Budget Spring Break Destinations for Students

Dreams of Spring Break parties at the top beach spots might be easy to conjure up, but they’re harder to pay for on a student’s budget. The good news is that you don’t have to hit the most popular places for Spring Break to have a great time – and seeking out Spring Break travel deals will let you enjoy your time off without blowing a whole semester’s food or books budget.

Here are some of the cheaper Spring Break destinations that will let both you and your wallet enjoy a break.

>> And don’t miss these tips for finding cheap Spring Break airfare, too.

>> Spring Break dates vary depending on what school you go to, but Spring Break (for most people) is the first or second week of March. 

• Daytona Beach, Florida – Florida’s top destinations for Spring Break include places like Miami and South Beach, but if you want to soak up some of that famous Florida sunshine at a cheaper rate then Daytona Beach is a good alternative. It’s not as much of a hopping party spot, but if you’re traveling with friends then the party can travel with you. Learn more about Spring Break in Daytona Beach

• Panama City, Florida – Panama City has the distinction of being both one of the most popular places to go for Spring Break and also one of the more affordable Spring Break destinations. Prices went up a couple years ago when MTV set up their Spring Break show there, but it still tends to be cheaper than many other popular Spring Break spots in Mexico. Learn more about Spring Break in Panama City

• Mazatlan, Mexico – If Mexico is your must-have Spring Break destination, then Mazatlan might be the place to look for travel bargains. Cancun is the undisputed Mexican heavyweight for Spring Break, and Acapulco is making a bit of a comeback lately thanks to MTV’s recent Spring Break stay there, so head for Mazatlan and book early enough to take advantage of the best offers. Learn more about Spring Break in Mazatlan

• South Padre Island, Texas – Like Panama City, South Padre Island is a Spring Break destination that qualifies for the “most popular Spring Break spots” list as well as the “budget-friendly Spring Break spots” list. It’s especially budget-friendly if you do your research and book well in advance – also consider getting a vacation rental with friends to save even more money. Learn more about Spring Break on South Padre Island

• Jamaica – The Caribbean seems tailor-made for Spring Break, so it’s good to know that you can often get good deals on Spring Break trips to Jamaica. You may have to do a bit more advance research than with some of the other places on this list in order to secure the best deals, but once you’re lying on a Jamaican beach you’ll know it was all worth it. Learn more about Spring Break in Jamaica

• Las Vegas, Nevada – Las Vegas is the kind of place where you can have a budget-friendly trip or spend a fortune. So as long as you’re not a gambler and are careful with your funds, you should be able to score a fabulous deal for Spring Break in Sin City. In fact, there are usually vacation packages for Las Vegas that include airfare and hotel at very low prices, making it even easier to save money on your trip. Learn more about Spring Break in Las Vegas

• Cruises – Going on a cruise for Spring Break might sound like a luxury, but cruises can be surprisingly cheap (especially if you opt for an inside cabin). Paying for almost everything at the start means you don’t have to count your pennies for every little thing, and you’re better able to keep track of extra expenditures. Just remember that alcohol on board isn’t included in the package price, and that cost can add up quickly. Learn more about Spring Break cruises

photo by chenines