Perched up above 5,500 feet in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina about two hours north of Asheville, Beech Mountain Resortgets around 84 inches of annual snowfall and makes for an affordable spring skiing vacation for the family. With a cute downtown to explore and all kinds of snowy activities on pretty Mirror Lake, Lake Placidin New Yorks Adirondacks can be ridiculously affordable for a spring family vacation when you plan it right. Airplane*. The historic, sumptuous Hotel Bristol (newly renovated in 2019) offers luxury within walking distance of many top sites for around $200 a night. Not all have beachfront real estate, but each has ample amenities for cost-conscious visitors. We offer over 550 air carriers and 1,000,000 hotels worldwide, so you'll always have plenty of variety to choose from. Elizabeth Rhodes is an associate digital editor at. Adventure Tours. The only real blip in this trend is the world-famous Cherry Blossom Festival, which usually happens in late March or early April the exact time of peak bloom varies from year to year, depending on the severity of the preceding winter. While you wont find beaches here, you can head out with the family into the iconic western landscapes of Joshua Tree National Park, a short drive away; tee up for some mini-golf; or take a ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which ascends from desert landscapes into the greenery of the San Jacinto Mountains. History Museums, Speciality Museums. Although Caribbean destinations are always popular, spring is traditionally the cheaper shoulder season, and Jamaica is already an affordable island to begin with. Its possible to travel overseas on almost any budget. Nashville doesnt have a rail transit system, but the Nashville Metropolitan Transportation Authoritys bus system is quite good, especially if you buy a pass. And neighboring cities such as Panama City Beach and Destin are quite popular too. Hotel de Caumont - Art Centre. In a word: Northwest. Enjoy it while you can. Home to MTV Spring Break 2019, Cancun continues to bring thousands and thousands of Spring Breakers there every year. 10 Affordable Destinations for Spring 2019 10 Photos. 2. But if you just want to soak up the rays, its hard to do better. As in Vermont, state and national forests dot the region along with locally managed parks. Park City, Utah. On the bright side, parking remains free at many casinos on the Strip itself. At lower elevations, day hikes abound in Southeast Ohios Wayne National Forest. Generally, the area around centrally located Playa Olas Altas is more expensive than other parts of town. Farther out, an extensive Victorian District borders yet more parkland. We even found some flights under $200! On nice days, Savannah College of Art and Design students sunbathe, throw discs, and play pickup soccer by the hundreds. The Outer Banks is a long, narrow strip of land that separates Pamlico Sound from the Atlantic Oceans open waters. Kids will feel like explorers visiting the Jamestown Settlement, where a Powhatan Indian village and the experience of a 17th century fort are brought to life through impressive re-enactments. 974. We found flights for around $300 from New York. And Montreals international airport is quite a bit bigger than Burlingtons, so it might be more convenient to start and end your trip there if youre coming from afar and dont mind re-crossing the border. You can undoubtedly spend (or outright lose) a lot of money in Las Vegas. Youll have plenty more to keep you busy, including lovely natural areas, the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, Sea World and Legoland. Every year, millions of families visit D.C. during school breaks in the summer or around the holidays, but traffic drops off abruptly during the transitional seasons. Terry Ward is based in Florida and has worked as a freelance travel writer since 2000, writing for such publications as CNN, Conde Nast Traveler, National Geographic, The Washington Post and Scuba Diving Magazine, among many others. Stick to budget-friendly buffets and avoid chef-driven sit-down restaurants altogether. The adventurous can also explore Glenwood Caverns before the summer crowds set in or take advantage of river rafting season, which starts in April. Take advantage of sales like the one at Ocean Blue & Sand resort: With a hotel direct offer, rooms are available at 20% off, at just over $200 a night. As long as youre willing to push the boundaries of your comfort zone and spend time at beaches or in neighborhoods where Spanish is the norm, you can more than make up for the cost of your plane ticket. Charleston and the greater Spring Mountain National Recreation Area. After all, its one of Americas most beautiful places to visit in the spring. For example, the perfectly located and well-reviewed Cambridge Suites Halifax, right across from the Citadel, is just over $100 a night. Aside from a handful of expensive, trendy restaurants, theres not a whole lot else to do. Sweepstakes; Travel's Best . From beachfront hotels for under $100 a night to free things to do with the family, these are our best cheap spring break ideas for the beach. An extra 30 minutes on the Metro could save you $100 or more per day. The destinations on this list meet one or both of those criteria. An