Spring Break bargains for young families: Three ideas to make the most of your April holiday

NEW YORK -- A sinking stock market is a bad thing. But sinking airline, hotel, and resort prices? A pretty good thing.The perfect way to ease the gloomy mood this spring is to create something for your family to look forward to. The recession is taking a big slice out of the travel industry, so now is the perfect time to get on board.

 
1. Head to the hills

The snow is still coming down, and you can hit the slopes in Colorado and Lake Tahoe for a surprisingly low cost. Southwest Airlines is running a special price to Denver: from $39 to $99 each way if you buy 14 days in advance, for travel through May 20. Vail isn't yet a bargain, but there are deals to be had at Winter Park, about 90 minutes west of Denver, including fourth-night-free deals and free lift tickets and equipment rentals for accompanying children. Call: 1-800-979-0332 and mention "Kids Ski & Rent Free."

At Lake Tahoe, the famed Heavenly Resort is offering a similar deal for the remainder of the spring ski season. Buy two days of adult skiing and three nights of lodging, and kids 12 and younger ski free.
By the way, a colleague of mine, went skiing in Vail recently and was prompted to look beyond the slopes to the company, Vail Resorts. He decided to buy shares of the stock. Why? Because it was at a five-year low and it's a company he can understand since he's a skiing expert.

 
2. Pound the pavement

Every kid loves to explore a big city -- and what a learning experience, too! Take an urban spring vacation and fly to a city you've always meant to visit. Many large airlines are slashing their coast-to-coast flights. United has flights available between San Francisco and New York for less than $250.
Be sure to consider Priceline for hotels -- I recently stayed in a 4-star hotel for just $150 -- and ask the hotels directly about family-friendly features. For example, Hotel Tomo in San Francisco's Japantown district is a great place for young kids, with a Players Suite equipped with a PlayStation 3, a Wii, "Fat Boy bean bag chairs," and a huge TV. A current promotion offers $100 off with a two-night stay at $109 per night, making this a nearly 50% discount. Book online using the promo code "Joy Bucks." See the site.

3. Get them all wet

If you're tired of gray skies and chilly air, head to the beach. Families can enjoy the beauty of upscale Santa Barbara without the big hotel prices by staying in the private rooms at the Santa Barbara Hostel, one block from the beach and the restaurants and cafes of State Street. Private rooms start at just $69 for weeknights.

Alternatively, how about a water park trip to America's frozen heartland? Didn't think it was possible? Sure it is -- if you're inside at a huge indoor water theme park. Let the kids splash to their heart's content, bowl, eat pizza, or just hang out. There are a bunch of large indoor water parks to choose from in the Wisconsin Dells. 

 Right now, you don't even have to be creative to find a good deal. They're everywhere. If your finances support it, you'll get a great family memory at a price you won't forget.