142. Luxury Travel for Spring Break: Beaches, Boulevards, and Beyond

Planning spring break in January? Absolutely. Because luxury travel waits for no one. In this episode, we're diving into why now is the time to start planning your spring break luxury travel escape. I’m sharing how early planning can save you stress and money, the top destinations for an unforgettable getaway, and how to personalize your trip for the ultimate experience. Whether you’re craving relaxation, culture, or a little bit of both, I’ve got you covered.

Previous Episodes Mentioned:

• 141. How to Take Stunning Vacation Photos with Your Smartphone: Expert Tips from Jessica Frey
• 139. 2026 Luxury Travel Trends: Set Jetting, AI Itineraries, Quiet Vacations, and More!

Connect with Michele on IG: @jetsettingwithmichele or on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/MMTinsiders

Contact Michele to plan your next vacation: www.makinmemoriestravel.co/contact, michele@makinmemoriestravel.co, or schedule a 15 minute consult: https://tidycal.com/texasmfs/15-minute-meeting

This episode was produced by The Podcast Teacher: www.ThePodcastTeacher.com.

Transcript

Hello jet setters. Welcome back to another episode of Jet Setting with me. I am Michelle Schwartz, here from Makin Memories Travel company, your memory maker and your wanderlust instigator. A quick housekeeping note before we begin. If you love what you hear today, sharing it with your travel loving friends and family is the ultimate compliment for me. It truly means the world. So be sure to connect with me on Social links are in the show notes so you never miss the inside scoop. And because I truly want to get to know everyone who is listening to this just a little bit better.

In fact, send me your travel questions and they may become a future episode just like this one. So recently, as in a week and a half ago, a friend asked if I had started planning spring break and I literally laughed. I was like, I am so focused on February still that I haven't even thought about flights for an early March trip to Europe. But then as soon as she mentioned it, of course, it's like once you hear it, you start seeing it everywhere. Those spring break specials started landing in my inbox. I realized spring break deposits are due, like in a month. And she wasn't exactly inspired by Galveston for the kids. So the race to plan spring break travel was on.

So my friends in Michigan, I am looking at you. If you are ready to shake off that winter chill and everyone is ready to dive into spring break planning, let's do it. Today we're going to talk about the secrets to crafting that perfect spring break getaway that's relaxing, inspiring, and of course, truly memorable. So let's talk about why you should be planning now and that I was the one who was late, not my friend. Spring. It feels like a natural time for a fresh start. Reset, right? I love spring cleaning. I know it's crazy because it's my chance to clear out all that clutter that I promised I was going to do in January when I set my New Year's resolutions that I really didn't do.

So just like we recommit to ourselves in spring, travel needs that mindset as well. The best trips, they don't wait around. So think of booking that spring break vacation and getaway as part of your own spring renewal. So start your planning now. Yes, I do know it's mid January and there is snow looking at you again, Michigan. But it's like giving your travel dreams the same fresh energy that you're going to bring to your goals this year. 2026. By planning early, we are going to get your first dibs on the best flights the best pricing at the hotels, especially the boutique hotels like I found one in Portugal yesterday, had 14 rooms.

Exclusive tours that we want to get before they book up. Those little extras that can take your trip from just good to good. Plus and of course avoiding the last minute scramble like me that I was doing keeps stress at bay and protects your wallet from those very sneaky price hikes. It's like travel is all about surge pricing these days. So while refreshing your mind in space this spring, let's refresh where you're going to go for your spring break memories. I talked about travel Trends in episode 139. The link to that episode is in the show Notes. This year we are seeing surges in culturally immersive escapes and the quiet cations.

