Spring break is the perfect time for a getaway to a sunny destination. Falling between February and May each year, spring break trips cater to families, college students, couples, and friends alike. Plenty of cheap flights, exciting vacations, hotels, and cruises are available—and those who book well in advance will save the most money on their spring break getaway.
What Is It Like To Travel On Spring Break?
The most important thing to keep in mind when planning for a spring break vacation is to enjoy it. It is vital to leave behind any work-related stress. If you do that, you will find the perfect spring break spot, meet new friends, and embrace the exciting environment around you. Take cues from your favorite spring break spots, and get ideas from others. There are a ton of great articles on the Internet that will give you a good idea of what to expect in your destination.
What You Can Expect From Spring Break Destinations
It is easy to find a destination that features exotic beaches, parties, or sporting events to suit your taste. Keep in mind that many spring break destinations are located in tropical or subtropical climates. Some destinations have great ski opportunities in winter and a lot of sightseeing all year long.
Top Spring Break Destinations
Key spring break destinations are ones that you should add to your list of itineraries. You will not be disappointed by these destinations.
Mexico
Mexico has some of the most beautiful beaches in the Americas. It hosts a few of the largest cities in the world. Also, Mexico City and Mexico’s resorts are great attractions. While Mexico is having a reputation of being dangerous, the US Department of State advises travelers to use caution, but not to cancel trips to this country.
Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Vallarta, and other popular travel destinations in Mexico are great choices for tourists who want to party.
Florida
Relatives and students join college students in a spring break Florida vacation. Water parks like Universal Orlando, Disney World, and other theme parks in Florida have become a place to party during spring break.
California
California is a popular spring-break destination for independent travelers. The best part of this destination is that it offers some of the best universities in the world like Georgetown, Harvard, Stanford, and University of California, Berkeley. Moreover, as part of the west coast states, California has spectacular beaches and plenty of outdoor activities. Also, California is a great place to become familiar with history because of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the Madonna House.
Hawaii
Hawaii is a great destination for travelers who want to relax, to study, and to have fun. The island offers a great blend of outdoor adventure, culture, and relaxation. The most common spring break tours are to Waikiki, the North Shore of Oahu, and the Big Island.
New York
Along with Las Vegas, New York is one of the most visited spring break destinations. However, it offers a wide range of things to see and do, including Broadway shows, art galleries, and a lot of great national landmarks. New York is a great choice for visitors who prefer to study and enjoy some sightseeing in the same place.
Mexico, the Bahamas, and Florida are the three most popular spring break destinations in the world.
Spring Break Destinations That Are A Bit More Intimate
Some spring break destinations are on the small side. They offer different things for different kinds of travelers, but they are all equally fun. If you are looking for a smaller destination, definitely add one of the following spring break spots to your list.
South Padre Island, Texas
South Padre Island is a prime destination for those age 18-25. This island is very popular for its outdoor activities and great nightlife. Also, many young people from Mexico come to the island with their families to work really hard at the local shrimp boat fleet. There are plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants to enjoy on this island, but there is also a lot of room to enjoy a little bit of rest and relaxation.
Key West, Florida
Key West is a popular spring break destination for people over 21. This destination has a great nightlife, and it caters to many groups. It has a nice blend of history and relaxation.
New Orleans, Louisiana
There is no doubt that New Orleans is a great place to drink. It is known for its great drinks and its nightlife, concerts, and music. It is a great place to enjoy spring break with your friends and to celebrate the Mardi Gras. Although this destination is not as cheap as other places to travel to, it is well worth the extra money.
Bahamas
The Bahamas offers great spring-break spots for every kind of traveler. Getaway vacation homes, the casinos in the Bahamas are the most beautiful casinos in the world, and the beaches on the Bahamas have are among the best in the world.
Key West, Miami, and other popular spring break destinations in the US are a great place for young people to enjoy their spring break.
Spring Break Destinations That Are For The Adventurers
If you are 25-30 years old and want something more adventurous, consider checking out some of the following locations. They are all beautiful spots, but they are also adventurous for their geography and for the activities that are available there.
Mt. Shasta in California’s North
This product was recommended by Megan Peterson from Discover Siskiyou
A very easy drive straight up Interstate 5 from the San Francisco Bay Area, or a straight shot south from Portland, Oregon is the perfect halfway point between both: the iconic Mt. Shasta in Siskiyou County, California. Described by the San Jose Mercury News as the “jewel atop the crown of California,” it’s got a laid back, Pacific Crest Trail kind of vibe with four season access to the outdoors, including waterfalls, lake and river recreation and pristine swimming holes. Often overshadowed by Tahoe that’s about the same proximity from the Bay Area, Mt. Shasta has all the same attributes without the crowds or the price tag. There are also great local restaurants, breweries, outfitters, fun guides and budget-friendly lodging In the spring, depending on snow levels, there’s typically still back country glacier skiing, snowshoeing to waterfalls, hiking, kayaking and mountain biking. It’s California at its best – and still under the radar.
