Alright, so the spring term is underway.
You should have returned to campus rested, recharged and maybe a little heavier from enjoying Mom’s holiday cooking. You ought to be primed to tackle your next batch of classes, fresh notebook in hand.
You definitely should not already be eagerly plotting spring break plans. But let’s be real — you probably are, right?
Relax: We won’t snitch. Actually, we’re here to help.
Spring Break Can Be Pricey… But It Doesn’t Have To Be
If your in-class daydreams are full of bikinis, beaches and cold drinks, you might be scanning all-inclusive packages to Cancun or the Bahamas.
Newsflash: Travel abroad is pricey, even when you snag those tempting all-in deals.
I checked a hypothetical five-night, five-person Mexico package that StudentCity lists. Rates began around $1,472 per person from my preferred departure airport in Jacksonville, Florida, though the cost dropped to $1,264 if I left from Orlando. And despite promises of “beach parties every day,” the listing didn’t spell out food, booze or other spring break extras.
Not ideal.
You can always peek at Groupon, which often dangles long all-inclusive trips to far-flung spots, sometimes advertised under $500.
Still, scrutinize the fine print: those figures are frequently based on double occupancy — aimed at couples rather than a college crew. And lots of deals run through tour operators that tend to draw an older crowd.
So what’s a sun-seeking, book-weary upperclassman to do?
Budget-Friendly Spring Break Options
First rule: Don’t cash your financial aid check just to blow it on a blowout trip.
It might feel tempting now, but remember: financial aid isn’t free money. You’ll likely be responsible for paying it back, plus interest later on.
The good news: You can still have an awesome spring break without draining your account… or killing the vibe.
Affordable Beach Towns for Spring Break
Airfare can eat up a lot of your vacation budget, so you can save a bundle by driving to your beach destination.
And if you fear #RoadTripLife will limit your options, don’t — $50 worth of gas can take you surprisingly far, especially if you split costs four or five ways.
Yes, driving often takes longer than flying. But hanging out with friends is the point, isn’t it?
Bonus: No pricey terminal snacks or seatmates crying babies. Follow some frugal road-trip tips and you might have extra cash left over for beachside drinks.
Below are top spring break ideas that keep the budget intact.
1. Clearwater, Florida
Want to know which beach TripAdvisor readers crowned the best in the nation last year?
That would be Clearwater Beach, which beat out heavy hitters like Miami’s South Beach, San Diego’s La Jolla and Coronado, and even all of Hawaii’s beaches.
I get it — Florida is often the butt of jokes, but clearly we’ve got something going for us.
If you roll into Clearwater, grab some fresh seafood at Frenchy’s — it’s famous for a reason. The original (or Buffalo-style, surprisingly) grouper sandwich is the move, and it’ll set you back under $15.
And swing by St. Pete to say hello to the Savinly team! The area also has standout breweries, bars and restaurants.
2. Jacksonville Beach, Florida
Florida’s First Coast doesn’t get enough credit.
Jacksonville Beach has it all: peaceful sunrise spots for relaxing or tanning, fantastic eateries (hit Taco Lu for the Carne Royale — you’ll thank me), and a lively but navigable weekend bar scene. Just know where to look; have someone handle Yelp while you drive.
Plus, legendary Daytona Beach is about an hour south if you can’t imagine spring break without a classic boardwalk experience.
3. Key West, Florida
This is the southernmost point on the U.S. mainland, so unless you’re already in Florida, expect a decent road trip.
Short of hopping on a plane to the Caribbean, Key West gives you that island vibe without a passport. And if you’re already headed toward Miami, trust a South Florida native: the Keys, especially Key West, are worth the extra hours.
Clear waters, relaxed locals and minimal traffic make it an easy sell — you might not ever want to leave the ocean long enough to drive back!
You can splurge at waterfront hotels that exceed $300 a night, or find private Airbnb options within walking distance for around $60.
4. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
This resort town is known for its boardwalk dotted with amusement-park attractions — so watch your wallet in tourist zones.
But Myrtle Beach anchors more than 60 miles of gorgeous shoreline, so it’s easy to find quieter, beautiful spots nearby that cost less and still feel special.
5. Galveston, Texas
On the Gulf of Mexico, Galveston suits groups that aren’t strictly about nonstop partying.
You can go wild on the Historic Pleasure Pier with roller coasters and cotton candy, or take it easy exploring Moody Gardens Aquarium or the Galveston Arts Center. Time your visit right and you could join the city’s ArtWalk every six weeks.
Nice hotels are often about $150 per night, and budget rooms are easy to find for far less.
6. The Outer Banks, North Carolina
If you’re after rowdy beach parties, this serene spot might not be your scene.
But for lighthouse tours, watersports, state parks and cheap seafood, North Carolina’s barrier islands are hard to beat.
The area leans quaint — think bird watching and eerie historical tales — and April highs hover just under 70°F on Hatteras Island.
Rent a cabin, pack a hoodie, build a campfire and you’ll discover the charm of beaches with water on both sides.
Non-Beach Spring Break Alternatives
Open to doing something other than sand and surf?
A week off doesn’t have to mean a beach-bound sprint. If you’re willing to branch out, consider these options.
7. Ski Trips
Not tired of winter yet? Or maybe you live somewhere warm and crave snow — head to a ski resort for the week.
Skiing can be pricey, but there are ways to reduce costs. And if slopes are closer than any shoreline, that’s an easy way to cut travel costs.
8. National Park Adventures
If you’re within driving range of national parks, use the week to camp in Yellowstone or hike in Arches. With seven days, you could even tour several parks.
9. Other Southern Cities
Need warmth but not necessarily a beach?
There are plenty of warm U.S. locales that offer culture, food and people-watching without sand underfoot. If you’d rather eat and explore, consider these affordable southern cities likely to be pleasantly warm in April:
- New Orleans, Louisiana
- Savannah, Georgia
- Nashville, Tennessee
- Tucson, Arizona (try Boca Tacos — I’ve sampled a lot of tacos)
- Santa Fe, New Mexico (don’t skip White Sands!)
10. Staycation
Don’t dismiss it as a cop-out.
For many, few things are as restorative as powering down your devices, burrowing into bed, and finally reading that towering stack of books you’ve postponed.
Best part: unlike many other spring break choices, it’s essentially free. (Aside from any wine or snacks you splurge on.)
Happy vacationing, Savinly Readers!
Your Turn: Where’s your favorite spring break spot?
Also — if you’re planning any car-based trips, check out our spring car care tips to keep your ride road-ready.
