Destinations of the week
Five Semana Santa Vacation Ideas
Semana Santa or Holy Week is one of the most highly anticipated times of year, where most families plan their trips and vacations in advance in order to avoid high prices and large crowds. Alamo Rent A Car are experts on how to avoid those cliché destinations of the season and recommends the following destinations where you and your whole family will have a blast. From beautiful beaches to snowy mountains, these five destinations will not disappoint.
Cape May, New Jersey
Ranked as the second-best beach in the United States and the ninth in the world by Trip Advisor in 2011, Cape May is the oldest beach resort in the country. Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, Delaware Bay, and a canal, this island has the second largest collection of Victorian architecture in the country, earning the entire city recognition as a National Historic Landmark.
To get to Cape May, you can start your journey by flying to Philadelphia International Airport or Atlantic City International Airport and drive for an hour or an hour and a half, respectively, until you get to Cape May. Along the way you can take advantage of the beautiful small towns across both states, such as Hammonton, Egg Harbor Township, and Marmora.
Upon arriving in Cape May, you will have the option of staying at Congress Hall, a Victorian waterfront complex with rich history and tradition. The Easter weekend celebration includes a buffet-style brunch in the hotel’s ballroom, two Easter egg hunts, potato sack races in the hotel’s expansive garden, a treasure hunt and rides on the Congress Hall Express mini train.
Luckily, the temperature will be perfect during these dates with temperatures slated to reach 62° F (17° C) during the day and 42° F (6° C) at night.
Lake Tahoe, Nevada
A ski trip in April sounds odd, but believe me, April is one of the best months to visit Tahoe since the crowds and the cold are gone. Likewise, the famous Heavenly Mountains ski resort, is expected to continue its operations through May 5!
You can start your vacation by flying to San Francisco International Airport and spend a day or two in one of the largest cities in the United States. Visit the famous Golden Gate Bridge, explore Union Square on the Cable Car, and finally, try fresh seafood at Pier 39.
If you drive from San Francisco to Lake Tahoe, you can expect the trip to take approximately three and a half to four hours on the road. The I-80 East route is fastest. In Lake Tahoe, you will have the option of staying on the North Shore or South Shore. Don’t miss the egg hunt for Heavenly Village on the south coast on Sunday, April 12 at 10:00 AM.
Washington, DC
The best weather and time to travel to Washington D.C. is during the spring, as the famous Cherry Blossoms have started to bloom making the city’s scenery both stunning and playful. This time of year attracts travelers the world over, thanks to several events such as the famous National Cherry Blossom Festival.
The tradition of the Easter Egg Roll on the White House lawn is celebrated each year on Easter Monday. The event consists of an egg filming race and a meet and greet with the “original” Easter Bunny character. Visitors can also enjoy live music, storytelling, and cooking classes on the South Lawn. Although tickets are free, participants are chosen via lottery every year and, generally, more than 35,000 people attend.
Take note, international flights arrive only at Dulles International Airport, located in Virginia 27.3 miles (44 km) from the city center. Another option is the Baltimore-Washington Airport, which is even further away, 32.3 miles (52 km).
Asheville, North Carolina
If you are seeking an alternate experience, with landscapes that include a French-style country house and egg-hunting in a huge green lawn, the trip to make is Asheville, North Carolina. Don’t miss the Easter Egg Hunt at Biltmore Estate Mansion.
The experience is open to children from 2 to 9 years old, who enter the Biltmore for free with a paying adult. In addition to the egg hunt, there is music, stories, a magic show, child-friendly activities, and a meet and greet with Easter Bunny. In addition, Biltmore Gardens will be flourishing, and Easter brunch will be available in both the Biltmore dining room and the Deerpark restaurant.
To get to Asheville, consider flying to Charlotte Douglas International Airport, and then travel by road through the famous Blue Ridge Mountains for 2 hours (117 mi). This road trip is phenomenal with the non-stop scenery of Appalachia!
Denver, Colorado
More than anything, Denver is known as one of the world’s best ski-trip destinations. However, during Easter holidays some of its main ski resorts become a playground for egg hunts including Copper Mountain, one of the most popular ski resorts near Denver.
If skiing is not your thing, and you want to have a truly memorable experience with your family, regardless, you cannot miss the famous Easter breakfasts at the Downtown Aquarium on Saturday the 11th and Sunday the 12th. You can have breakfast while enjoying games, hunting for eggs, and taking photos with Easter Bunny.
Whether you visit Colorado for skiing or to discover the city, Denver International Airport is the largest airport in Colorado, making it convenient and accessible.