Goa, India
This product was recommended by Harsh from An Indian’s Guide to India
Goa is certainly one of the more touristy destinations in India, but it has a lot to offer for a variety of demographics. There are many options for family travel to beach parties for university students. Additionally, there are many outdoor activities to enjoy and many of the locals speak English since the region sees so many tourists. Also, it is easy to get travel around and there are direct flights there from Europe.
Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico
This product was recommended by Anne from Aspiring Winos
The beautiful Isla Mujeres is a must-see for any traveler. The fine beaches here are amazing, and if you want to make your travel adventures even more exciting consider taking a catamaran tour from Cancun to Isla Mujeres.
Take the stress out of budgeting for spring break by opting for an all-inclusive in Cancun. Keep a bit of cash on hand in case you decide to head to one of the pumping all night clubs, and to tip the folks that will take great care of you. The all night clubs are literally pumping with oxygen so you can party all night long and sunbathe all day long. Your all inclusive will keep the drinks flowing, the sunshine shining and the music by the pool pumping.
Destin, Florida
This product was recommended by Hadley Vlahos from Life of Hadley Blog
Beautiful, white sand beaches that you won’t find anywhere else. Unbelievable sunsets over the water. Lots to do including parasailing, beach day, boating trips, fishing, water parks, festivals. Great weather. Amazing seafood from local restaurants!
Kelowna, BC, Canada
This product was recommended by Keiran Griffiths from Lifty Life Hospitality
Kelowna, BC is a summertime paradise a few hours from Vancouver, Canada. It is famously known for being the wine capital of Canada. Lake Okanagan is perfect for all sorts of watersports from water skiing, tubing, seadooing, and paddle boarding. While the town has a youthful and high-energy vibe, it’s still perfectly suitable for families of all ages.
New Orleans
This product was recommended by Norhanie Pangulima from Hernorm
Known for its European-style architecture, mouth-watering Creole cuisine, and all-around good-time vibes – this is the prime destination if you’re seeking for an epic nightlife with friends. People also visit this place for the Mardi gras, an over-the-top party with Carnival traits, such as masks, music, floats, and merriment.
South Padre Islands
This product was recommended by Norhanie Pangulima from Hernorm
Hitting the beach for spring break is a must! This island offers warm weather, fabulous beaches, a buzzy nightlife, and most importantly, affordable dining and cheap stays.
Park City – Utah
This product was recommended by Norhanie Pangulima from Hernorm
If you’re not a fan of beaches, then you can spend your spring break snowboarding or skiing. There’s typically snow in Utah’s Wasatch Mountains even in April.
Orlando, Florida
This product was recommended by Norhanie Pangulima from Hernorm
If you’re up for some outdoor fun, plan your trip to Disney Land and to Universal Orlando. Spring break is many people’s second-favorite time to visit Disneyland. In fact, a little more than ¼ of TripSavvy readers said in a poll that they think it’s the perfect season for a Disneyland trip.
Amsterdam, Holland
This product was recommended by Richard Cole from MustGo
Spring is often considered to be the best time to visit Amsterdam. The nature is waking up and famous tulips and flowers come out in bloom. There are beautiful and charming places to visit in Amsterdam during spring season. Some of them are: Keukenhof with breathtaking tulips, lilies, irises, roses and other flowers; Het Twiske with remarkable and diverse landscapes and rare fauna; artificial lake Gaasperplas with boating clubs; Westerpark with beautiful and large gardens and pretty zoo. There are much more locations in Amsterdam that are worth visiting during springtime that can provide plenty of excitement for nature-lovers.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
This product was recommended by Sandra Ruyack from Boulevardsandbyways
Just a three-and-a-half-hour flight from NYC, Puerto Rico is a perfect spring break destination that doesn’t require a passport. There are plenty of reasonably priced Airbnbs and hotels along the beach or high in the mountains with incredible views of both the ocean and the jungle. Bar-hopping and clubbing in the oceanside city of Old San Juan, amidst colorful colonial buildings, doesn’t disappoint. Take a half-day trip to the El Yunque Rainforest to see waterfalls and scenic views and then stop at Luquillo’s famous kiosks – a lively strip of beachside food establishments – serving anything from traditional Puerto Rican street-food such as pastelillos (meat, chicken, or fish inside fried flaky dough, yum), to burgers (but why eat a burger when there’s mofongo), to Caribbean lobster. Just a short ride away is the impressive bio-bay. A night time kayak ride to the bioluminescent Laguna Grande, where dinoflagellates (marine plankton) produce a bright burst of light when stirred. Then there are the beaches. There’s no shortage of expansive stretches of sand. Some are secluded so you can do your own thing, others, like Isla Verde Beach, is the place to have fun in the water whether it’s with a surfing lesson, paddle boarding, parasailing, riding a banana boat, or jet skiing. There’s no shortage of water sports or things to do on the island for that matter, which makes Puerto Rico such an ideal spring break destination.
