vacation

SOURCE: TravelPulse | by Mia Taylor

Spring break 2024 is just around the corner and if you haven’t booked you’re getaway yet, the options may be limited.

Travel advisors and industry insiders say some of the most popular spring break haunts are already booked solid and hotel rooms are now extremely hard to find.

So where is everyone headed for spring break this year?

It seems there are no limits on how far travelers are willing to go. While many sun-soaked favorites continue to top the list, there’s also plenty of far-flung global destinations generating buzz.

Here are 10 of the most popular places on the agenda for spring break 2024.

Mexico

Let’s start with the perennial favorite first, which is Mexico. The multitude of sunny options along with the plethora of all-inclusive resorts and the often budget friendly exchange rate, has helped ensure Mexico’s top status in the hearts and minds of spring break travelers.

“Mexico is always popular for this time of year, but more so in 2024 than last year,” says Ryan Doncsecz of VIP Vacations.

Why the extra popularity for Mexico this year in particular? Doncsecz has a theory about that.

“Mexico was one of the few destinations that wanted incoming tourism when most of the world was shut down in 2020 [amid the pandemic],” he explains. “It was one of the easier destinations to vacation – in comparison to other destinations. This perhaps caused a bit of fatigue for the destination in 2022. But I believe that this will be a huge year for travel to Mexico.”

Where in Mexico are travelers headed? There are many popular choices, say travel advisors.

Cancun for starters. “Cancun remains one of the most popular spring break destination requests for our agency,” says Jesse Morris, owner of We Book Travel, an affiliate of Avoya Travel.

“The hotel zone [in Cancun] provides a ton of exciting choices for friends to get together and have a good time,” continues Morris. “Prices this year are higher than in the past, mainly due to airfare, but that has not slowed demand for us.”

Tulum

Tulum is yet another option that’s attracting a lot of traffic this year. And it’s easy to understand why. Located on the Caribbean coastline, Tulum is renowned for its stunning beaches and rich cultural heritage.

“Our clients are particularly drawn to the all-inclusive resorts [in Tulum] for their exceptional service and comprehensive amenities,” says Jim Campbell, a travel agent who specializes in all-inclusive vacations and CEO of Honeymoons.com.

There are many upsides for travelers visiting Tulum, explains Campbell. For instance, it offers all-inclusive options for all budgets – from affordable to luxury.

It’s also easy to get to as there are direct flights available from several major cities. “This convenience, combined with the array of all-inclusive resorts, makes Tulum a highly desirable destination for a stress-free vacation,” says Campbell.

Los Cabos

Also eternally popular when it comes to choices in Mexico, Los Cabos is another locale attracting a fair share of spring break travelers this year (as it does nearly every year.)

“This is where you’ll find me in a couple of weeks,” says Travelzoo Senior Editor Gabe Saglie. “It’s easy to get to, thanks to healthy airline competition, and the plethora of new resorts continue to make this Baja California darling an easy vacation to plan.”

Beyond the flight and resort options, Los Cabos also offers an abundance of wellness activities for travelers – beyond its already famous luxe spa programs. Think: Connecting with the outdoors and enjoying the rejuvinating benefits of nature.

And if that’s not enough, elevated regional and locally-sourced cuisine is also gaining new attention at the moment. “Los Cabos may have more to offer than most any other south-of-the-border destination right now,” adds Sagllie.

Need one more reason to go? The average temperature in Los Cabos throughout all of March is a pleasant low- to mid-70s.

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Europe

While Europe has historically been a top choice for summer vacations, it’s also becoming a spring break hotspot. Just ask Tammy Levent, CEO of Elite Travel.

“There has been a noticeable increase in travel to European destinations, particularly London and Paris, which can be attributed to the upcoming Olympics in Paris,” says Levent, whose had at least one dozen clients request trips to France for spring break.

The worldwide excitement surrounding the summer Olympic games helped ensure that the French capital was top of mind among travelers when planning spring vacation.

“This major event is drawing global attention,” explains Levent. “Additionally, the cost of air travel to Europe has become more competitive, in some cases even cheaper than traveling to the Caribbean, making it an attractive option for those seeking new experiences.”

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Tahiti

To be fair, Tahiti may be a very long haul for some U.S. travelers – depending on which part of the country you live in. But that tiny logistical matter aside, Christina Turrini, a leisure travel consultant with FROSCH, says plenty of clients are making a beeline for the dreamy destination over spring break this year.

“I’m currently seeing an influx of bookings for spring to the islands of Tahiti,” says Turrini. “The airfares to Papeete are very competitive right now, making it a good time to book.”

There’s also a variety of promotions designed to entice travelers to visit Tahiti at the moment. That includes resorts offering discounts for travelers who book overnight stays at multiple Tahitian islands during a visit and extended booking windows designed to enhance value for travelers as well.

Japan

Similar to Tahiti, a spring break trip to Japan is definitely a big commitment. It’s a long journey and not one travelers typically want to squeeze into a mere week.

Nevertheless, Turrini says some spring break travelers are making it work. Families in particular are utilizing remote and hybrid learning for young travelers in order to extend spring break slightly longer.

