The season has arrived when college students nationwide emerge from their winter retreats, discard their textbooks, and unite in the call to “Head to the beach!”
Yes, it’s time for Spring Break. Below, you’ll find a selection of some of the most favored beach destinations for Spring Break—like Cancun, South Padre Island, and Panama City Beach—along with guidance on securing the best flight deals to reach them.
Top College Spring Break Beach Spots
While Daytona and Ft. Lauderdale are well-known, here are additional Spring Break beach locations that are cherished for their vibrant atmosphere and budget-friendly options.
- Cancun, Mexico – Known as the “Mexican Caribbean” or “Mayan Riviera,” Cancun offers a prime position on the southeast coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Channel, featuring activities like diving at the world’s second-largest reef and immersing oneself in Mayan culture by day, with a lively nightlife after sunset.
- South Padre Island, TX – While Texas may not be the first place that comes to mind for dolphin adventures, this barrier island on the Gulf Coast offers a plethora of fun activities that make it a popular Spring Break destination.
- Virginia Beach, VA – Though March temperatures may not be ideal for sunbathing, that doesn’t deter visitors. This beach destination boasts a vibrant nightlife scene, excellent seafood eateries, and attractions such as a three-mile-long boardwalk.
- Myrtle Beach, SC – Known for its 60 miles of beach and family-friendly entertainment options like amusement parks and water sports, Myrtle Beach is also home to over 100 golf courses, with numerous clubs and live performances appealing to both singles and couples.
- Panama City Beach, FL – With spring temperatures in the 70s, sunbathers flock here, but the region is also famed for sport fishing and an energetic nightlife with many touring bands. Whether dancing, swimming with dolphins, or lounging on white sandy shores, there’s something for everyone.
- Cabo San Lucas – A renowned resort on the southern tip of Baja California, Cabo San Lucas is a hotspot for snorkeling and diving, offering great nightlife, dining options, and shopping.
Important Note Regarding Travel to Mexico and Caribbean Beaches: Always consult Travel.State.Gov for travel safety recommendations for your destination before departing the U.S.
Reaching Your Spring Break Destinations
Look into major airports servicing popular beach destinations, as larger airports can often provide more affordable fares.
Getting Flights to Cancun, Mexico
Cancun International Airport (CUN): This is Mexico’s second-busiest airport after Mexico City, accommodating various airlines, including discount options like AirTran, Frontier, Spirit, and Virgin America.
Flights to South Padre Island
Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport (BRO): The nearest airport to the beaches, served by American Eagle and Continental Express.
Valley International Airport, Harlingen TX (HRL): Situated 40 miles from the beach, it is serviced by Continental, Southwest, and Sun Country.
Flights to Virginia Beach
Norfolk International Airport (ORF): Located just 18 miles from Virginia Beach and offering services from Southwest, along with American, Continental, Delta, United, and US Airways.
Richmond International Airport (RIC): A two-hour drive from the beach, this airport is served by discount airlines such as AirTran and JetBlue, alongside several other U.S. carriers and Air Canada.
If you’re open to a longer drive, you might want to consider airport options in Washington, D.C., to find significant fare savings.
Flights to Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR): This airport has services from budget airlines like Allegiant and Spirit, in addition to larger carriers.
Wilmington International Airport (ILM): Located 75 miles away in North Carolina, with services from Allegiant, Delta, and US Airways.
You may also want to compare prices with flights into Charleston, SC, and Charlotte, NC.
Flights to Panama City Beach
Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP): This new airport offers flights from budget airline Southwest and Delta.
Pensacola Regional Airport (PNS): About a two-hour drive from Panama City Beach, this airport is serviced by discount airline AirTran, as well as American, Continental, Delta, United, and US Airways.
Flights to Cabo San Lucas
Los Cabos International Airport (SJD): This airport caters to low-cost carriers like Frontier, Sun Country, and Virgin America, along with other U.S. airlines and several Mexican and Canadian carriers.
To maximize your travel budget, consider these tips:
- Book Flights Early: Spring Break is a highly sought-after travel period; secure your seats by booking early.
- Set Airfare Alerts for Various Airports: Lower fare options might be available from different airports; set alerts for all feasible options.
- Search for Flights on Tuesday Afternoons: Tuesday around 3 p.m. Eastern time is typically the best time for finding low airfares.
- Avoid Connections Through Cold Cities: Don’t waste valuable beach time stuck in a storm; if connections are needed, choose warmer cities like Dallas or Atlanta.
- Be Aware of Airline Baggage Policies: Some carriers such as Allegiant, Frontier, and Spirit charge for carry-on bags, while most others do not. Travel light to save on fees.
Now, it’s time to finalize your bookings—and remember to pack your sunscreen!
In the Upcoming Issue of GLF: Study Abroad Opportunities
Attention college students: Eager to increase your employment prospects post-graduation? Participating in a study abroad program might be the key, as highlighted in a 2013 survey by Student Universe, a travel service tailored for college students since 1999. (Find out more in the March/April issue!)
For additional travel insights, check out Rick Seaney’s advice on Themerrythought.net or sign up for deals at FareCompare.com.