off-the-radar mountain town in western North Carolina, Blowing Rock offers easy access to nature and lots of outdoor fun in a small town environment that oozes Americana. In most tourism-driven cities, avoiding the primary tourist draw is the best way to keep cash in your pocket. For a free view of the city and ocean, take a hike up one of the rocky crags overlooking the coast. Pay as low as $92 per night for a beachfront hotel in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The city also has a thriving food scene, so check out both new, trendy restaurants and classic eateries, like famous deli Schwartzs. In Panama City, its possible to confine your activity to a radius of a mile or so within the city center and spring for a bus fare to Panama City Beach (a day pass costs just a few dollars). Maldives We're going to be leaving winter behind as March approaches so start preparing for a trip during spring break to the Maldives. The trendy yet affordable hotel offers a restaurant, pool and rooftop lounge. One of the Americaas great vacation lakes, Lake Powellis an iconic western destination for making family memories surrounded by grand American landscapes. After all, the barrier islands that make up the Banks are basically a giant series of white-sand beaches. An iconic Florida surf town,Cocoa Beachis more about the laidback salt life than the jetset life. Here are 10 of the most affordable spring break trips for 2021, according to Kayak. Away from the Strip, get a break from the action at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, a beautiful and popular park in the foothills west of the city. During the spring, San Diego hotels combat dipping occupancy rates with rate cuts and package deals. Unlike TSA PreCheck, Clear uses your unique biometric data without requiring you to wait in line, allowing you to speed through airport security and get to your gate quicker. And because its a U.S. territory, your family doesnt need passports to visit. Just south of the forest, Camels Hump State Park features a challenging 4,000-foot mountain peak with breathtaking views of Lake Champlain and the mountains beyond. You can enjoy the ocean aboard a boat, kayak or fishing trip, and explore the areas naval history at the U.S.S. We strive to write accurate and genuine reviews and articles, and all views and opinions expressed are solely those of the authors. In early spring, sunshine is almost a given, and fully overcast days are rare. Stop in some of the many coastal villages for fresh seafood and welcoming Canadian hospitality. Here are 10 of the most affordable spring break trips for 2021, according to Kayak. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic 6. Welcome to Provence-Alpes-Cte d'Azur, France's top destination for 100% green tourism. Or catch the ferry to Coronado Island from the Broadway Pier or downtown convention center to enjoy a 15-minute ride across the sparkling San Diego Bay. Warmer spring temperatures mean an opportunity to stroll the city streets, stopping to see iconic locations like Central Park, Times Square, the Empire State Building and the Metropolitan Museum of Artand even find some hidden gems in NYC. Dont be surprised to encounter trail closures or impassible stretches of mud, especially earlier in the season after a snowy winter. By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Most people visit Vegas for the glitz and glamour of the casino-studded Strip, the colloquial name for the stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard between Las Vegas International Airport and downtown Las Vegas. If you have a car, take a drive along Highway 30A to Point Washington State Forest for a hike through its cypress swamps and pine forests. Combine that with our personal experiences in discovering off-the-beaten path destinations, and you have a list of some truly great (and affordable!) An overnight bike rental from Perry Rubber Bike Shop should be marginally cheaper than renting a car. Cocoa Beach, FL Check out the Tweetsie Railroad, with a petting zoo and rides for kids. Reach him on Twitter, Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, unlimited day pass for a few bucks and a seven-day pass, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Mt. Also, its just a few minutes from San Diego International Airport. But the citys most affordable hotel districts lie just outside its borders. But check the weather before you leave, as late-season snow flies well into March and may render roads or trails impassable. People starting out in the US and Canada have the most great options, but there are places good around the globe. At those prices, its often worthwhile to snag a weekly rental for shorter trips too. If you stay in a hotel or rental property away from the Panama City Beach waterfront and rent a bike instead of a car, you spend far less than the college students who snap up expensive rentals on the beach. CAT also offers an unlimited day pass for a few bucks and a seven-day pass for just a little more. But its worth toweling off to head just inland, too, to show the kids alligators at Sawgrass Lake Park and check out all the cute shops and restaurants fronting the bay in pedestrian-friendly downtown St. Pete. Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. This nearly enclosed body of clear blue water has multiple marinas where you can watch pleasure boats cruise in and out of the harbor until the sun goes down. Beyond Burlingtons borders, wide-open spaces beckon. Spring break is a popular travel time for penny-pinching college students and young people. If you plan to stay on the Strip and spend most of your time in the heart of Vegas, you dont need a car to get around. Generally, the latter offers better value. Cap off a visit to Savannah with outdoor excursions to surrounding wildlife refuges, or head to the coast to enjoy the beach on Tybee Island. It's a classic spring break destination and for good reason: it's an ideal spot for broke college students to hang out and enjoy a week in paradise without spending the entirety of your bank account. The courses at Pinehurst are already on your radar, but in terms of budget golf . Visitors who dont know Garth Brooks from George Strait can peruse Nashvilles world-class art institutions, visit its impressive zoo, catch a minor league baseball or Nashville Predators hockey game, and hike in the picturesque hills that rim the Cumberland River Valley. Among other things, we may receive free products, services, and/or monetary compensation in exchange for featured placement of sponsored products or services. And an abundance of camping makes the Outer Banks a sensible choice for cost-conscious travelers. Where to stay: Centrally located hotels, like the Htel Place dArmes, are under $200 a night. For a broader view of the city and its eclectic architecture, head south to Forsyth Park, the citys answer to NYCs Central Park. Come discover the most affordable college spring break destinations! Barely 20 miles east of town, Mount Mansfield State Forest harbors the highest point in the state along with four state parks and dozens of miles of hiking trails. For campers, off-peak rates tend to be significantly lower than peak-season rates, and virtually empty campsites mean that visitors have their pick. Panama Citys notorious summer humidity has yet to set in, but the sun is strong enough that you can probably jump into the mild Gulf of Mexico waters. Enjoy the thriving art, culture and food scenes of the American Riviera. (Money-saving tip: Many gallery exhibits and performing arts centers are free on the first Thursday of every month.) Bonus: Its one of the safest places for solo travelers to visit. The city presents a great opportunity for kids to keep their education going while on break from school. Copyright Morten Falch Sortland/Getty Images. We share travel insider tips for where to take family and friends and how to snag the best Spring Break flight deals. Conditions permitting, the bigger resorts try to remain open until mid-April. Despite its reputation as an international travel destination, Puerto Vallarta is still far cheaper than comparable destinations in the U.S. and Caribbean. Dont worry about renting a boat, as many of the most scenic areas feature boardwalk access. Its OK to find the bright lights of Vegas gaudy, even tiresome, but walking the Strip is still a fantastic way to spend an afternoon or evening and get some exercise while youre at it. The bone-dry winter and spring months tend to be a little more crowded. Where to stay: The ease of staying in a vacation rental to save money on lodging and food by cooking your own meals can make this island one of the cheapest places to go on spring break. The island, which has suffered a hurricane and an earthquake in the past five years, is on the rebound, with tourism flourishing once again. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. For such an expensive city, D.C. has plenty of free or low-cost attractions. ), Plenty of nature and outdoor activities to enjoy, Avoid the crowds of summer season by visiting in spring, New York is one of the top city destinations on the planet, Unlimited options for things to see and do, Spring offers pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists, One of the biggest urban gardens in the country, Natural beauty of the coastline and surrounding areas, Museums, artist studios and more cultural attractions, Pack your wet suit if you want to get in the waterits still cold in the spring, Some of the best coastal scenery in North America, Its easiest to get to from East Coast locations; flights from the West Coast, although not pricey, are much longer, Its the place to let loose during spring break, If youre coming with the family, it might be a little too wild in March (try calmer April instead), Natural and cultural things to do in the surrounding area. (And check out these 16 Out-of-the-Ordinary Family Vacations for Spring.) Early in the season, when through-hikers walking the entire 2,200-mile length of this famous long-distance hiking trail are still in the Carolinas, day and weekend hikers have this stretch all to themselves. Holiday Inn Express & Suites The Hunt Lodge, Hampton Inn & Suites Greenville-Downtown-Riverplace, 10 Best Winter Mittens for Toddlers (That Will Actually Stay On), 11 Best Christmas Pajamas for the Whole Family, 9 Baby Car Seat Covers That Will Protect Your Baby All Winter Long. Take your pick among Anaheim, Los Angeles, Orange County, Newport Beach, Palm Springs, or even San Diegohistorically, all of these SoCal hotspots make for a cheap