“Japan is open and popular,” says Turrini. “Limited availability has not reduced interest in travel to Japan. The strength of the dollar versus the Yen has made travel to Japan more accessible. What may have been seen as a bucket list dream in the past..is now ‘Let’s go while the value is high.’”

Turrini isn’t the only one who suggests Japan is an under-the-radar spring break hotspot.

Sophie-anne Burton, head of global travel curation for the luxury travel company Scenset says it’s a frequent choice among her customers as well.

“Japan is a perennial favorite during spring break, primarily due to the enchanting cherry blossoms that paint the country in hues of pink,” she explains. “This time [of year] offers a moderate climate, making it the most popular and beautiful season to visit.”

The demand for Japan is particularly high since the country lifted its COVID-era restrictions for international visitors in late 2022, after two-and-a-half years of tightened border rules.

Now there’s pent up demand for the destination and Burton recommends booking at least a year in advance. Meaning, if you haven’t already reserved your visit for spring break 2024, you may need to wait until 2025 to go.

Orlando, Florida

Between Walt Disney World, Epcot, Universal Studios, and Legoland (to name a few of the options) is it any wonder that Orlando is a top choice for spring breakers in 2024?

“Orlando continues to be a favorite due to its treasure trove of theme parks and family-friendly activities,” says Joy Dietz, a concierge travel agent who specializes in exclusive destinations.

“While not the most budget-friendly destination due to park ticket prices and resort accommodations, the comprehensive packages available…can help mitigate costs, providing more value and convenience for families,” adds Dietz.

Jamaica

Jamaica’s vibrant culture and stunning landscapes continue to draw spring break travelers year after year. And 2024 is proving to be no exception.

“The island’s friendly atmosphere and rich music scene add to the appeal,” says Campbell, of Honeymoons.com.

Jamaica’s attractiveness is further enhanced by the fact that there are all-inclusive options across different price points – from budget-friendly to high-end luxury.

“Our clients frequently highlight the benefits of all-inclusives in Jamaica,” continues Campbell. “These resorts not only provide a hassle-free experience with everything included, but also offer a chance to experience authentic Jamaican cuisine and culture within the resort, enhancing the overall vacation experience.”

Maui, Hawaii

Devastated by wildfires in 2023, Maui as a spring break destination offers the ultimate example of how travel dollars can do good.

“Yes, there’s still a delicate balance to keep top of mind, since the healing after the Lahaina fires in August continues. But the vast majority of jobs here are tightly linked to tourism and travel to Maui – when done responsibly, respectfully and mindfully – can have a major positive impact on residents’ livelihoods,” says Saglie.

Those headed to Maui for spring break will not find a bargain on accommodations. Resort prices haven’t dropped, in large part because so many displaced families are being housed in local hotels. However, Saglie says “the airfare wars are on…and car rental rates are back to being competitive.”

Puerto Rico

This island favorite saw record-breaking tourism in 2023. Over the course of last year, the U.S. territory welcomed more than 6.1 million passengers at the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport. That figure represents a year-over-year increase of 18.6 percent

And for spring break 2024, the island continues to be a convenient choice, says Saglie.

“For those making last-minute travel plans – and who may have yet to renew their passports – this U.S. territory continues to appeal,” explains Saglie.

Beyond passport logistics, there’s many reasons why Puerto Rico is attractive for spring break. Not only is there an abundance of flight options to the island, there’s also plenty of healthy competition among resorts on the ground, which can deliver value to bargain-minded travelers.

And for travelers who like to remain active on vacation, Puerto Rico offers a multitude of options from water sports to hiking and exploring the rain forest.

“The secret is quickly getting out: adventure seekers and lovers of the outdoors can find a treasure trove of activities in Puerto Rico,” says Saglie.

Norway

Perhaps influenced by the “Succession-effect” (the final season of the popular television show featured scenes filmed in Norway), this Nordic destination has proven to be a popular alternative to more traditional Southern European destinations. And that includes for spring break 2024, says Burton.

“Norway offers a captivating blend of nature’s splendor and vibrant city life,” Burton explains. “Cities like Oslo boast a fusion of modernity and cultural richness, with highlights such as the Royal Castle, Karl Johan Street, the Opera House, and the stunning Vigeland Park.”

The picturesque coastal town of Ålesund, meanwhile, features Art Nouveau architecture and the UNESCO World Heritage Site Geirangerfjord. Ålesund has gained significant interest, especially among those who enjoy hiking, exploring fjords, and discovering smaller cities.

“The picturesque coastal town…offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural charm,” explains Burton.

But don’t expect a bargain visit for this destination, whether that’s over spring break or any other time of year. Norway is known for being relatively more expensive than other destinations.

Though Burton says the unique experiences and breathtaking landscapes make it a compelling choice for travelers willing to invest in an unforgettable adventure.

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Nearly two dozen of Campbell’s clients have opted for Punta Cana getaways this year for spring break.

Travelers are drawn by the destination’s beautiful beaches and array of all-inclusive resorts, he says. And that’s not all.

“The resorts here cater to a range of preferences, offering activities and amenities for every age group, he says. And the prices aren’t bad either.

“The all-inclusive resorts in Punta Cana offer great value, with options to suit different budgets,” says Campbell.