Spring Break Travel Deals – How to Score the Best Discounts

Spring Break is one of the best times to get away from everything going on in life…but let’s be real, it often sneaks up on us and we end up needing to plan trips at the last minute. To make matters worse prices can skyrocket because everyone else wants to travel at the same time. So this year if you’re thinking of taking a road trip, hanging out on a tropical beach somewhere, or exploring a fun new city it’s important to look for spring break travel deals.

But finding deals and discounts isn’t impossible! Over the years, I’ve found ways to book flights, hotels, and tickets for a fraction of the cost. In this guide I’ll share my best strategies so you can enjoy a high value Spring Break without sacrificing quality.

Let’s dive in!

Best Time to Book Spring Break Travel Deals

When Should You Book?

Timing is everything when it comes to finding Spring Break travel deals. I know that’s not helpful if you’re planning a trip last minute but it is the truth. The general rule is:

• Domestic flights: Book 1-3 months in advance.
• International flights: Book 3-6 months ahead for the best prices.
• Hotels & resorts: Luxury hotels and all-inclusive should be booked 4-6 months in advance. Mid-range hotels can often be booked 1-2 months ahead for last-minute deals.

If you’re booking last-minute travel I promise you, you’re not out of luck! Here’s how to find great deals for hotels and flights, even if you’re cutting it close:

Be Flexible with Dates & Destinations

• If hotels are pricey, check nearby cities or alternative accommodations like boutique hotels, vacation rentals, and even luxury hostels (It might work, who knows? You’ll be surprised)
• Flying midweek (Tuesday or Wednesday) is often cheaper than on weekends. You might need to try to leave a little early or start halfway through the week of spring break but you can make it work!
• Try booking one-way flights separately: sometimes two one-way tickets (even on different airlines) are cheaper than a round-trip.
• Pack light to avoid baggage fees: this makes flying more low-cost carriers a better option
• Be open and flexible to different destinations. If you are then you can try the following:

1. Go to Google Flights and select “Explore.”
2. Enter your departure city and Spring Break dates.
3. Look at the cheapest destinations on the map.

This might lead to some of the best unexpected adventures 😄

Peak vs. Off-Peak Travel Times

Not all Spring Break weeks cost the same. The most expensive weeks tend to be:

• March 8-16, 2025 (the peak period for most U.S. schools)
• Easter weekend (April 18-21, 2025)

If you can, travel in early March or late April for significantly lower prices.

If you’re considering driving instead of flight and looking for US travel ideas for spring break then check out this article on my recommended 5 Spring Break U.S. Destinations for all types of travelers.

Curious about different spring festivals and outings around the world. Read more here.

How to Find the Best Flight Deals for Spring Break

Best Flight Booking Tools

Here’s how to track price drops and find cheap airfare for spring break travel deals:

• Google Flights – Set price alerts for your top potential destinations you’re considering
• Hopper – Predicts whether flight prices will go up or down and tells you when to buy.
• Skyscanner & Kayak – Great for comparing prices across multiple airlines and booking sites. Kayak is my preferred booking and research tool for flights. I was able to snag a great round trip flight to Norway, Sweden, and Prague while studying abroad

Budget Airlines vs. Full-Service Airlines

• Budget airlines (Spirit, Frontier, Ryanair, etc.) have the cheapest base fares, but they nickel-and-dime you for bags, seat selection, and even printing your boarding pass.
• Full-service airlines (Delta, American, United) sometimes have similar fares, but they include carry-ons and better flight change policies.

If you only have a carry-on budget airlines can be a steal. But if you need checked luggage then a full-service airline might actually be cheaper once you factor in bag fees.

My favorite airline for traveling within the United States was Southwest because bags fly free and they don’t have a ton of hidden fees. They are sort of in the middle between budget airlines and full-service airlines. Unfortunately as of March this year, they recently announced that this will no longer be the case for checked bags. 😔

When to Book & Fly for the Lowest Prices

• Best days to book: Tuesdays and Wednesdays usually have the lowest fares.
• Best days to fly: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays are the cheapest for flying.

Are All-Inclusive Resorts Worth It for Spring Break?

All-inclusive resorts can be a great way to simplify your Spring Break trip because you can bundle accommodations, meals, and even drinks into one upfront cost! But while they offer convenience and potential savings, they’re not always the best deal depending on your travel style and budget. It’s important to consider everything before you book one:

✅ Pros:
✔ Everything is included—no need to budget for food & drinks.
✔ Great for couples & groups who want stress-free vacations.
✔ Can be cheaper than booking flights + hotels + food separately.