South Padre Island, TX USA
This product was recommended by Diamond Frandsen from Padre Getaways
Located on the Gulf of Mexico, South Padre Island beaches offer phenomenal views and tropical breezes. Located at the Southern most tip of Texas where there are 34 miles of gorgeous, uninterrupted beachfront waiting for Spring breakers to return each March. This has been a long time favorite destination for college students. The bay front nightlife and relaxed beach atmosphere provides the perfect location for sun bathing and catching up with friends. The lazy beach days offer opportunities for volleyball, sand tennis, body surfing, and corn hole matches. This is a must visit location for all college students.
Barcelona
This product was recommended by Nabila Ismail from Dose of Travel
Barcelona is arguably the best city in the world, what’s not to like? Between a vibrant night life, impeccable food, beautiful scenery, and culture, its way better than a Spring Break to Panama City, Florida! Maybe, even cheaper 😉
French Quarters, New Orleans
This product was recommended by Deb Pati from The Visa Project
No spring break list is complete without a mention of New Orleans. New Orleans is not just about all the mouth-watering creole food, European-style architecture, river cruises, warm weather and Mardi Gras with over-the-top carnivals. Nor is it about all kinds of music, starting from rock n’ roll to Jazz seeping from every city crevice. It’s a blend of all these in one place that gives New Orleans the best spring break vibes. You can have all the fun you want and get as rowdy as you would like. And if you love to party, you would surely love the lax open-container laws and all the potent cocktails.
Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca
This product was recommended by Melanie Neff from CIIC
Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca in Mexico boasts an active lifestyle with surfing, cultural immersion, and healthy traditional Oaxacan cuisine. Flights to Puerto Escondido drop significantly during the spring, the perfect getaway after the cold winter months. Puerto Escondido means “Hidden Port.” The destinations lack of big resorts is part of its appeal: the beach is quiet, the surfing’s great and the food is local. Where to Stay: Vivo Resorts is a resort, and real estate development in Oaxaca’s Emerald Coast that aims to provide an authentic Mexican experience away from the crowds of more popular resort destinations. Vivo offers both resort and residential options with luxury beachfront villas at a fraction of the cost of other developments abroad. The resort is also home to the Vivo Foundation which partakes in turtle release and helping local orphanages, priding themselves on their good neighbor philosophy.
Tamarindo, Costa Rica
This product was recommended by Melanie Neff from CIIC
Tamarindo, Costa Rica is a laidback town with many organic product shops, beachside bars, and restaurants and beautiful beaches great for surfing. The destination is also a prime spot for sportfishing and diving. Travelers can visit Las Baulas National Marine Park for turtle nesting or Tamarindo Estuary for kayaking or a boat ride. Travelers can also take a visit to La Senda, one of the world’s largest Labyrinths. Flights to Tamarindo decrease in price in the spring making it a great time for those looking to travel to take the plunge. Where to Stay: Cala Luna actively promotes wellness and sustainability from its location within a turtle sanctuary to its organic farm, natural spa ingredients, homemade bamboo straws, solar panels and even its unique cactus labyrinth, one of the world’s largest. The hotel, located within tropical gardens, offers a unique culinary experience that perfectly combines international cuisine with locally-sourced, organic Costa Rican flavors, open air yoga classes, surfing lessons, fishing, organic farm tours, snorkeling, zip lining, kayaking and much more. The hotel also stocks natural cocktails, organic wine and vegan & gluten-free meals for a health-conscious getaway.
Costa Mujeres, Mexico
This product was recommended by Melanie Neff from CIIC
The hidden jewel of Mexico, Costa Mujeres is located just north of Cancun and offers a secluded getaway for travelers. The tucked away beach is a favorite amongst both nature lovers and adventure seekers. The scenery is admired for its mesmerizing sunsets and bright turquoise waters. Where to stay: Grand Palladium Costa Mujeres Hotel & Resort – Palladium Hotel Group’s newest property offers an extensive selection of activities to unwind and unplug, and faces the picture perfect ocean of Costa Mujeres. The property is also home to the Zentropia Palladium Spa & Wellness Centre, for those looking to focus on wellness while traveling.
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