17 Cheap Spring Break Trips for Students & Everyone In 2024
March is here, and that means Spring Break is in the air. Students all around the world are getting ready to hit the road to enjoy the sun and revel in the springtime of their youth. Unfortunately, the majority of potential spring breakers will face the same issue: how to have fun on a budget.
Fortunately, it’s not that difficult to plan a cheap spring break trip; you just need to know where to go. CabinZero has done our best to list the best Spring Break destinations that fit in your price range so you know where to go before you pack your bags.
Affordable Spring Break Destinations In The US
- New Orleans
- Las Vegas
- Miami Beach, Florida
- San Juan, Puerto Rico
Budget-friendly Spring Break Ideas In Latin America
- Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
- Cancun, Mexico
- Machu Picchu, Peru
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Cheap Spring Break Destinations In Europe
- Ayia Napa, Cyprus
- Istanbul, Turkey
- Dalmatian Coast, Croatia
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Ibiza, Spain
Inexpensive Spring Break Destinations In Asia
- Con Dao Islands, Vietnam
- Halong Bay, Vietnam
- Shikoku, Japan
Affordable Spring Break Destinations In The US
1. New Orleans
New Orleans is a great cheap spring break trip if you want something different from beach destinations. Photo by Kendall Hoopes from Pexels
The Big Easy is one of the best cities to visit in the USA. It’s the birthplace of both jazz, the world’s oldest and most iconic cocktail (the Sazerac), and the original cheap Spring Break in the USA. You’ll never run out of things to do and explore in New Orleans, whether checking out the iconic Bourbon St., attending the infamous Mardi Gras or participating in the world-renowned New Orleans Jazz Festival. Beyond all the activities, there’s also the glorious food. New Orleans is a foodie’s paradise, offering delicacies from oysters and beignets to po boy sandwiches. Most importantly, New Orleans has always catered to tourists, so you’ll always find something to do in your price range.
Cost: $1,400 for a 2 week stay.
2. Las Vegas
While iconic, hotels directly on the Las Vegas Strip can be expensive; consider staying off-Strip. Photo by Leonid Andronov - stock.adobe.com
Viva Las Vegas! No city throws a better party than Sin City. It literally has something for everyone. The famous Las Vegas casinos are designed to cater for people from all walks of life, whether they’re college kids seeking the ultimate party experience or families wanting to enjoy time together. Check out any of the famous five-star restaurants, pool parties, or magic shows, whatever suits your tastes. Most importantly, Las Vegas is surprisingly affordable. There are hotels and cheap spring break packages wherever you look this time of year, making this spring break destination a top choice.
Cost: $1,500 for a 2-week stay.
3. Miami Beach, Florida
No doubt, this is one of the most popular spring break destinations in the world. Photo by oldmn - stock.adobe.com
If you’ve been searching for spring break destinations, Miami, Florida, has probably already appeared on your list of potential spots. It’s a city known for its nonstop party atmosphere. There are chic resorts, free beach parties, and a wide-ranging nightlife. Miami is a classic spring break destination, and the months of March and April are packed with events that will make your trip worthwhile, like the Miami Beach Pride and Ultra Music Festival. If you’ve never been to Miami, you may be concerned that it’s outside your price range, but there are plenty of affordable commendations to make it a cheap spring break trip.
Cost: $1,800 for a 2-week stay.
CabinZero note: Miami is clamping down on Spring Break. There will be additional measures, parking garage closures, up to a $100 flat parking rate, etc. However, this doesn’t mean less fun; they do it as a way to keep things more manageable and safer.
4. San Juan, Puerto Rico
Immerse yourself in history at San Juan. Photo by Pedro Colon from Pexels
If you’re looking for less of a party and more of a relaxing on-the-beach vibe, San Juan is the place for you. While It can’t be considered one of the cheapest Spring Break destinations for college students, it is a great spring break destination for families. Plus, you can visit it without a passport, if you are an American traveller. The beaches of San Juan are gorgeous, and they’re the perfect place to work on your tan and finish that book you were supposed to read last month.
San Juan itself is a historic city; it’s the oldest continuously inhabited European-style city in the United States. Take some time to visit Old San Juan and see some of the historic sites with your kids via any of the walking tours. And while you’re at it, try all the amazing food and rum that makes Puerto Rico famous.
Cost: $2,000 for a 2-week stay.
