With spring break on the horizon, here are 10 of the best destinations in the United States and abroad that have affordable flights and hotels.
Spring break is a week-long break that most schools and universities in the United States observe. It typically occurs in March and April, making these two months busy and popular for travel.
According to recent data from the travel booking engine Expedia, searches for March and April flights are up 40% compared to last year.
Popular spring break destinations like Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic have seen 25% to 30% increases in searches this year.
While airfare and hotel prices have risen significantly for many spring break destinations, Expedia highlighted the following destinations for having domestic flights under $350 (and international flights under $700) and hotels under $350 per night.
1. Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Fort Lauderdale has become one of the top spring break destinations in recent years, especially for college students who have come to party.
However, there’s more to this Florida beach town than just partying. Fort Lauderdale, which is located north of Miami, is known for its beautiful sandy beaches and clear turquoise water, shopping, and dining. It’s also a more affordable alternative to Miami.
2. San Juan, Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is an island that has been trending with American travelers recently. It’s affordable, easy to reach from the United States, you don’t even need a passport to visit, and there are tons of things to do.
The capital San Juan is known for its quaint cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, art galleries, museums, and cafes, while Puerto Rico also boasts some of the best beaches in the Caribbean.
3. Phuket, Thailand
You might be surprised to see a far-flung destination like Phuket, Thailand on this list, but the truth is, a trip to beautiful Thailand can actually be cheaper than a trip to Mexico for many Americans!
If you can snag a reasonable flight and don’t mind the long distance — affordable luxury hotels, cheap and delicious food, and stunning beaches and scenery await you in Thailand.
4. Los Angeles, California
Instead of hitting the beach for spring break like everyone else, consider a city break in the United States. Los Angeles is a great destination for spring travel.
You can enjoy sunny, mild weather while hiking to the Hollywood sign, hitting the beach in Malibu, or spending the day at a theme park like Disneyland.
5. Lisbon, Portugal
One of the most affordable European destinations to visit for spring break is Lisbon, Portugal. While destinations like Paris and Rome are certainly popular, they also come with a higher price tag.
Lisbon is a great choice because it’s possible to snag cheap flights from the United States, and travelers can enjoy lower prices on hotels, food, and activities. There are tons to do in Lisbon, from exploring historic sites and museums to eating delicious food at cafes.
Other Spring Break Destinations With Affordable Flights And Hotels
In addition to the five destinations above, Expedia also noted these destinations as having domestic flights under $350 (and international flights under $700) and hotels under $350 per night.
- Toronto, Canada
- New York, New York
- Portland, Oregon
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Reykjavik, Iceland
According to Expedia, the best way to lock in affordable prices for hotels this spring break is to book them 30–45 days out for an average savings of $30 per night.
For flights, departing on a weekday can save you up to 20% compared to departing on a weekend. The most expensive spring break travel days in 2023 are expected to be Saturday, March 25 and Saturday, April 1.
