Lori

I've spent most of my working life in a university setting - do not (absolutely do not) plan any surprise trips with your daughter. Believe me, she will have a whole new set of friends from her school and by Spring Break she and them may very well be off with them. You sound like you mean well, but kids that age normally do not want to spend time with their parents during break.

girlmav

You and your daughter sound close. From my experience of traveling with my mom a couple of times when I was in college just a few years ago, I can tell you it really doesn't matter a whole lot where you go or what you do. The last trip my mom and I took ended up with us on a whim driving accross Georgia (fort benning to Savahan) just to see the ocean and Savahan for about three hours and then driving back. I should also point out that our rental car didn't have cruise control. It was a great trip and we still joke about it.

GoTravel

JJ5, parents said they would pay for my college tuition and expenses as long as I maintained a 2.0 grade point average.

I called my parents bluff and my first grades spelled WIFFF.

Withdraw
Incomplete
Fail
Fail
Fail

OO

GoT...my high school and parents managed to scare the beejeebies out of me as to how tough college was going to be. Consequently I studied, went to classes conscientiously and made good grades 1st semester freshman year. It was 2nd semester, after realizing it wasn't as bad as they said it was going to be, and that I could do it, that I popped the corks and let the party roll. Consequently I got a phone call from my parents when my mid term grades went home. .8, time to find a happy medium and I clawed my way out of that hole. My roomie wasn't so fortunate. I didn't flunk out but I did have a darned good time after an ultra strict upbringing.

Anyone in Amherst? Is the Drake still there? LOL

MinnesotaMouse--so much depends on your child as to what she'll want, but she should be in on the planning. I was happy to come home and didn't go off on spring break until my junior year. Both our kids came home too, happy to see their friends from home and catch up on everyone's news. I feel really fortunate that that was the case with them! Our time together became real quality time when they got home...we'd been able to step back, finally, and see the forest despite all the trees. Nice times.

AuntAnnie

My daughter joined us on the beach her 1st spring break. Last year I took her younger sister out of high school for a long weekend and the 2 of them flew out to LA and stayed with my brother. This year she is studying abroad. She still enjoys family time and trips and manages to see friends and have other adventures too....this weekend she is meeting a college friend who is also studying abroad in Munich for Oktoberfest. We live in MN too; any warm weather is a treat!!!

MinnesotaMouse

Thanks everyone.... I talked to my daughter today and she actually mentioned me going with her on spring break! (I took her sister last year and told her someday we could go somewhere) She said she may want to go to Washington D.C. She's studying architecture and is very interested in the area.

I told her she should wait and see what her friends are doing - she said no, she's worried we wouldn't get flights (she gets the planning part from me). Anyway, I'm still going to take a wait and see attitude. I think you're right - many things could change between now and then. I'm always surprised how in just a few months there lives can be totally different!

I'm also not sure how safe I would feel in Washington D.C. with just the two of us. I've never been there but have always wanted to go... I would have to do some research.

starrsville

MM, DC is fine by yourself during the day. Take one of the night light tours to see the monuments lit up after dark. If you choose a good location for your hotel, you will be find walking to restaurants, etc.

MinnesotaMouse

Any hotels you would recommend in the area?

starrsville

No, not personally. I stay where my company puts me - but it's been a while since I've been to DC. Enter "Washington DC hotels" in the search box above and do a bit of reading. Hotel Washington seems to be recommended here a lot - but the reviews on tripadvisor.com don't seem that great. DuPont Circle or Georgetown are good places to stay.

The good news is you have lots of time to watch for specials. You may want to book something now that is reasonable (and cancellable) and watch for deals. Too early for travelzoo specials - but they should have something as your trip gets closer.

Cali

MinnesotaMouse, you and your daughter will have a wonderful time in Washington D.C. It is a fun city and you will be safe if you go to all the tourist places and be aware of your surroundings. We go there often for business and pleasure and have often stayed at The Mayflower Hotel and it is perfect for us as it is right by the subway. The hotel staff has always been very helpful too. I know there are tons of other hotels so maybe someone else has another recommendation but I strongly can recommend The Mayflower. Have fun - it is a great place to visit.