance but you've been there, the one missing is West Virginia. That's best for the outdoors, I think -- I still go skiing there until the end of March (New Canaan valley or Snowshoe).

You might also consider Canada, such as Montreal or Toronto or Quebec City. You dont' say where you are near, but Southwest also has flights from Columbus to Niagara Falls.

Or you could go to Charleston SC, something like that. YOu don't mention Florida but that's an obvious one, also, March-April should be fine there. I've enjoyed Tampa and St Augustine, and Sarasota.

jilllovestravel

Thanks Christina! I love Charleston and but have been multiple times however. Actually, West VA is a beautiful state and I've spent time there as well. I like your suggestion of the cities in Canada - as I'd forgotten they are on my "list". I believe I've decided on DC ... during the Cherry Blossom festival. And I'm daydreaming of a short trip over to Baltimore from DC. I'd rather not mess with renting a car at all, as we'll fly out ... now ... I just need to figure out a good way to get from DC to Baltimore. I'll try googling for ideas - or maybe someone will read this and fill me with ideas. Have a good weekend!

tomfuller

Depending on where you live in Ohio, You can take the Amtrak Capitol Limited from Cleveland, Alliance or even Pittsburgh.
If you live in southern Ohio, you can take the Cardinal (3 days a week) from Cincinatti. The Cardinal has several stops in West Virginia.
Once you are in Washington, you can easily take an Amtrak Eastern Regional to Baltimore to see the National Aquarium and all that the Inner Harbor has to offer.
Leave your car in Ohio. You won't need or want it in Washington or Baltimore.

Christina

You can take the train from DC to Baltimore real easy.

As for the Cherry Blossom festival, the place is mobbed with tourists during that time, I avoid even going downtown during it. They are pretty, but sometimes you can't predict exactly when they bloom. Unless you are interested in the parade or some special event, it actually is better to visit maybe early as there are not as many people here (but again peak blooming time is hard to predict). Hotels won't be cheap during that time. It's march 20 to April 12 next year so does fit your schedule. It's most crowded at the end.

snowgirls

If you decide to come north, my cousins from Pittsburg did this trip last November and loved it.
First, a drive to Ontario, where they toured Toronto. This included a city tour, museum stop, CN tower visit and then great dinner out and a night at the Theater. They could have easily spent more time in Toronto but only had 4 days on this break. They spent another day touring the Niagara region, including a winery tour and lunch at Niagara on the lake, a historic village in the region. Then they stayed a night at the Fallsview casino in Niagara. They said buffet was fabulous and slots fun. The drive back to Pittsburgh only took a day. I would say April spring weather a bit nicer than March but you never know. One time to avoid is first two weeks in march which are typical spring public school breaks here so malls, roads super busy. This trip means less time travelling and more time doing.