Every March and April, thousands of college students descend upon beaches in Florida, Mexico or sometimes even the Caribbean.
27.02.2024 - 16:37 / cntraveler.com / Paula Twidale
The countdown to spring break has officially begun in the US. The hotly-anticipated travel period can mean a lot of different things to different people—from classic college party-goers and ultimate family vacationers to couples and solo travelers looking to escape the winter chill. But one thing that’s certain in 2024 is that spring break is no longer limited to one type of traveler, nor just one week of the year.
Due to the various holiday schedules between schools and regions, as well as the increased flexibility of remote work, the peak periods of spring break travel have extended within the months of March and April. Meanwhile, “weather around the country has been so volatile and unpredictable, many people want to simply get away to warmer weather for spring break to soak up the sun and recharge their batteries” even if they don’t have any designated time off, American Automobile Association (AAA) Travel Senior Vice President Paula Twidale tells Condé Nast Traveler.
While this year’s spring breakers are following certain past patterns of sunny escapes, new trends have also emerged—including increased interest in cruises, international journeys, and solar eclipse trips. As always, some travelers are intentionally planning around popular destinations and dates in order to find better deals and uncharted experiences. Whether you prefer a viral or an under-the-radar vacation, here are the top spring break trends to know this year, based on data and insights from major travel companies.
AAA data shows a 28% leap in cruise bookings for March and April compared to last year.
To get away from the dreary climate, Americans are dreaming of sunny getaways, paired with pools, beaches, and outdoor activities. “Cruise vacations check all those boxes,” Twidale said in a release.
AAA’s data shows a 28% leap in cruise bookings for March and April compared to 2023, including a 60% increase in sailings leaving from South Florida. In fact, many were eager to book those spring break cruises, locking in their reservations earlier than in previous years. As a result, many cruises during this time period are already sold out. Some last-minute deals may still be available, but prices tend to be higher with limited cabin choices.
“Cruising’s popularity just continues to grow," AAA’s Cruise Relations Manager Scott Campbell tells Traveler. “Travelers are recognizing the value and convenience that cruising offers.” But he cautions not to confuse “value” with “deals,” since “the day of cheap cruises is over.” With demand rising, so are prices. Still, Campbell says that in general, cruises are often more affordable than a land-based vacation.
The South Florida ports of Fort Lauderdale and Miami are increasingly popular in part
Every March and April, thousands of college students descend upon beaches in Florida, Mexico or sometimes even the Caribbean.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is warning spring breakers about vacation scams ahead of the hugely popular travel season.
The mission of Earth Day, a global movement with education and action at the helm, is a simple one: protect our planet. Every year, since 1970, Earth Day has been celebrated on April 22. Today, one billion mindful individuals in 192 countries are battle-ready for this environmental movement that stresses positive action.
Welcome back to another episode of the TravelPulse Podcast!
Athens has clinched a prestigious title in the tourism realm, emerging as Europe’s Leading City-break Destination at the World Travel Awards 2024. The announcement came during a glittering ceremony held in Berlin on Wednesday, coinciding with ITB Berlin, a major tourism exhibition. Athens, represented by its special pavilion at the EOT Pavilion, took centre stage at the event.
This spring break, travelers may want to pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and lots of patience. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently shared guidance that they predict a six percent increase in passenger screenings for this spring break season, versus the same time in 2023. If those estimates hold true, this would be one of the busiest spring break ever. “TSA screened a record number of passengers in 2023, and we expect that trend to continue this year,” the TSA’s Administrator David Pekoske said in a news release. For travelers navigating airports, the TSA says the busiest travel days will be between March 7 and March 25.
United Airlines passengers will have new and expanded nonstop options starting this year as the carrier beefs up its already gigantic international network.
Miami Beach has long been a primary destination for college students on Spring Break. Each March, rowdy crowds descend upon the beach destination to make it their playground for a week, perhaps forgetting that not everyone there is on vacation.
The city of Miami Beach is enforcing stricter rules when it comes to visitors heading to the popular spring break destination this year.
Miami Beach has a message to unruly Spring Breakers: Don’t come this March—seriously.
I’ll be honest: I’m not good at sitting with silence. According to my Spotify Wrapped, I amassed an impressive (worrying?) 75,000 minutes of music this year. That’s not including the podcasts I brush my teeth to or the audiobooks I regularly fall asleep to.
Miami Beach in Florida is trying to break up with spring break - but it's not yet clear whether spring break will take the hint.