Budget-friendly Spring Break Ideas In Latin America
1. Buenos Aires, Argentina
Argentina's vibrant capital offers a unique blend of European charm and Latin zest. Photo by Los Muertos Crew from Pexels
Buenos Aires, the capital of the Argentine Republic is a great Spring Break destination for families. The city has many historic landmarks to visit and inspect, like the Plaza de Mayo, Cementerio de la Recoleta, and Teatro Colon. There’s also a wide variety of activities, like wine tasting, dancing the tango, and cycling. The city actually provides free bicycles to let you take a bike tour. Most importantly, Argentina is very affordable with people having reportedly spent as little as $11 a day.
Cost: $800 for a 2 week stay.
2. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
The animals are happy and friendly. Photo by Fotos 593 - stock.adobe.com
A spring break destination most people haven’t considered but should is the famous Galapagos Islands, the place where Darwin developed his Theory of Evolution. The islands are home to a plethora of rare species of animals and fauna that you can explore. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience perfect for people who want to hike, explore and come into contact with nature on their Spring Break (did we mention you can even share a beach with sea lions?). And most importantly, visiting the Galapagos can make for a cheap Spring Break trip, with people having reported spending around $80 per day on food and accommodation.
Cost: $1,000 for a 2-week stay.
3. Cancun, Mexico
Cancun is a popular spring break destination with many package deals available. Photo by Tellez Erik from Pexels
It’s really difficult to find a more iconic spring break destination than Cancun. It is the long-standing playground of North America and is often touted as the #1 spring break destination in the world. Cancun is very affordable as it's designed to cater to younger people; there are plenty of all-inclusive cheap spring break packages that cater to both families and students. It is highly recommended that you invest in a package as you’ll save a massive amount of money on food and drinks. They also give you affordable access to many of the amazing pool parties and music festivals the resort town is known for.
Cost: $1,200 for a 2-week stay.
CabinZero note: The US has just issued a travel warning for Mexico ahead of spring break. The last thing you want to do on a holiday is to have your guard up, but it never hurts to be aware and stay up to date with the latest information so you can plan a safe and enjoyable spring break adventure.
4. Machu Picchu, Peru
Don’t skip Aguas Calientes; this tiny town has a hot spring to relax after a day of hiking. Photo by badahos - stock.adobe.com
Have you ever seen a city in the clouds? If you haven’t, it may be time to take a trip to Machu Picchu located in Cuzco, Peru. Built in the 15th Century, Machu Picchu is fondly referred to as the Lost City of the Incas. This is the perfect destination for the spring breaker who wants to explore and not party, especially for couples in search of a cheap Spring Break option. Not only will you get to see a historic ruin and be amazed by the ambitions of humanity, but you’ll also get to enjoy the local customs and practices of the Peruvian people.
Cost: $1,300 for a 2-week stay.
5. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rio de Janeiro makes for a great Spring Break alternative to Cancun or Miami. Photo by Victor Freitas from Pexels:
Although Carnival has already passed, Rio de Janeiro should still be at the top of your cheap Spring Break travel destinations. Rio is a cultural hub of the world that one has to visit to truly appreciate. There are many things to see and experience while you’re there from the chaotic streets, the statue of Cristo Redentor, and of course the world-famous Copacabana beach. Most importantly, Rio de Janeiro has amazing food and an immensely fun nightlife.
Cost: $1,500 for a 2-week stay.
Cheap Spring Break Destinations In Europe
1. Ayia Napa, Cyprus
You can enjoy a memorable spring break without breaking the bank here. Photo by Pixabay from Pexels
If you’re looking to have your spring break in Europe while simultaneously maintaining a budget and partying hard, look no further than Ayia Napa. It’s one of the best cheap Spring Break trips in Europe - the budget-friendly equivalent to Ibiza. This wonderful locale has a never ending nightlife and beautiful Cyprus beaches for you to relax and enjoy yourself. There are also plenty of hiking and historical sites for non-party goers.
Cost: $1,000 for a 2-week stay.
2. Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul deserves a spot on your Spring Break bucket list. Photo by Yunus Emre Ilıca from Pexels
Turkey is most likely not on the majority of spring breakers’ destination list as it doesn’t have a reputation for partying. But Istanbul is a city steeped in culture and history. Thus, it is an amazing Spring Break destination for families. Its maze-like bazaars and historical sites are enough to keep you exploring for days. And most people are probably unaware, but Turkey is the birthplace of the tulip (not Holland), and Istanbul hosts an annual tulip festival in April, making spring break a unique time to visit.
Cost: $1,500 for a 2-week stay.
