My husband and I would like to vacation over spring break, (I'm a teacher and don't have a choice to vacation at other times). We want a warm weather destination without breaking the bank. We are not traveling with children (I'm with them all school year) and don't want to deal with the college crownd either. Help!

Do you need a beach? Will you fly/drive? Outside US?
Need culture or just down time? A few more details would help. I'm a teacher, too, and after traveling all over Mexico (non resort-y areas) I've decided to volunteer in NOLa for five days and build two relaxing weekends around that.

Time of spring break varies greatly, so anytime between mid-Feb to mid-April is going to be tough, especially since you do not want to "break the bank". I have found that the more expensive the destination and lodging within that area, the fewer college kids. However, younger kids are still tough to avoid and even if you go to a resort not catering to children, parents will bring them and it will almost be worse since they will have nothing for kids to do.

West Coast of Florida - Marco Island, Sanibel is one posibility. What about a cruise - many college kids are too young to sail alone and younger ones get shipped off to kids programs. Depending on how warm and when spring break is, Bermuda.

But I am assuming you are on East Coast, sorry - you didn't say.

I was also going to suggest Marco Island. My parents went there last april to celebrate my mother's 50th birthday and they had a very nice time.

Thanks for your suggestions, I am from the Midwest and will travel the end of March and although I don't need a beach I sure do like one. We will fly and we are willing to travel outside of the country.

By all means, Costa Rica!!!! It is a three hour direct flight from Dallas and is the prettiest place I've ever seen. Beach, mountains, monkeys, toucans, etc., etc. Hop on over to the Latin America board and start planning!!!

How abou Belize?

The beaches on Amergris are not top notch for swimming (turtle grass) but the snorkeling is very good. So you lie on the beach if you want, then jump in the hotel pool.

If you get bored you can take excursions to the mainland to see Mayan ruins or more active pursuits. Alternately, you could split your time, as many people do, between the western Cayo district (rain forest, Mayan cities) and Ambergris.

You may find a few young Americans drinking too much in the cheaper restaurants on the island, but not very many.