Family Spring Breaks
Spring Break Trips for families of High School Seniors has become one of the most memorable travel experiences of one's lifetime.
And since memories are the real reason to travel it is imperative that the memories are priceless!
We are experts in Spring Break Travel having handled hundreds of families and groups to tropical beach locations such as Playa del Carmen, Cancun, Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, the Bahamas and Jamaica (just to name a few) as well as Caribbean cruises with Royal Caribbean, Princess and Carnival.
It is vitally important that you work with a specialist that knows the ropes. We know the pros & cons of various destinations. And, we know the resorts from personal experience. We also know which resorts or cruise lines maintain strict rules and assure a wholesome atmosphere. We listen to your desires and concerns and will advise you accordingly.
So, what does Gateway Express bring to the table? Our counseling begins with tips on how to get 3 or more families to agree on a destination & resort. In many instances, that is the hardest part of the project! Typically, there are differences between what the teens want and what the parents want. We are experienced in managing those issues. Here are just a few of the questions we sort out for you:
- Every resort in the world "looks great" on their web site. Of course, not all are! Do you know the difference?
- Even among the finest resorts, there are vast differences in clientele and atmosphere. What surrounding suits you best?
- All-Inclusive or not? Paying up-front for all your meals can create sticker shock but, with the way most teens eat, the all-inclusive package will save you money. That said, many families prefer to experience the dining around the area. We'll sort it out for you.
- When to book? Once you have made your choices, we review the current promotions and anticipate those likely to come. (Past marketing practices of our primary suppliers is very good indicator of things to come.) We'll let you know when we think it's time to lock it in.
Here are some of our most trusted resort groups and cruise lines - those with whom we have "preferred agency status":
RIU All-Inclusive Resorts
Gateway Express has sent more families to RIU Resorts than any other resort group in the world for one great reason: They all come back happy... and the best proof of that is the "repeat rate". Many clients have returned to the RIU resorts for second, third, and fourth visits!
Take a look at our most popular Spring Break Packages with RIU Resorts... RIU Playacar, RIU Palace Riviera Maya, RIU Puerto Vallarta and RIU Palace Cabo San Lucas. We have personally experienced all of these popular options and are ready to advise you on which suits your needs. As a principal agency for RIU Resorts, we guarantee the best prices and added amenities. Take a closer look at RIU Resorts.
Barcelo Beach Resorts
Another popular option with our past clients is the all-inclusive Barcelo Resorts throughout Mexico. Specifically, the Barcelo complex south of Playa del Carmen and north of Tulum has been a popular choice of our clients. Many parents opt for the Barcelo Riviera Maya complex because it is in a more remote location.
Whereas the "top of the line" RIU resorts are 5-Star, Barcelo's top resorts are generally rated as 4-Star to 41/2-Star resorts. Take a look at the 4-star Barcelo Maya Palace and the 31/2-star Barcelo Maya Colonial & Tropical.
Other Destinations & Resorts
Some families have opted for RIU and Barcelo resorts in the Caribbean, the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas, Outrigger Resorts and Marriott Resorts in Hawaii, and back in Mexico, Palace Resorts, Melia Sol and others.
Adventurous families have opted for Costa Rica and Belize. For an educational Spring Break trip, we are equally experienced with family trips to Europe. We have advised spring break families on travel to England, France, Italy, Czech Republic, Germany and Scandinavia.
Spring Break Cruises
The Cruise option is very popular with many Spring Break Families and Groups. The reasons are many: Fabulous Food 24/7, plenty of high-energy activity, the ability to experience 3 or 4 different places in a 7-day span, and safety.
Although we book many of the leading cruise lines, Princess, Royal Caribbean and Carnival seem to be the best choices for Spring Break families. Each presents a little different atmosphere and different itineraries. Click the links above for a brief description of each line.
With a cruise, your teens will never be without great food - and you'll always know where they are!
Come to the experts! Gateway Express counselors Dee Bauer, Fran Syvrud and Ellie Noyes are very experienced in working with Spring Break Families and Groups. Put yourself in "professional hands"!