3. Dalmatian Coast, Croatia
The weather during March is mild and sunny, ideal for a day out. Photo by ecstk22 - stock.adobe.com
If you’re more in the mood for relaxation and exploration instead of epic parties, you should consider taking a tour of the Dalmatian Coast at Croatia’s southernmost point. You can pick from a multitude of cheap Spring Break packages that let you sail between four different historic Croatian towns and cities: Dubrovnik, Split, Hvar and Korčula. You’ll be able to see well-preserved Roman ruins and mediaeval fortifications, as well as visit nearby national parks. Not to mention, the entire coast is gorgeous and surrounded by pure blue waters, thanks to the nearby Dinaric Alps.
Cost: $1,800 for a 2-week stay.
4. Lisbon, Portugal
The capital of Portugal is full of charm. Photo by Tiff Ng from Pexels
An unconventional Spring Break destination is the historic city of Lisbon. Portugal has a long history and has been home to various ethnic groups including the Romans and Moors, that have influenced its culture and architecture. You will be able to ignite your palette with the rich local cuisine (it is highly recommended that you try a Francesinha sandwich) while enjoying traditional live Fado music. Lisbon is also only a 30-minute drive away from Sintra, a true fairytale town covered in whimsical castles. And if Portugal is not enough to satiate your appetite, you can always catch a cheap Spring Break flight and hop to any other European country.
Cost: $2,000 for a 2-week stay.
5. Ibiza, Spain
Ibiza isn’t too crowded and full of sun in March. Photo by - landsmann - on Pexels
Perhaps the most well-known party island paradise in Europe, Ibiza, is an experience every spring breaker should consider. While it is far from being the cheapest Spring Break trip in Europe, it can still be rather affordable. There are over 100 miles of coastline and around 50 beaches that are free to access. Although Ibiza is best known for its nightlife, having a large number of clubs, DJs, and boat parties, the official party season starts in June. The majority of clubs will have ad hoc events and soft launches during the spring break season. But Ibiza still has plenty of fun things to do, like cave exploration, live music cafes and famous snorkelling spots.
Cost: $2,000 for a 2-week stay.
Inexpensive Spring Break Destinations In Asia
1. Con Dao Islands, Vietnam
An escape from the hustle and bustle of mainland Vietnam. Photo by Thắng-Nhật Trần on Pexels
Sometimes, the thing we’re looking for on holiday is the freedom to not do anything. It may seem ridiculous to travel to an island that doesn’t have much going on, but you truly can’t get more relaxed than that. The Con Dao Islands are covered in gem-like forests and white sandy beaches and surrounded by crystal blue waters. They don’t contain very large population centres or a huge number of tourists, which means the major activities are swimming, lounging, and scootering around the islands. You can also take some time to visit the national park or the historic colonial prison. With so little to do, this naturally becomes a very cheap Spring Break trip.
Cost: $700 for a 2 week stay.
2. Halong Bay, Vietnam
Spice your Spring Break up by visiting this natural wonder. Photo by Rachel Claire on Pexels
Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the jewels of Southeast Asia. The bay is filled with jade green waters and beautiful limestone mountains that form little islands. You can tour the bay through any one of the many overnight cruises, where you’ll get the chance to explore the various mountains, shrines, and caves that are scattered throughout the waters. There are also several islands and villages that you can stop at, like Three Peach Island. Many hostels in Hanoi also offer cheap all-inclusive spring break packages that will take you to the bay and arrange everything for you. All you have to do is enjoy the view.
Cost: $800 for a 2 week stay.
3. Shikoku, Japan
The smallest among Japan's major islands, but it packs a punch. Photo by DSD from Pexels
When it comes to Japan, most tourists think of the big cities on the main island, like Tokyo and Kyoto. But Japan actually has four major islands, and they’re each worth a visit. Shikoku is the smallest of the four and is ideal for a cheap Spring Break for couples. It is packed with cultural and natural tourist spots. If you go during Spring Break, you’ll be in time to see the blooming of the cherry trees and plum blossoms, a major event in Japan. You can maximise your cultural immersion by taking a relaxing dip in one of Shikoku’s many onsens and travelling the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. The best thing about Shikoku is the affordability of travel. It’s ideal for budget travel. You can even purchase an unlimited train pass for a week that will let you travel to every city on the island at a very affordable price.
Cost: $1,000 for a 2-week stay.
Top Spring Break Destinations on a Budget: You Can Make It
No matter which destination you choose to celebrate your Spring Break, you’ll be able to find something affordable. Cheap Spring Break packages are available all around. Most locations have corresponding tourist boards that will help you find what you need. Just make sure you’re packing the right bag and not leaving anything behind so that you can enjoy your vacation to the best of your abilities. If you don’t know what to pack, start by checking out CabinZero’s approved backpacks – the perfect companion for the up-and-coming spring breaker.
Anthony Woods
Deja un comentario