Popular spring break destinations expect more travelers than last year, with search results on Expedia up by more than 40%. According to the leading travel app, travelers are considering a wide variety of spring getaways, from Caribbean resorts to Alaskan cruises.
Spring break takes place each year in March and April, with travelers taking the time to escape the stresses of daily life for a week or two. While interest is higher than last year, prices also are, but that doesn’t seem to be deterring travelers.
Although expensive trips to the likes of Punta Cana and Tokyo might be out of the question for many, there are still budget options available. Places like Toronto and Los Angeles are popular spring break destinations for price-conscious travelers.
Regardless of where this year’s spring breakers end up, the news that more people are looking to get away will be a massive boost to the hospitality sector. Since the coronavirus pandemic swept across the world in 2020, hotel owners have seen a stark drop in bookings, but the tide finally appears to be turning again.
The Most Searched-For Places this Year
According to Expedia’s data, there are several places that are attracting more interest than they were this time last year. Beach destinations, in particular, look like desirable locations, with the ice storm currently sweeping southern parts of the USA potentially playing a role in travelers pining for warm weather and sandy beaches.
Puerta Vallarta in Mexico is up 25% on spring break searches, while Punta Cana is up in the Dominican Republic is up 30%. Both destinations are famed for their stunning beaches and luxurious hotels.
Interestingly, city breaks in Europe are also on the up. Rome searches are up by 20%, while Paris seems a particularly popular choice for 2023, with searches to the French capital an incredible 50% higher than they were this time last year.
Those who perhaps don’t have the time or money to go abroad are showing a keen interest in vacations in the United States. While searches to New York are only up by 5%, searches to Banff National Park are up by 40% and to Jackson Hole by 60%. This suggests that many domestic spring breakers are keen on a nature-centric trip this year.
Spring Break Tips
Regardless of where you are thinking about going on spring break, there are a few wide-spanning tips worth taking on board when booking your trip.
Here are three spring break tips to consider:
- Avoid peak date: The busiest two weeks during spring break are the final two weeks of March, so flights and accommodation will be the most expensive during this time. Mid-late April will provide you with the best discounts, and if you are traveling within the Northern Hemisphere, you will also get better weather.
- Depart on a weekday: This may well mean that you have to take an extra day or two off work, but if you have the option of doing that, then flying midweek will work out cheaper. According to Expedia, you can save more than 20% on flights by leaving on a weekday.
- Don’t book too early: When excitement hits, it’s only natural to want to get your spring break booking in right away. However, the best time to book flights and accommodation is approximately 65 days before your planned trip.
