Haven't Made Spring Break Plans Yet? It's Still Possible With These Tips

As communities across the U.S. and around the globe ease COVID-19 restrictions, travel experts predict that this spring break season will be more popular than ever.

According to travel advisor Kate Doty, the urge for exciting adventures or simply to escape and enjoy time with loved ones in a new setting—after months or even years of planning and postponements—is driving demand to unprecedented levels. A study by Vacasa reveals that 37 percent of Americans plan to travel during spring break, up from 29 percent in 2021.

Despite the high demand, insiders like Doty indicate there are still chances to travel—though it may require some flexibility and a willingness to invest more than in previous years, especially if you don’t act quickly.

Secure your flights now

Analysis from Hopper, the travel booking app, indicates that domestic airfare for spring break is currently 6 percent lower than in 2019. However, these rates are not expected to last long—Hopper forecasts a 45 percent increase in airfare leading up to spring break, which is generally considered from mid-February to the end of March.

Similarly, international flight prices are averaging around $610 for round trips, but this figure is projected to climb to approximately $800 the week before travel. Additionally, hotels and rental cars have become significantly pricier, with some areas experiencing increases of up to 300 percent, according to travel advisor Will Kiburz.

Consider alternative destinations that offer mild weather-ish

As expected, the most sought-after destinations are those with warm weather and beach access. Expedia reports that the top spring break spots for 2022 include Las Vegas, Orlando, New York City, Orange County, and Cancun. This aligns with Hopper’s findings, which highlighted Miami, Las Vegas, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, and Los Angeles as the most booked domestic flights, along with San Juan, Cancun, Mexico City, Cabo, and Paris for international travel.

Keeping this in mind, travel advisor Martha Rhodes suggests looking for destinations with pleasant weather and more open spaces rather than just beach areas.

“Top destinations in this category are located in the Southwest—like Scottsdale, Santa Fe, and Sedona,” said Rhodes. “Families can still find multi-bedroom accommodations, convenient flights to major airports, and pleasant weather for hiking, biking, and lounging by the pool.”

Look into shoulder-season destinations or countries that just reopened their borders

Travel advisor Shelley Rapp supported Rhodes' suggestion, noting that for those willing to skip the beach, many European cities such as Rome and Barcelona are less crowded in the spring. Alternatively, she recommended considering destinations that have recently reopened to travelers—such as Australia, Argentina, Chile, and Vietnam.

“Many travelers booked trips to locations they thought would be open, leaving newly opened destinations with greater availability,” Rapp explained.

If uncertain, consider hiring a professional

Having a travel advisor, who specializes in identifying available options and can help travelers navigate coronavirus protocols and testing, can significantly reduce the stress of trip planning.

“There are countless ways to maximize your last-minute spring getaway, despite COVID restrictions,” Rapp stated.