7 Spring Break Destinations That Won't Break the Bank
As the East Coast shakes off another wallop of winter weather, many are dreaming of spring break. Here are seven surprising destinations that won't break the bank and will certainly restore your weather-weary soul. (See also: The 7 Best Cities for Frugal Foodies)
1. Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is always a bargain getaway that's good for a weekend, a week, or longer. It's very hospitable to tourists and there are always inexpensive flights, hotels, and activities whether you're traveling solo, as a couple, or with a group.
2. Park City, Utah
If you can't beat this winter weather, then you might as well revel in it. It doesn't get better than Park City for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. The snow is the stuff dreams are made of and the town that's blossomed in response to the tourism has plenty of restaurants and nightlife to help you relax and unwind after a long day on the slopes.
3. The Florida Keys
Like Puerto Rico, the Florida Keys are also an easy and inexpensive getaway. There are plenty of options, too, and I recommend moving away from the typical spring break in Key West to check out some of the less popular Keys such as Key Largo. They're less crowded and offer better deals with all of the natural beauty you crave. You can either fly to Miami and drive, or you can take a short hop by plane to many of the Keys.
4. Iceland
It's spring break and I want you to head north? Yes, I do, as long as your destination is Iceland. Icelandair offers a free stopover in Iceland (up to seven days in either direction) when you fly between any of their destinations. Once you're there, indulge in the country's natural hot springs to shake off any winter blues. It's one of the world's most popular tourist attractions.
5. Charleston, South Carolina
I went to Charleston in November for the first time and I fell in love with the city. The friendly people, the beauty of the city, the music, and the outrageously delicious and inventive food make this city a winner at a bargain price. Located right on the water, it's very easy to get around and the views are stunning. This is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy life.
6. Washington D.C.
I'm a bit biased about D.C. because it's about to become my new home city. I did a lot of research of where to set myself up in this next phase of life and D.C. is a fantastic place to be whether you're a tourist or a resident. With some of the best museums in the world (and almost all of them are free), an exploding food scene, stunning views and architecture, and a rich history and sense of culture, there's never a bad time to visit this city. The metro will quickly zip you anywhere you'd like to go, Airbnb deals are available all over the city, and you have plenty of activity options. Our nation's capitol is booming as a tourist destination in an unprecedented way.
7. Alternative Spring Break — Voluntourism
If you want to spend your spring break giving back and having a true cultural exchange that makes a difference, consider a volunteer vacation. I've done this twice — once in the south of France and once in Costa Rica — and it was a tremendously fulfilling experience. In exchange for my minimal amount of volunteer hours and a small fee, I received housing, food, and cultural immersions with terrific people. They were both very enriching experiences, and because they were service trips I was able to deduct some of my travel expenses from my taxes. (Please check with your accountant or tax professional on what expenses you can and cannot deduct.)
Where will you spend your spring break?
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