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With spring break just weeks away, it’s the perfect time to book your trip to ensure you secure the most affordable spring break vacation possible. According to Expedia, the best (and most budget-friendly) time to book is three weeks to a month ahead of your travel dates. If you’re still waffling on a location closer to your time off, as long as you book more than six days before departure, you’ll still be able to avoid the worst prices. While we'd argue there's never a bad time of the year to book that plane ticket, spring 2025 is looking like an especially good one.
This year, airfares for international destinations are down 3% and hotel rates have dropped by 2% according to data by Kayak, while domestic flights and hotel rates are about the same as they were in 2024. And while it’s possible to stretch your budget in just about any destination, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best locations to really maximize your dollar this spring. Whether you’re craving a beach getaway or are in need of a city visit to soak up art and culture, there’s an affordable spring destination for you.
Here are nine destinations—both international and domestic—you can visit this spring without blowing your travel budget, according to the latest data from Kayak, Hopper, and Expedia. From US and Canadian urban hubs to coastal getaways in Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America, the results might surprise you.
This article has been updated with new information since its original publication date.
United States
Big Bear, California
For a West Coast getaway, ideal for both weekend trips and lengthier week-long escapes, head to Big Bear in California. Whether you’re a ski bum (Big Bear’s ski season extends through late March and even early April) or are simply interested in finding a quiet, relaxing spot to get away from it all, Big Bear is the perfect place to reconnect with nature before you head back to the hustle and bustle of school and work. Hiking, biking, ziplining, and kayaking are just a few of the activities you’ll be able to take part in here, and thanks to budget-friendly flights at just an average of $159 from US destinations according to Dollar Flight Club, you’ll be able to afford to do everything you want. Plus, you’ll save even more money if you’re driving (about two hours away from Los Angeles) and can avoid renting a car in the area.
Where to stay: For larger groups, a great budget-friendly option is renting out an Airbnb for the whole crew. This massive seven-bedroom property is about $711 a night and sleeps 12—that’s just $59 per person per night.
Las Vegas, Nevada
As one of the most popular spring break destinations of 2025, Las Vegas is also one of the most affordable. Catch a flight to Sin City for an average of $201, according to Hopper, who also put Las Vegas in their list of top 10 cheapest domestic destinations for spring travel. Whether you’re hanging out on the Strip, trying your hand at blackjack, or just enjoying the sun and warmth, there’s plenty to do once you touch down.
Where to stay: Check out our guide on the best hotels in Las Vegas. Try the MGM Grand—thanks to its frankly boggling number of rooms, there are options at just about every price range, and you won’t have too much trouble securing a booking.
Tampa, Florida
Turquoise waters and white sand beaches are more accessible than ever, thanks to low airfares to Tampa, Florida. The average airfare to the city along the Gulf Coast is averaging $217 this spring, according to Hopper. Spring is the perfect time to pay a visit to the city’s Manatee Viewing Center, when the docile sea cows migrate to the refuge’s warmer waters. You can also fly into nearby Orlando (less than a two-hour drive and one of the most popular spring break destinations this year according to Expedia data) for an average price of $89 according to Dollar Flight Club data, and swap out the white sand beaches for Disney World and other amusement park days.
Where to stay: Check out our guide on where to eat, play, and stay in Tampa. Book a night at the Tampa Edition and pamper yourself at the property’s spa and rooftop pool.
Mexico and Central America
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Belize City, Belize
Central America is an ideal destination for a tropical vacation that won’t break the bank. Take advantage with a flight to Belize City, where airfares are as low as $321 from New York City, data from Hopper says. It’s the perfect location to fly into, spend a day or two exploring the sights, and then venture out of the city to explore more of the country’s top hits, like the Belize Mayan ruins. With your savings, continue onto a puddle-jumper flight to Placencia and book a suite at one of the luxe beachfront resorts on the peninsula.
Where to stay: Out of our readers' favorite hotels in Central America, 11 out of 20 are located in Belize, including Placencia's Sirenian Bay Resort & Villas.
Cancun, Mexico
While Tulum still ranks as one of the most popular spring break destinations this year, it may be worth heading to the slightly more budget-friendly Cancun to enjoy the sea, sand, and sun. With average round-trip airfare setting you back about $391, it’s definitely one of the more affordable international vacations you’ll be able to score, with prices as low as $248 for a round-trip flight from Chicago, according to Hopper. Once you’re there, spend your days laying out on the sand, drinking margaritas, and taking a swim.
Where to stay: There are plenty of wonderful places to stay in Cancun, but it’s worth considering the more budget-friendly SLS Cancun, which was also a Readers’ Choice Award winner in 2022.
The Caribbean
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Right now, flights to San Juan, Puerto Rico, are down 11% according to Kayak, with an average airfare of $401 round-trip. There’s never been a better time to take a trip to this Caribbean island where you can spend your days exploring the colorful streets of Old San Juan or lounging about on the gorgeous beaches. Plus, if you’re flying from the East Coast, we’re seeing flight deals as low as $158 from New York City, which is 65% cheaper than usual according to Expedia data.
Where to stay: San Juan is home to some gorgeous beachfront and downtown properties. There are plenty of great Airbnbs in Puerto Rico to pick from, or opt to stay in a hotel like boutique Palacio Provincial or stylish Alma San Juan.
St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands
Caribbean islands are also within reach for budget-conscious travelers this spring. St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands has flights averaging around $380 round-trip on Hopper. Plus, no passport is required for US citizens. Stay on St. Thomas to enjoy some of the best beaches in the Caribbean and world-class snorkeling, or hop around to the other US Virgin Islands, St. John and St. Croix.
Where to stay: With the money you save on airfare, consider splurging on a stay at The Ritz Carlton for true island opulence.
Canada
Montréal, Canada
Looking to visit a city with a thriving culinary scene and plenty of art and culture? Book a visit to Montréal, where airfares for March average around $369 round trip according to data by Hopper. Although March is still quite chilly in Québec’s largest city, the crowds will be much thinner compared to the warmer summer months. There are plenty of museums to tour, like the show-stopping Museum of Fine Arts, and quaint cafés to warm up in. Cozy winter attractions, like the iconic skating rink in the Esplanade Tranquille, are still on offer in March, and the month is prime sugar-shack season, when maple syrup is harvested and all things maple-flavored are featured on restaurant menus.
Where to stay: Check out our guide to the best hotels in Montréal, including creative haven Hotel Uville and the historic Le Saint-Sulpice Hôtel.
Vancouver, Canada
If you can’t decide between an outdoor-focused getaway and a city-based vacation, Vancouver could be your perfect destination. The bustling city is nestled in natural splendor—plus, the average airfare this spring is just $361 round trip according to Hopper. It’s an ideal time to visit, as April is the start of whale watching season, when orcas, humpbacks, and gray whales begin returning to the waters just off the city’s coastline. To truly immerse yourself in nature, take a meandering hike through the dense and biodiverse Pacific Spirit Regional Park. It’s known for its towering evergreen trees, but in April, deciduous varieties like bitter cherry trees will be in bloom.
Where to stay: Check out our guide to the 15 best hotels in Vancouver, including Skwachàys Lodge, Canada’s first aboriginal boutique arts hotel.
