Spring break, Daylight Savings Time, St . Patrick's Day, First day of Spring, Easter means a busy March!

This March, the use of the adjective 'Madness' seems particularly apt! With so many distractions, it will be April before we know it.

In Ontario, we're already distracted from the usual winter weariness with the new Family Day holiday long weekend (the third Monday in February; this year February 18) which was sprung on us recently, and for which no one has plans for, and for which students and teachers and their parents in the Toronto area certainly do not need, given the many Snow Days this year.

We're all a little confused, too, about what will be open, who gets the day off and who has to work. Schools, government offices, liquor and grocery stores, banks, etc are closed. Corner shops will likely do a banner business in milk and bread, and snacks!

Now with a busy March waiting for its cue in the wings, our Winter Distraction Dance card is pretty full. Here's how I see it:

• First off, in the Toronto area, Spring Break is the week of March 10-14, though breakers usually start heading out any time after March 6; it's the busiest time of the year for Toronto's airport, Pearson International..
  
• Daylight Savings time begins Sunday March 9 ( so at least the kids won't be late for school after missing an hour's sleep).
• First day back at school is Monday, March 17 -- St Patrick's Day.
• First day of Spring is Thursday, March 20.
• Good Friday and Purim are the following day, March 21.
• Easter Sunday is March 24.
• Easter Monday is March 25.

As I see it, there are only two full weeks of classes in this area (if you discount those skiving off early for Spring Break) so March, which usually seems to drag on and on, will be over in a flash.

What has this to do with travel? you may well ask. A lot, if you are booking flights, hotels, etc or planning to travel this March.

• Daylight Savings Time: Not every country/state/province observes this so be SURE to double check departure and arrival times, especially if traveling on or about March 9, and especially if crossing the international date line.
• Spring break means High Season rates, and crowds, especially in the sun and fun destinations.
• Easter, including Easter Monday, is a holiday in many parts of the world, including Hong Kong.
• Holy Week (this year March 16-20) is a major celebration in countless other countries, including the Dominican Republic and Honduras.

With so much happening this March, don't get too distracted -- it'll be tax time before you know it!

New Dates for 2007 Daylight Savings Time USA and Canada

2007 marks the first year that extended dates for Daylight Saving Time (DST) will be implemented. In 2007, DST will begin the second Sunday in March (this year on March 11) and end on the first Sunday in November (this year on November 4).

This will affect travelers planning itineraries for March Break. Be sure to confirm your arrival/departures times for travel over the first few weeks the changes will be in effect. (On the plus side, the days will be longer for spring skiing!)

For details for Ontario (and other Canadian provinces adopting this change), see Ontario Ministry Attorney General; For the USA, see the California Energy Commission.

And you may want to check your own computer: For computers built before the 2005 legislation was enacted, check to see if you need a patch to change the auto-DST feature for your time settings. And confirm all business meetings, etc around this frame.

While I am at it, I may as well remind Spring travelers that, this year, Holy Week begins Sunday, April 1 and runs until Easter Monday, April 9. These are important dates and travel times in much of the world, including parts of Asia, so book early to get the best routings and hotels.