With late night cramming (and other late nights), classes and the general swirl of college life, did Spring Break sneak up on you? If you’re ready for a break from the books but not from your budget, fear not. The travel experts at Cheapflights have done your homework for you, finding 25 destinations where Spring Break flights are still affordable, even this late in the semester. More specifically, we’ve chosen wallet-friendly destinations for a spring break trip from each part of the country, so no matter where you are studying, we’ve got you covered.
From the Northeast
Image: New York
New York, New York: No matter how many times you’ve been to New York, there’s always something new and exciting to see and do in the city that never sleeps. From Times Square to the top of the Empire State Building, there’s an eyeful waiting for you everywhere you turn. Whether you stick to the classics like exploring Central Park or getting last-minute discount tickets to a Broadway show, or you set your sights on more modern hot spots like Williamsburg and Nolita, you’ll have plenty of tales to tell from your time in the city.
Toronto, Ontario, Canada: Toronto continues to become more and more of a tourism draw, especially with the strong buying power of the U.S. dollar. The multicultural city is filled with just about any type of food you can imagine (from Indian to Greek to Ethiopian) and offers exciting nightlife to those 19 and over in the form of small, chilled out bars in unique neighborhoods like West Queen West, Ossington and Leslieville.
From the Southeast
Puerto Rico: While the drinking age in Puerto Rico is a student-friendly 18, the crowds and scene are much tamer than other hot spots. Nonetheless, thanks to the charm of Old San Juan, with its cobblestone streets and cute cafes, the natural beauty of El Yunque National Park and the endless beaches, you won’t be bored in Puerto Rico.
Nassau, Bahamas: You can easily put beach hopping at the top of your Spring Break to-do list with a quick flight to Nassau. In addition to soaking up the sun or splashing around in turquoise water, get into the island mindset at an open air bar, where you can sip daiquiris (the drinking age is 18) and enjoy incredible fresh and affordable seafood. Don’t forget to make time to shop the duty-free shops on Bay Street or pick up souvenirs and local handicrafts from the lively Nassau Straw Market.
From the West
Image: Joe, Biking past Lost Lagoon in Stanley Park Vancouver via Flickr CC by 2.0
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada: Nature-lovers and outdoor enthusiasts will want to consider a trip to Vancouver for Spring Break. You can ski, hike, snowboard and mountain bike all in a few days if you want. There’s also great food, a good bar scene (available to those 19 and over), laid-back locals and a convivial vibe that makes even first-time visitors feel right at home. (The U.S.-friendly exchange rate might make it feel even better than home.)
Los Angeles, California: Los Angeles is a tough city to pin down. Known for beaches, shopping and the location of many paparazzi shots of your favorite celebs shopping in The Grove, the city is also home to some really interesting museums like the LA County Museum of Art (LACMA), low-key bars and restaurants (or over-the-top nightclubs depending on what you’re in the mood for) and some of the best restaurants in the U.S.
From the Midwest
Image: Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls, New York or Ontario, Canada: Niagara Falls, no matter which side you’re looking at (American or Canadian), are always an epic sight. But the area is also filled with other things to see and do. If you’re feeling lucky, you can check out the Niagara Fallsview Casino, sample some wine at one of the surrounding wineries like Inniskillin, take in the views from the Skylon Tower Observation Deck, or ride the Clifton Hill SkyWheel, one of the best ways to view the Falls. Stay on the Canada side for better buying power and to take advantage of the lower drinking age.
Denver, Colorado: Feeling like you need some sunshine during Spring Break? The Mile-High City gets 300 days of sunlight a year. But getting your daily dose of vitamin D isn’t the only thing Denver is good for. The city is also known for its many brewpubs and tap rooms (over 100 in the metro area along), progressive marijuana laws and overall social vibe. And, of course, outdoor fun awaits in every direction.
From the Southwest
Millennium Park, Chicago (Image: Chris Stevenson via Flickr CC BY 2.0)
Chicago, Illinois: The Windy City is the place to be for art, architecture, food and shopping. Starting with food, there are well over 5,000 restaurants in the Chicago area. If you’re into beer, the city hosts over 30 beer festivals through the year. Beyond food and drink, there’s iconic Millennium Park, the 18-mile long Lakefront Trail, over 500 parks and gardens to explore and tons of shopping along Magnificent Mile, a 13-block stretch of Michigan Avenue.
Austin, Texas: Music-lovers ought to seriously consider visiting Austin over Spring Break since there are more than 250 live music venues here – and it’s known as the live music capital of the world. When you need a break from music, sip some craft beer, or tour a brewery, feast on some eats from one of the city’s many food trucks and shop the boutique-lined 2nd Street District.
To learn about three more Spring break destinations from each part of the country where airfares are still low, go here.