Parenting on the Plateau: Let's Fly Away

Spring in the Pacific Northwest is a mixed bag. With weather that ranges from wind and rain one day to sunny and in the 60s the next while tossing in some late season snow just for kicks, most people nonetheless are anticipating and planning their annual escape.

Living on the west coast, we can get away fairly quickly and until most recently, with fairly low cost.  If you've spent any time looking at airfare, you may be rudely awakened by the fact that the "golden age" of deep air discounts is long gone. The cost of flights has jumped in recent months due to rising fuel costs and high demand with less seats available as many airlines have consolidated to survive the economy. These days, those $99 one-ways don't get you much further than Spokane. Even Vegas is getting pricey.

But fear not. There are some great options for you to consider, regardless of your budget, and they even include some much needed sunshine.

California destinations are an easy go-to where the lump sum of money spent usually ends up at theme parks, but alternate attractions will not only mix up the monotony but save you a lot of money. Playing on the beach doesn't cost much more than a bottle of sunscreen. Packages for a family of four featuring air to Los Angeles and beach-area hotels are running from $1,300* for four nights. Sure, you can hit up Disney or Universal at $99 per person but several ballparks in the area are worth a visit as well and tickets for four could fall within the price of one Disney admission. This might be the year you begin your own National Ballpark Tour.

If you plan on staying more local, namely car-bound, consider the coastal towns of Seaside or Gearhart, Ore.  With a timely drive of around three hours from the Seattle/Tacoma area, there is much to keep you busy including beaches, seafood restaurants, outlet shopping and the Tillamook Cheese Factory.  Aside from hotel properties, you may find that vacation rentals are a better fit for your family and lifestyle. Condo or houses with kitchens can save you buckets when it comes to food costs as long as you don't mind cooking a bit. My favorite rentals in Seaside offer nightly rates from $99 which can sleep up to six people in a three-bedroom bungalow just steps from the beach and less than a mile from the town center. (www.Vrbo.com)

Beach vacations are a fan favorite up here in the Seattle area but thinking outside of the box can save you a few bucks.

Flights for a family of four and a four-night stay at The Clarendon Hotel in Phoenix's downtown core clocks in at around $1,650*. Compared to a flight-only package to Honolulu costing $2,400* alone, the desert doesn't look too bad with its warm welcome temperatures and a great pool. (Travelocity.com)

And last but not least, there's always the Great Wolf Lodge. Located about an hour south of Tacoma, this massive property is famous for its indoor water park. Rates for the second week of April are starting at $239 in a family suite for four which includes admission to their 84-degree waterpark. The facility offers meal plans for their onsite restaurants though there are several restaurants located nearby.

(*All rates were accurate as of press time and found using Travelocity.  Rates are estimated based on April 9-12 travel departures.)

So with many options ranging from beach to desert - car trips to jet setting - where will Spring Break take you?