COVID-19 forced many of us to change or cancel our spring break and summer vacation plans, including long-awaited family cruise vacations and adults-only escapes in the Caribbean. Then came a new slew of COVID-19 travel trends, including workcations that encourage travelers to enjoy that Caribbean vacation, after all—albeit in between Zoom meetings—and, now that school is back in session, schoolcations.
What is a Schoolcation?
Schoolcations encourage families to combine remote learning and work with vacation time. Children’s recess and lunch breaks can be spent hiking or taking a dip in the pool at your Airbnb, or better yet, plummeting down the water slides at a resort water park. Hotels and resorts are even offering incentives for schoolcations, with everything from discounted room rates to dedicated spaces for virtual learning and remote work.
Curious about this new travel trend? Check out these schoolcation offers at various resorts and resort chains across the U.S.
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1. Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort – Orlando, Florida
The luxurious Four Seasons Resort Orlando, one of the top Disney hotels in Orlando, is offering virtual learning spaces for kids, with free Wi-Fi, distanced desks and occupancy limits; no more than six students are allowed in each space at a time. Half day (9 a.m. to noon; $50) and full day (9 a.m. to. 3 p.m.; $100; lunch included) sessions are available. When it’s time for recess, gym class, or a break, kids can head to the five-acre water park, complete with a lazy river, water slides, and splash zones galore. Parents might use this time to get their own work done or take advantage of the resort’s Oasis Spa.
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Additional incentives include a $200 nightly resort credit for those staying in a guestroom, and a $500 nightly credit for those who book a one- or two-bedroom suite. This schoolcation offer is valid through December 18, 2020.
2. Westgate Resorts – Multiple Locations
Westgate Resorts is offering resort credits at all six of its properties in the following locations: Gatlinburg, Tennessee; Las Vegas, Nevada; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Branson, Missouri; and Orlando and Kissimmee, Florida.
Credits start at $25 credit per day for those who book a studio or one-bedroom villa and go up to $100 per day for guests of the four-bedroom villas. Enjoy the water parks and pools and local attractions (we’re looking at you, Disney World) in your free time.
3. Conrad Punta de Mita – Nayarit, Mexico
The newly opened Conrad Punta de Mita in Mexico has extended its Work From Paradise incentive—which includes a $75 daily resort credit, premium wi fi, and 50 percent off a Relaxation Massage—to include Learn From Paradise offerings for little ones.
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During your stay, kiddos will have the unique opportunity for optional enrichment periods that allow them to be immersed in local culture with activities including arts and crafts, Spanish language classes, cooking classes, and nature walks. Local tutors are also available to help with school work.
4. The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort – Shawnee on Delaware, Pennsylvania
In the Pocono Mountains, there’s plenty of places to enjoy socially distanced adventures in the fresh mountain air. When you’re not out exploring, the kids can get their school work done at the Shawnee Inn, which is offering a monitored learning room (no extra cost) with an attendant and strong Wi-Fi.
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For recess and other downtime, there’s lawn games, archery, arts and crafts, and a pool. The hotel also has its own brewery!
5. Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita – Nayarit, Mexico
The Four Seasons Punta Mita in Mexico is also offering a schoolcation incentive, including the ultimate learning environment—repurposed “study cabanas” by the pool or beach—plus dedicated tech support and study buddies. The resort also offers its own classes that teach kids about Mexico’s history, culture, and cuisine, as well as community giving opportunities.
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6. Casa Marina Resort – Key West, Florida
Fall and winter are prime time to enjoy the Florida Keys, so why not head to the luxurious Casa Marina Resort in Key West and take advantage of its Home School Package?
This schoolcation package includes a $100 daily food and beverage credit; family escape room experience; and the chance to take field trips to local attractions such as the Key West Butterfly Conservatory, Hemingway House and the Shipwreck Museum. Bonus: This package also includes a bottle of wine for parents. Offer valid through December 18, 2020.
7. Marriott Cancun Resort – Cancun, Mexico
With schoolcations in mind, the Marriott Cancun Resort (one of the best family resorts in Cancun) has introduced N.E.D (Nature, Education, Discovery) Talks, with teachings focused on the local turtle release program, mocktail mixings (a.k.a. math class!) and introductory Spanish lessons for resort guests.
8. Auberge Resorts – Multiple Locations
With 19 locations across the globe, Auberge Resorts offers the chance to escape to dreamy destinations such as Napa Valley, Hawaii, and Greece. And all of its resorts are now offering a new reason to escape: schoolcations with private school day tutors for kids, educational seminars for parents, and private “office cabanas” by the pools.