So whether it is the sun drenched island or the art field European Boulevard that is calling for you, booking early is going to ensure that you don't miss out. I have one client who booked her spring trip to Walt Disney World like almost a full year in advance. Like Disney releases trips like almost basically 11 months out and I was able to secure the hotel she requested at the best price at that time. Disney always raises their pricing in October. October 1st is the first day of their new fiscal year. And so last week Disney announced a special for spring break of this year which applied in terms of the date to her stay. So I checked to see if I could reprice it for her and lo and behold, the hotel that she had requested wasn't even available anymore during spring break. So.

So even with that special she would have had to spend more because she would have been staying at a more expensive resort. Now spring break is definitely not one size fits all. And here is where the fun begins and my secret sauce kicks in. Deciding the vibe that's going to make your getaway shine. So are you needing that quiet cation? A chance to unplug? Do you want to watch the ocean or sit on a mountain and have a Zen moment? What about a massage to release all the tension in your muscles? Well, an all inclusive resort where pampering and peace reign could be ideal for you. Or maybe arts and culture are your jam. Imagine meandering through the charming historic neighborhoods, popping into a local gallery, cozy cafes, buzzing food markets or vendors, strolls. You could spend your days exploring museums and have maybe intimate live music or dance performances.

Or just simply soak in the stories embedded in a city's architecture and street art. We could be talking like New Orleans here in the States or Charleston Savannah. Or maybe you were talking further Away in Paris or Lisbon. It's the perfect way to unwind your mind while feeding your passion for authentic experiences. A scenic cruise. You know that so far all of these apply to me and I would be hard pressed to pick one. But that's again, where the fun comes in, is picking the one that's best for you. So cruises blend the open sea with that fabulous Broadway like entertainment.

Of course we stop at stunning destinations. So for example, a hidden Caribbean cove where you can snorkel. Or port city where you can savor local cuisine by taking a local fort by taking a local food tour. And of course I mentioned the curated entertainment on board, but what about that world class dining? The immersive enrichment programs like the culinary at sea that's on board Oceania, or photography courses that you can take on Princess. All of the cruises have them. Fabulous enrichment programs. All designed to make your journey as memorable as the destinations. And then for my friend Liz out there, wine lovers think rolling vineyards, private tastings, gourmet pairings in the world's best wine regions.

And of course, spring break was made for those girls trips. Okay, maybe boy trips, sky trips too. Spring break was made for group trips and we love crafting them. You can be inspired by your favorite movie or TV show. I mean, I've been planning with Cat Moran for a year for our Bridgerton Springs farway and I can't wait. It is almost here. Talk about a fabulous ladies trip. And a quick aside, we only have one more spot available, so waiting to book with me is no longer an option.

Now let's talk a little bit about the top spring break destinations for 2026. This is the places where the spring break magic is going to be trendy. The Caribbean. So think luxury resorts, pristine beaches, insider experiences beyond the usual spots. Okay, everyone take a deep breath because I know what you're thinking. Because I think it too when I mention the Caribbean right now. Because you probably saw stories in your feed about some people being stranded in islands because of the situation in Venezuela. So please allow me to put your fears to rest.

While the political and economic challenges in Venezuela have been headline news, they generally are not impacting travel to most Caribbean destinations that are popular for spring break. And the key reasons are thus most Caribbean resorts and islands that we're talking about, such as Aruba, Barbados, Turks and Caicos, even the Bahamas and the Eastern Caribbean are far from Venezuela and they all operate independently. All of those Caribbean destinations have strong, strong security, a lot of tourism infrastructure and the governments are going to prioritize your safety and your stability. And although Venezuela isn't a common departure point for travelers, flights and cruises to those hotspots come generally from North America, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, so your travel routes should be unaffected. But as usual, I am going to be monitoring. I keep a close eye on developments and I advise you proactively if any changes affect safe, smooth access to where you're going. In short, you can still book those pristine beaches and luxury resorts in the Caribbean with confidence for your spring break escape. And as always, I will be here to help you pick the best and safest options for your style.

