From coast to coast, popular spring break destinations include locations like Orlando, South Padre Island and San Diego. While we’re all for the classics, sometimes veering off the well-beaten bikini path can save you money and provide a more unique experience.
We took into account the average price of accommodations, food, airfare and things to do when compiling this list. These spring break destinations pack a relaxing, fun-filled punch — but generally cost less to visit.
Should I cancel my spring break trip due to coronavirus?
According to experts, it depends where you’re headed. The US government currently recommends that US citizens avoid nonessential travel to China, Iran, South Korea and Italy. Older adults and those affected by chronic medical conditions should avoid nonessential travel to Japan as well. And all travelers should be diligent about washing their hands and avoiding anyone who’s sick.
Unless you’re traveling to one of those areas, you may not need to cancel your spring break vacation. The best thing to do is practice precaution by washing your hands and avoid touching your mouth, eyes and nose.
Spring break in the US ranges from late February through mid-April, depending on the region and school calendar. But March is the most popular month for spring break nationwide.
Top cheap spring break destinations
If you’re looking to save a buck, Savannah, Georgia and Sedona, Arizona are two of our favorite affordable places to visit.
Pack a picnic and dine in Forsyth Park to watch the locals and Savannah College of Art and Design students commute to and fro. Tybee Island is only a 30-minute drive away for when you want to spend the day at a beach — catch a shuttle for $20 round trip.
With only 10,000 residents, this town may be small, but glorious red rock formations, pleasant dry heat, local wineries and vibrant art scene offer a fascinating getaway. And it’s possible to book a comfortable Airbnb or hotel room for less than $100 per night.
In the surrounding Coconino National Forest, you’ll find over 400 miles of trails in the Red Rock Ranger District. Combine your Sedona spring break with a sojourn in lovely Pheonix to make the most of your Arizona getaway.
Experience guided tours out of Sedona, Arizona including to the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, Coyote Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, Red Rock Range and more. Duration: 2 hours to full day.
What makes an ideal spring break destination for families? Warm weather, activities for the kiddos and a healthy dose of history. Of course, affordability is also key.
St. Augustine, Florida
St. Augustine has it all — an 18th century fort, a cutesy-quirky old town, uncrowded beaches and a slew of restaurants ranging from fancy to down-home (think fried chicken and biscuits.) It’s an hour’s drive south of Jacksonville. But during spring break season it’s usually cheaper to fly into Orlando — two hours away by car.
Richmond is a haven for history buffs, beer lovers, ice cream aficionados and artsy folks. The best part? It’s relatively inexpensive to visit. Check out Jamestown for a colonial experience, then head to the free Richmond Museum of Fine Art. The Monument Avenue Easter Parade is a spectacular street fair celebration complete with a petting zoo. Plenty of beaches are within driving distance. And King’s Dominion — a major amusement park — is a 30-minute drive north.
This palm-tree paradise is one of the cheapest locations to fly to in the Caribbean. Its all-inclusive resorts are relatively affordable compared to what you’d find in, say, Cancun, and the list of family-friendly activities is practically endless. Snorkel, kayak, zip-line, surf and more.
So you have a brief respite from homework, exams and longs days spent studying. These spring break destinations for college students offer a laid-back vibe, cheap food and high times.
Birmingham, Alabama
Here’s a bold statement — Birmingham is the next Austin. OK, hear us out…
In this sophisticated southern city, you’ll find the hippest artisanal breweries, the chicest coffee shops and some good ol’ sloppy BBQ. It’s also wonderfully walkable — so college kids can visit without renting a car. Stay in the Avondale, Woodlawn or Crestwood neighborhoods for close proximity to some of the best local digs.
New Orleans is one of those cities that can be pricey or cheap, depending on how you play it. At it’s core, it’s a bohemian mash-up of Creole spice, Cajun flair and a dozen other flavorful cultures.
Most museums and attractions have cheap student prices. And you can save money by opting for dive bars and street food instead of fine dining.
Book a walking tour with Free Tours by Foot to get the lay of the land, tipping what you can afford.
Hoping to add a stamp to your passport? Book a bunk in a hostel for less than $20 per night in Puerto Viejo. Dine like royalty on cheap seafood and enjoy regional dishes at locally-owned cantinas for a fraction of what you’d pay in the US.
Consider renting a bike to save on transportation costs — you can usually do this for around $10 per day.
Can’t choose just one destination? Consider a cruise.
With cruise lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line, it’s possible to book cruises for less than $100 per person, per day — and that includes unlimited amounts of food, entertainment, accommodations and transportation from port to port. Especially for families of four, cruises can be a cost-effective way to escape to the tropics without dropping loads of dough.
Up to $1,000 to spend on board with Norwegian Cruise Line
Just book your next cruise vacation with Priceline Cruises and get up to $1,000 to use as a liquor, dining, and spa credit, along with other purchases made on the ship! T&Cs apply.
Exclusive – up to $1,000 to spend on board, plus 10% off shore excursions! T&Cs apply. Ports of Call: Miami, Fl, Half Moon Cay, The Bahamas, Grand Turk, Amber Cove, Dominican Republic, Miami, Fl
Bahamas Paradise 2-night cruise deal for two: $69 per person
All meals onboard (alcoholic beverages and specialty restaurants not included). Theater shows, live music, pool-deck parties, day in The Bahamas. Spa & beauty salon and full casino available. 2 nights of accommodations.
Rent one of these amazing unique spots like treehouses, cabins, castles, floating homes, barns, tiny houses, famous houses from movies and TV, tents, yurts, caves, and more!
Book flights to Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Sapporo and other cities in Japan with ANA, Air Canada, China Airlines, China Eastern, Xiamen Air, Singapore Airlines, Air China and other airlines.
Even if it means you set a budget, spring break trips are a wonderful way to reward yourself for surviving the winter blues. Plus, we’ve never heard of anyone regretting a spring break vacation.
Yes, probably — though it depends on the airline or travel agent that you book through. Read our complete guide to book now, pay later flights to learn about your options for financing a flight.
Amy Stoltenberg writes about lifestyle and money for Finder, researching the best options for shopping, banking, insurance and authentic travel experiences. After studying writing and fashion at Savannah College of Art and Design, she worked designing apparel at a corporate behemoth before opting for a career with unlimited travel time. When her laptop’s closed, she can be found wandering the streets looking for happy hour and hole-in-the-wall eateries.
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