The annual ritual of spring break travel to warm weather destinations is something we all look forward to. A time out from school or work spent swimming, fishing, playing golf – any activity in the warm sunshine – defeats the winter doldrums and renews our zest for everyday responsibilities that await back home.

This year, you’d love to take the family to the Caribbean or Mexico’s Pacific coast or maybe even Hawaii!  But the truth is you’re discouraged by pricey airfares and expensive hotels in these fabled warm weather destinations. Don’t despair! Covington Vacation Advisor, Dale Fuller is a master at finding travel value, without sacrificing luxury and she has some recommendations to share.

Dale says: Why not SoCal?

Consider visiting Southern California. First, round trip airfare (from Virginia) is about half of that to many Caribbean destinations and no passport is required (US citizens, of course)! The area claims 300 days of sunshine per year and it has many five star properties with very reasonable rates. There are many activities that the whole family will enjoy. In the San Diego County alone there are at least five major attractions: SeaWorld, Safari Park, LegoLand, San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park. You can visit 70 miles of superb beaches for sunning or surfing, go whale watching or sport fishing, take hiking and walking tours or try an equestrian adventure. SoCal also has a plethora of championship golf courses and world class spas to beat the links and cure the kinks.

Car rentals are economical but there is also a coastal Amtrak train, the Pacific Surfliner,  that runs north from San Diego. It’s a beautiful ride along the beach and through the quaint coastal towns.

Dining venues vary from seriously upscale farm-to-table dining to local taco and burger joints. There are so many choices with many options offering reasonable prices.

I’ve visited many of the area’s Virtuoso hotels, the most recent being the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort in Carlsbad, California, just 30 minutes north of San Diego on the southern California coast. Elegant but casual, this hotel offers fine dining, a top-ranked golf course and hot air ballooning. There are two large heated pools (one is adults only) and hot tubs. Camp Hyatt for kids gives parents a chance to unwind while the kids are entertained by professional staff or there is also a complimentary game room that the whole family can enjoy together.

Another of my favorites is the Grand Del Mar, amidst Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve just 20 miles north of San Diego. This 249 room Mediterranean estate is located on 4,100 acres reminiscent of Tuscany or the hills of Provence. Activities include a championship golf course, a five-star spa and the five-Diamond Addison restaurant. The hotel offers courtesy transportation within a 14 mile radius, so you can take advantage of the beaches, shopping and dining without the parking hassles.

As a proud member of Virtuoso, Covington Travel is pleased to include special complimentary amenities at both of these fine resorts. 2013 Amenities include a room category upgrade, subject to availability, daily breakfast and a resort credit to use toward activities. Currently, both resorts have a Virtuoso promotion that includes every third night free – you can’t beat that in the Caribbean!

To find out more about why SoCal is right for your spring vacation (or anytime – remember, 300 sunny days per year!), contact Dale or any of Covington’s expert vacation advisors.