Last Updated on March 27, 2024 by Ryan
If you’ve managed to fight the icy cold of Winter for the past three months, let’s face it – you’re long past due for a proper vacation. But does a rejuvenating Spring Break getaway necessarily mean spending a fortune on your vacation? No, of course not! Let’s break down the best budget-valued destinations for you to have fun.
Whether you’re traveling with your family or friends, you should have the fun Spring Break vacation you deserve. Here are five options for exciting and cheap Spring Break trips that combine low lodging and food costs, affordable flights from the U.S., and an abundance of free things to do in the area – making these some of the best value vacation destinations this year.
5 Top Rated Destinations For Cheap Spring Break Trips
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Famous for its forty-something miles of breathtaking beaches, lush tropical palms, gorgeous Caribbean-blue waters, and throngs of all-inclusive resorts, the Dominican Republic is an ideal Spring Break destination.
Whether you want to dive straight into the watersport’s scene at the beach, head to the spa, or spend your days golfing at one of the many top golf courses on the island, there’s a relaxing vacation for everyone in Punta Cana. There’s no shortage of things to do in Punta Cana when it comes to activities.
Most resorts offer plenty of water and land activities. This includes entertainment from ATVing to horseback riding, zip lining, and canopy tours. And for the fishing lovers out there, Punta Cana offers unique fishing charters and tours that allow you to catch local fish such as Bonita, kingfish, white and blue marlin, amberjacks, dorado, and others.
The Dominican Republic is busy (and warm!) year-round. However, Spring is an especially beautiful time in that country. The days usually have average highs around 80° F and not a rain cloud in sight! My personal choices for some of the best resorts in Punta Cana include the All-Inclusive Dreams Palm Beach and the Adults-Only, All-Inclusive Barcelo Bavaro.
Aruba
Aruba’s tagline is “One Happy Island”, and it’s easy to see why. With crystal-clear Caribbean waters and miles-long stretches of white sand beaches, it’s hard not to be happy all the time on this little island oasis. Aruba is an ideal escape from Winter in the States.
It is one of the most popular spots in the Caribbean for group trips, honeymoons, or just a long weekend getaway. Although Aruba may feel like a million miles away, it is very easy to get to the island. From the United States, there are direct flights of a few hours from airports in the Southeast.
Spend your days relaxing on the beach, windsurfing, exploring the island by jeep, or taking a sunset cruise. Make sure to stop by for lunch at Zeerovers – an ultra-casual seaside beach shack with some of the best flash-fried seafood in the World.
Keep in mind that prices are higher in March (it’s still high season), but if you wait until April, you’ll see prices drop as much as half per night in most of the best hotels, including The Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino – home to the Instagram-famous Flamingo Beach.
Puerto Vallarta & Sayulita
With beautiful beaches, culture, and warm weather year-round, Puerto Vallarta is tough to beat for a Spring Break getaway. Average flights from the U.S. are under $350 round trip. Awesome and affordable value resorts like The Grand Miramar or Playa Los Arcos can make for a great home base for your vacation on Mexico’s Sea of Cortez.
And if you’re saving so much elsewhere that you want to splurge a bit on your hotel, you can also check out the All-Inclusive Casa Velas or the All-Inclusive Fiesta Americana, both gorgeous luxury 5-star hotel options in Puerto Vallarta.
If you’re looking for more of a secluded, boutique hotel in a trendy village outside of the city, head about 45 minutes out of town to the hip little town of Sayulita. There you can stay at Hotel Boutique Siete Lunas or Hotel Vista Oceana Sayulita. Sayulita was originally a tucked-away fishing village. But lately, it has turned into a trendy surfer town with plenty of delicious restaurants, cafes, and chic little hotels surrounding its colorful downtown. Sayulita’s restaurants include several fine dining options!
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
If you look up Spring Break in the dictionary, you might just find photos of Cabo San Lucas. Located on the tip of Baja California, Cabo San Lucas is especially budget-friendly for West Coast-based travelers looking to make their cheap Spring Break trips farther south. So get your bathing suit and some sunglasses, because we are going to Cabo!
Popular with Californians, college students, bachelors, bachelorettes, and wedding parties, Cabo has something for someone in every age group. And the best part is that it’s one of the most affordable vacation destinations. There just seems to be no shortage of cheap things you can do in Cabo San Lucas!
To start, Cabo San Lucas’s stunning beaches are free to access (as are its world-famous lively streets). Food is exceptionally affordable as well (taco stands and margaritas for every meal, anyone?), and many of the resorts are all-inclusive, including the Grand Solmar and Hacienda Del Mar, making them ideal group getaways where you won’t have to worry about splitting the bill even once.
During the day, head to Medano Beach for water activities like banana boating and parasailing. You can also take a boat to Cabo’s famous Lovers’ Arch – the tip of Baja California. This is where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez. At night, couples should head to the romantic Sunset Da Mona Lisa restaurant.
Here, you’ll witness the most beautiful sunset view in Mexico. However, more rowdy groups should head to El Squid Roe for some tequila and dancing. Another wonderful option to consider is one of the many amazing dinner cruises that set sail from Cabo San Lucas.
Key West
Key West, nestled at the southernmost tip of the Florida Keys, is a small island with a big personality. It’s an easy drive from Miami (you’ll likely be able to find cheaper flights into Miami than to Key West). The warm tropical weather, relaxed atmosphere, delicious seafood, free-flowing rum, and world-famous rowdy bars like Hog’s Breath Saloon make it a perfect destination any time of the year (but especially around Spring Break).
If you decide to ride a bike around the island during the day (something I highly recommend), be sure to stop at Blue Heaven for brunch. For hotels, the Pier House beach hotel is ideally situated to be your base, perfect for soaking up the Caribbean views and enjoying a frozen tropical sunset drink…or four. Among the top destinations for domestic or cheap spring break trips, Key West is easily one of the best!
If warmth, beautiful beaches, luxury, and affordability are your criteria, you won’t be disappointed with any of these choices! Each also offers its taste of local culture and hospitality – not to mention a variety of activities and experiences. Wherever you choose to go on your Spring Break this year, these fantastic destinations have something for everyone. Hopefully, this article was a great place to start planning one of your cheap Spring Break trips!
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Where is the cheapest place to go during spring break?
– Daytona Beach.
– Outer Banks.
– Grand Canyon.
– Sanibel Island.
– New Orleans.
– South Padre Island.
– Panama City Beach.
– Key West.
How do you plan a spring break on a budget?
– Prepare a budget and start saving for spring break.
– Drive to the location of your spring break.
– Look for alternate, more reasonably priced accommodations.
– Bring Your Own Food and Drinks.
– Look for popular destinations and trips that are affordable.
– Directly book.
Where do most college kids go for spring break?
College students frequently travel to Daytona Beach, Miami Beach, Puerto Vallarta, Myrtle Beach, Las Vegas, Louisiana, and many other locations for spring break. Depending on your travel objectives and spending capacity, there are practically hundreds of these must-visit locations for spring breakers.
