Saving Money and Making Memories – Because Who Needs a Bank Account When You’ve Got Sun, Sand, and Sangria?
by Stefanie Michaels
Destin is hot, so is Austin. New Orleans has picked up the spring break beat, as well as San Diego–not your typical locales, but then again, a break somewhere warm is where this year’s flocks are flocking to.
So, what are the specific trends that GenX will be looking for in 2023?
Gaining popularity in recent years is sustainable and eco-friendly experiential travel over material possessions, technology and digital experiences, health and wellness, and more bespoke life adventures and personalization.
These trends reflect a growing awareness and concern for the environment, the importance of self-care and mental well-being, and the desire for unique and experiences that resonate for their souls.
Here are four budget-friendly spring break destinations in the United States and some reasons why they are great spring break options:
1. Austin, Texas – Austin is a great destination for music lovers. It’s home to a an eclectic live music scene. It’s also known for its bevy of food trucks, outdoor activities, and the annual South by Southwest festival, which brings in droves of technology, music and film fanatics.
Where to hang out:
- The UT Tower.
- Harry Ransom Center.
- Littlefield Home.
- Little Campus.
- Blanton Museum of Art.
- The Drag.
- The Skyspace.
2. Destin, Florida – Destin’s crystal clear Caribbean-esque waters and beautiful powdery white sand beaches make this a popular destination for spring breakers. There’s a ton of water activities, such as fishing varied water sports. Add in stellar shopping, restaurants, nightlife, and entertainment options, it’s a destination for people of all ages. Students looking for fun, but not those blow-out drunk fests also choose to spend their spring break in this destination due to a more low-key and family-friendly atmosphere compared to other spring break locales.
What to see and do:
- SandCastle Lessons.
- Beach Bonfire.
- Big Kahuna Water and Adventure Park.
- Boat Tours. …
- Buccaneer Pirate Cruise.
- Crab Island.
- Gator Beach.
- Destin Harbor Boardwalk.
3. San Diego, California – San Diego is a great destination for those who love the outdoors and more than 350 days of sunshine. Miles of hiking and beachside biking trails, it boasts a laid back surfer scene for those looking to hit the Cali-surf. There’s also a lot of affordable places to stay and dining options, including locally sourced fresh seafood.
Great places to visit:
- Jet Ski at Mission Bay SportsCenter.
- Rent a Catamaran With Malarky Charters.
- Visit the San Diego Zoo.
- Spend a Day at La Jolla Cove.
- Visit Balboa Park.
- Go to Legoland.
4. New Orleans, Louisiana – N’alins as local’s call it is known for its rich history, a multi-cultural music and all types of cuisine from Po’Boys to Creole dishes. It is also a great destination for party-goers with its popular nightlife scene. Accommodations vary from affordable spots in the French Quarter to hotels just off Bourbon Street.
Some of the best places to visit are:
- Magazine Street.
- Café du Monde.
- La Vie New Orleans Private Tours.
- New Orleans Museum of Art and Sculpture Garden.
- Caesar’s Superdome.
- National WWII Museum.
Did you know?
Check with the Student City “When is my Spring Break section on their site. They offer a comprehensive calendar of colleges and their breaks.
A little history:
One of the most popular destinations for spring break in the United States has been Florida, particularly Miami and Panama City Beach. These destinations offer warm weather, beaches, and vibrant nightlife, which has made them attractive to college students looking to escape the colder climates of the northern states.
Many all-inclusive resorts and hotels have sprung up in these areas, offering packages that cater specifically to spring breakers.
Although the exact and official first year that spring break began in Florida has yet to be discovered, it gained popularity as a spring break destination in the 1960s.
During that decade, students from colleges and universities across the country started to flock to Florida’s beaches, especially Panama City Beach, to enjoy the warm weather and party atmosphere.
The popularity of Florida as a spring break destination continued to grow in the 1970s and 1980s, and it has since become one of the world’s most well-known spring break destinations.