springtime getaway when you. Federal and state agencies protect most of this land and water, so dozens of migratory bird species make their homes there. Especially in the Midwest, heading south to the warmer weather is a popular option for a spring break getaway. Conveniently located, the hotel offers cottages, rooms with kitchenettes and a lovely courtyard and pool. The Blue Line wraps through downtown, touching the Gaslamp Quarter, then heads south along the coast to Chula Vista, where Bayside Park offers a different view of the bay, before terminating near the border. March may be considered the start of the season in Myrtle Beach, with many attractions and restaurants reopening after winter. The wet, windy winter storms have long since departed, summers heat hasnt yet set in, and hurricane season doesnt begin until July. Where to stay: Settle in at the Isla Grand Beach Resort for around $200 a night if youre looking for a cheap beachfront hotel with a lively atmosphere. One of the best places to see the gorgeous landscapes is the UNESCO-listed Val d'Orcia region. Where to stay: All-inclusive family resorts in popular Montego Bay offer great package deals along a gorgeous stretch of turquoise water. Pro tip: If you plan to fly to your spring break destination, sign up for a free two-month trial of Clear. 8. Visit the charming river community to see where he grew up and climb in the cave that inspired his stories. This area also tends to be crowded with rowdy international students. The city receives barely 10 inches of rain per year, according to Climate-Data.org, and temperatures rarely dip below 40 degrees F at any point during the year. Its no San Diego, but the city is hard to beat in the springtime. But if you are looking for somewhere that's a little closer to home, I have collaborated with other travel bloggers to bring you some of the best Midwest spring break destinations. Most of the citys attractions lie within walking distance of one another, and Green Mountain Transit offers a 10-ride pass for $1.50 per ride. Just south of Cancn, along Mexicos gorgeous Riviera Maya, is Playa del Carmen, a resort town with beautiful white-sand beaches and turquoise water. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. To see one of the Tennessee Valley Authoritys smaller dams, venture northwest to the Old Hickory Dam and feast your eyes on the snaking lake it holds back. College students from the Northeast and Midwest flock to this modestly sized town in the Florida Panhandle. These cheap spring break destinations are family-friendly and you can typically spend five to seven nights with a family of four (sharing one room or vacation rental) for under $5000. About 15 miles west of town, the small ski town of Sugar Mountain has easy slopes and an ice skating rink that stays open through March. There are so many great neighborhoods to check out, from the trendy Gaslamp Quarter to stunning La Jolla, in addition to plenty of things to do on and off the beach. Many of Savannahs attractions especially natural areas like Tybee National Wildlife Refuge and Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge arent easily accessible by public transit. A Country-by-country Guide, How to Plan the Perfect Multi-island Trip to Hawaii, 12 Affordable Vacations for Couples on a Budget. Enjoy the coastal beauty of Nova Scotia with rugged hikes, visits to some of the provinces 170 beautiful lighthouses and long drives next to the sea. Still, the destinations we picked tend to run cheaper than other, more popular or more hyped spots, allowing you to plan a spring break on a budget. Greater Las Vegass transportation infrastructure strains under the weight of the regions rapid growth, and traffic jams are commonplace. In between in Kentucky, Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania lie what many perceive as countless hardscrabble towns and relatively few notable tourist attractions. As an international tourist destination, Puerto Vallarta has its share of trendy neighborhoods. For food, check out locally owned and operated seafood shacks. 11 Best Spring Break Destinations: Affordable Trips to Book Now - Thrillist Travel Cheap Travel 11 Cheap Spring Break Spots You Should Book Right Now By Tiana Attride Updated on. Panama City and Panama City Beach might be famous spring break destinations, but that doesnt mean theyre unaffordable. Yes No Key West #1 in Best Cheap Spring. In March, the snow still flies in the higher elevations of West Virginia and Maryland, so resorts such as Wisp and Snowshoe may remain open. Jardin Botanique Val Rahmeh - Menton. We looked at Saturday-to-Saturday travel because, for those who have a week off for spring break, that would likely make the most sense; but if youre willing to fly midweek, flights will likely be even cheaper than what weve cited here. The wet season roughly coincides with the Pacific hurricane season in most years, it begins by late May and wraps up in early October. However, the true high seasons are confined to the Christmas season and Easter week, so those are the only travel times to actively avoid. Dont expect to get away from the crowds if you choose to visit South Padre Island on the Gulf coast of Texas during March, as the island is a haven for college kids on spring break. For hotels, we aimed