So the Caribbean might not be your jam that's okay Europe has lovely spring festivals that light up cities with blossoms, art and celebrations. Perfect for soaking in culture with mild weather and lighter crowds. Most notably the Keukenhof Flower Festival which is in Amsterdam March 19 to May 10. It's known as the Garden of Europe and it's the awe inspiring Tulip Festival that anytime you see pictures of the Netherlands with the windmills and the tulips, this is that it showcases millions of blooming flowers. They have really beautiful colors and the reason we see all those pictures of it is because it's truly picture perfect for nature lovers, photographers and even amateur iPhone users like me. Which if that applies to you, be sure and go back and listen to last week's episode with Jessica about taking the best pictures with your smartphone. There is also in France between February and March, a lemon festival, Fet du Citron. I took French in high school, so I should have been able to do that a little bit better.

But that's the whimsical celebration that has massive sculptures that are made entirely from citrus fruits, that is Lemons, limes. All my fellow Top Chef aficionados should know citrus fruits parades, vibrant street performances all along the French Riviera. And who could forget Spain in April with the lively Andalusian fair called Seville Fiera de Avril translated the Seville Fair in April. It's got flamenco dancing, it's got those traditional costumes, it's got those horse parades. And I have to tell you that I have done all of those things and it is a joy. I love the flamenco dancing and the parades. I mean of the horses. It's truly fun.

Okay, so maybe Europe's a little far. Caribbean isn't speaking to you right now. Usa. There's plenty to do for you right here. Nature lovers festival goers. Plenty to explore during spring break. Let's take Washington D.C. it comes alive in the spring with the National Cherry Blossom Festival that of course features features all those beautiful blooming cherry trees.

There are parades and there are fireworks across the beautiful monuments that are in the skyline of Washington D.C. and if you missed Mardi Gras in February, New Orleans, Louisiana has the fabulous French Quarter Festival between April 16th and 19th. It's a little more family friendly. Also, it has four days of free live music and it also showcases Louisiana's culture, food and traditions. It's got local music and it's in the heart of the city and there are VIP parks available for that which gives you that lively spring break vibe. And if you really want that quiet cation but you want to stay in the U.S. u.S. National parks have a Coming out party in the Spring My favorite US national park, the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee and North Carolina has wonderful spring wildflower blooms and they make for moderate hiking trails with the more moderate weather.

It is a paradise. Joshua Tree national park in California also has some of the most pleasant temperatures and blooming desert wildflowers which make it popular for hiking. And also stargazing in the spring is great. Then we also have in California, the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve. I've never been there, but now that I'm talking about it, I cannot wait to go. It's got stunning orange poppy fields in full bloom. It sounds like it's out of the wizard of Oz, right? And that's from March through May. And of course we cannot forget My heart in Maui during spring break.

Hala Kala national park where you have the breathtaking sunrise views and the native blooms at the unique volcanic landscape and the best weather. And it's also whale watching season over the spring break. And of course I have lots more hidden gems where those come from right up my sleeves and they are exclusive to my clients. So hit me up for those destinations that are going to blend luxury and authenticity. So what sets your spring break apart from your neighbor's spring break is how we fit all those pieces together. Literally the moment you walk out your door to head to your car or airport or train station, whatever works for you to the moment you walk back into your home, we are thinking about how to craft your personal vacation and again, that's the key word for me is personal. This is not your best friend on Facebook giving you advice. This is me.

I work independently with each of my clients to craft your vacation adventure with care. One of my clients even said her ideas are exciting and we have had experiences I would have never known to ask for. From here on out. She is our goal guide so check your phone. Spring Break 2026 is definitely calling and the best time to start planning is now. I would love to help you create that perfect escape for you and your travel companions. So reach out for that personalized consultation and together we will make either those Sunkist or culture rich or both or wine soaked dreams. All of the above come true.

And a quick heads up. Next week I'm going to share some insider tips on crafting Valentine's Escape that make your hearts and your memories soar. So check back with me then. And until next time, make every journey a memory worth savoring.