❌ Cons:
✘ Resort fees and hidden costs.
✘ You’re limited to what’s inside the resort.
✘ May cost more than an Airbnb + local dining.

If you plan to drink a lot and stay at the resort or you’re a big fan of pre-planned organized activities, an all-inclusive might be the best fit for you. But if you prefer exploring local restaurants a boutique hotel or Airbnb might be the better value.

Best Websites for Booking All-Inclusive Deals

• Expedia – Great for bundling flights & resorts.
• CheapCaribbean – Best for Mexico & the Caribbean.
• Apple Vacations – Offers exclusive resort deals.

Overlooked Destinations for Spring Break

Tired of overcrowded and overpriced tourist hotspots? Some of the best spring break travel deals can be found by vacationing in different places than the ones currently trending. These underrated destinations offer amazing experiences for less:

Affordable Caribbean Destinations

• Roatán, Honduras – Beautiful beaches, world-class diving, and way cheaper than the Bahamas. Learn more about Roatán, Honduras here.
• Grenada – A stunning alternative to Jamaica or the Dominican Republic.

Low-Cost Latin American Getaways

• El Salvador – A rising star with gorgeous beaches and cheap flights from the U.S.
• La Paz, Mexico – Stunning nature and way more affordable than Cabo San Lucas.

Cheap European Alternatives

• Budapest, Hungary – A historic city with cheap food, affordable hotels, and epic nightlife.
• Porto, Portugal – A charming, budget-friendly alternative to Lisbon. Learn about some of the spring festivals you can visit for spring break here.

Are you looking for stunning views and warm weather for spring break this year? Check out the 10 Best Spring Break Destinations in the Caribbean and Central America.

How to Save on Hotels & Airbnbs

Finding the best spring break deals for accommodations is a great way to keep your travel budget from ballooning. Here are some of the things to consider when looking for hotels and Airbnbs:

Hotel Hacks for Maximum Savings

• Use hotel loyalty programs like Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors for free upgrades.
• Book direct with hotels – They are sometimes cheaper than third-party sites like Expedia and if anything goes wrong with your booking they’ll be able to fix it (unlike third-party sites so be aware if you use those).
• Try HotelTonight to look for last-minute deals if you’re flexible.

Airbnb Tips for Lower Prices

• Book new listings – hosts often price them lower to get early reviews.
• Avoid cleaning fee traps – some Airbnbs charge $150 or more in cleaning fees! Definitely double check the total they’re charging you to make sure you stay aware of the cleaning fees.

Are Spring Break Cruises a Good Deal?

Cruises lately have been surging in popularity for spring break travel plans and for a good reason. You can go almost anywhere in the world, you can choose the number of days you’ll be traveling, and best of all: most cruises are all inclusive for food and accommodations making it easier to budget. Consider trying a repositioning cruise where ships move between regions. It can save you hundreds.

Just be sure to look out for hidden cruise fees such as port taxes, mandatory gratuities, and expensive drink packages.

How to Save on Transportation & Activities

When it comes to saving on transportation, car rentals can be a great option but hidden fees can quickly add up so make sure to read the fine print! In many destinations public transport is a much cheaper alternative to ride-shares. For example, subways in Mexico City and Europe cost significantly less than Uber or taxis. If you’re planning to visit multiple attractions, investing in a city pass can be a smart move as many offer bundled entry to main sightseeing spots at a reduced price.

Credit Cards & Travel Hacks for Extra Savings

One way to give yourself spring break travel deals is through points and miles. If you want to maximize savings on travel try rewards credit cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred. Amex Platinum also offers excellent perks such as travel points and insurance benefits. By strategically using points and miles you can book free or heavily discounted flights making high-cost trips much more affordable. 

To save even more, savvy travelers stack cashback, promo codes, and travel credits, combining multiple discounts to get the best possible deal on flights, hotels, and activities. It might take time and patience, but the research would definitely pay off!

Spring Break Travel Deals

Spring Break doesn’t have to be expensive or overpriced. By booking early, choosing budget-friendly destinations, and using the right travel hacks, you can score incredible deals without sacrificing an amazing experience.

So where are you headed this Spring Break? Let’s plan your dream trip!

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