to keep them under $300 a night, with under $200 as the idealwe strove to balance price and quality so youll still be lodging somewhere clean, comfortable and convenient. Its best not to chance an unannounced rate hike by avoiding the district altogether. Where to stay: Theres so much to choose from among the best resorts in Puerto Rico, but you can snag a room at the San Juan Water and Beach Club Hotel on spectacular Isla Verde Beach for around $200 a night. Neither charge admission. The Metro, as its known, is anchored by five heavy rail lines Blue, Green, Red, Orange, and Yellow and a network of complementary buses. Farther away, the suburb of Falls Church, Virginia, is about 30 minutes from central D.C. via the Metros Orange Line and is noted for affordable hotels and a walkable downtown area thats worthchecking out in its own right. 26 Vacation Destinations To Enjoy Spring Break (Without The Crowds) By Marika Kazimierska Updated Dec 24, 2022 While the Caribbean is a top pick for Spring Break, travelers should consider changing it up this year! More mountainous than Cancun and less party-hardy than Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta caters heavily to American tourists, so be on the lookout for special package deals, especially as the high season draws to a close in May. In fact, its best to avoid the areas island resorts in general. Photo: Anmarie Holscher/EyeEm/Getty Images, Where Can Americans Travel Right Now? A secondary area to avoid lies just to the south of downtown Nashville near Vanderbilt University. But if youre looking for the ultimate party spot, this might just be the place for you. Take the Blue Line across the Potomac and pay your respects at Arlington National Cemetery, which happens to sit on a ridge that boasts excellent views of central D.C. Add this cheap U.S. city to your bucket listthen check it off right away with a spring break visit. The massive city has plenty of affordable accommodation options, too, so you can worry more about finding the best Tex-Mex and less about the cost of your spring break trip. Take a look . Along with miles of hiking trails, National Bridge State Resort Park also offers its sky lift (like a ski lift) to view the natural bridge. Its important to note that Puerto Vallartas tropical climate produces two sharply delineated seasons, one wet and one dry. Avoid Snowshoe Village altogether aside from a handful of northeastern resorts, its the closest thing to Aspen this side of the Rockies. Dress warmly to enjoy a stroll around Old Montreal and Mount Royal Park. Visit Family Vacation Critic on Instagram! One of them is sure to be the perfect spot for your next cheap spring break vacation. For longer trips, purchase a seven-day pass. Can you believe it? Nothing beats 60 miles of free beaches, which is why Myrtle Beach is an ideal affordable spring break destination. per group (up to 7) 5-HOURS PRIVATE Sightseeing Tour of the Provence from La seyne, Toulon cruisesl. For frugal vacationers, affordable hotels and eateries abound just outside the trendy beachfront district. Just after the touristy, packed and pricey Mardi Gras season but before the popular Jazz and Heritage Festival kicks off in late April, New Orleans in early spring offers a little pocket of pleasant temperatures, lower crowds and affordability. When its time to eat, head south and stroll through the neighborhoods surrounding Macroplaza Puerto Vallarta. 2. Central Nashville is brimming with hotels, but they charge a hefty premium for convenience. Unlike inland areas, the Outer Banks never really get cold in the winter, and the ocean banishes the cool seasons residual chill by mid-March. You'll find 60 miles of toasty sand in this laid-back vacation center, as well as the friendly Myrtle Beach Oceanfront . But as in many spring break beach destinations in the Carolinas, Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand most likely wont be warm enough for swimming. The exception is Rock Creek Park on the far northern fringes of town, but the Red Line passes pretty close to its eastern entrances. A travel writer since 2001 (read: long before the kids came along), shes written for such publications as Endless Vacation Magazine, Conde Nast Traveler and Scuba Diving Magazine, among many others. If you plan to visit multiple Outer Banks communities, you may need to rent a car. Where to stay: If youre not up for a vacation rental, look into the many small inns and bed-and-breakfasts, which offer great pre-season deals for under $200. from. Mont Tremblant, Canada 3. Whether you're exploring a cool city or lounging on the beach, you can beat the winter blues with a budget spring break. Spring break vacations with the family shouldnt cost you an arm and a leg. Known For: Epic wintertime recreation and an impossibly charming apres ski setup. From the Lincoln Memorial to the Washington Monument, the central city is awash in public edifices that are either free to the public or easy to appreciate from the outside. Where to stay: Stay at one of the many downtown lodgings for an affordable rate. If you dont mind heading indoors and parting with a little cash, check out the Country Music Hall of Fame. Even after ski season, these resort areas remain pricey. Now is the ideal time to buy. Sometimes cheap means fewer options.