I know this sounds insane but I am thinking of planning for next spring break already. I am a teacher and looking forward to spring break is huge! It is going to be a crazy winter in our household so I want to go somewhere warm and fun. (The last 4 spring breaks were to Paris twice and New York twice, rainy and cold both times!) I am deciding between Las Vegas (never been), Los Angeles (never been), San Francisco (love it), Austin, Texas (love it), or South Florida (like it). Any ideas of other places or votes for one of the above. It is just my husband and I so we can rent a car when we arrive and go wherever. Thanks!

I'd try L.A. You'd be taking a chance on the weather. It's usually warm but can change. Plus if you have never been to LA, it's worth the experience. With beaches and lots of interesting sites, it could be fun but then you could always try Palm Springs if you want.

One year during our spring break, my husband and I drove the Natchez Trace from Natchez to Nashville. Being from the upper Mid-West, this gave us an early spring. The trees were blooming, bulbs flowering, and weather in the sixties. The speed limit along this limited access highway is 50 mph, providing a relaxing drive with many interesting stops along the way. Your schedule may "fit" with the Spring Pilgrimage in Natchez when owners open their Antebellum houses for a fee. One of the best spring breaks ever with no crowds and no kids; but you have to like history.

Wow retired_teacher, that sounds awesome! Where can i get more info on that, web sites etc..

Hubby clark is a teacher and we too, plan waaayin advance for our much anticipated breaks. Also looking for a new adventure besides the yearly spring break trek to disney and / or florida, and this sounds like a great alternative!

Any other details would be appreciated!

I think you are wise to plan for spring wayyyyyyy in advance. You'll have the best shot at getting exactly what you want for the most reasonable costs, even if you can't lock in on everything just yet. We've been taking advantage of some great European deals the past few years, but I agree that it certainly is a trade-off against warmer weather. Also, the timing of spring break for your situation can make a big difference. Mid-March weather is not reliably warm in many places that can be far more dependable by April. One nice fly-drive is to latch on to a cheap Vegas airfare (perhaps even a charter deal) and then rent a car to explore the southwest. It's generally warm, can be done very reasonably and it's fun to plan with lots of options.

Not a bit insane. I'm a teacher too, so I know just what you mean about the breaks. Another consideration -- San Antonio?

I'd go with either Las Vegas or LA. Another place to think about is San Diego.

As much as we adore Florida, I would steer clear of it for spring break. The highways are clogged with more travelling families than you could shake a stick at! And it doesn't matter which week in spring is your break, because as soon as one lot leaves Florida, another comes in.

I would head to southern California, but I'd pick San Diego for all the amenities it provides: beaches, museums, shopping, Sea World, the zoo, etc. It really has so much to offer. Plus you could head out of the city and visit Mexico, or drive towards the desert.

I don't think you're crazy to start thinking of spring break so far in advance. We live in the Midwest and our winters are so gray and overcast that sometimes the only thing that cheers me up is knowing that a lovely warm spring break is already planned.

Austin might not be as warm as you'd think in March. It probably won't be cold, but highs in the 65-70 range would be normal. Be advised that the weather that time of year can be really unpredictable! San Antonio would be slightly warmer since it is a bit further south and at a lower elevation. There are tons of things to do there, too.

You would definitely need to plan in advance for Austin. Depending on which week you are here, South by Southwest, the Rodeo, and a basketball (college or HS) regional championship could all be packing this city at the same time. It's happened before!

If it's late March, Austin is a great place. I love the (potential)weather here that time of year. Mostly not bathing suit weather (except for S. Padre, but you don't want to go there!) But warm for walking, hiking, exploring the city. You could also combine a trip to San Antonio and/or the Hill country.

Personally, I would probably go to Las Vegas, because the last time I was there I was 19 and only got 3 pulls of a slot machine before I "had to leave"....

Ellen, details regarding the Natchez Trace trip may be found in a post under your screen name........

how about santa fe, new mexico? i've never been, but that's one of the places i'm hoping to go with my husband after our kids leave the nest.

we usually start planning our spring break 11 months in advance because we always go somewhere warm and the flights/resorts book up way in advance. especially if you want to use frequent flyer miles.

the best place we've been so far is st john, us virgin islands. it's hard to get to, and most of the island is national park, so it doesn't feel too crowded.

Consider a road trip. LA to SF is great. I want to do Seattle to Vancouver, but that may be a little cold in March.

Texas road trip could be good. Bluebonnets will be out. You could do a Central Texas trip. Austin, out to the Hill Country, then to San Antonio.

Wow. Great ideas! Thanks............